Nevada Game Notes

The Irish dominated the Wolf Pack in all facets on Saturday on their way to 35-0 shutout. After our post game tailgate break down, it's hard for me to decide who played better: the offense of the defense. Here are my game notes for both sides of the ball and you decide:


OFFENSE

3. SHOW ME!

The Irish amassed 510 total yards with a break down of 332 in the air and 178 on the ground. All day long the play calling was efficient and effective and perfectly mixed. With Charlie at the play calling helm, I hope it's a strong indication for the rest of the season. The quick flat pass to Floyd that turned into a 70 yard TD is reminiscent of the Weis we all know and love.


2. STARS ALIGN

With Floyd, Tate and Rudolph, who do you cover? Look no farther than the first Floyd TD. Rudolph, having just caught the first TD pass, and Floyd both ran deep posts. The safety doubled Rudolph leaving Floyd open for the 24 yard TD catch. These three All-Americans (you heard it hear first) will provide nightmares for opposing defenses all season long.


1. KILLER INSTINCT

The Irish offense was on target all day long. Not until late in the 3rd and 4th did the Irish offense start to ease off the gas pedal. Best of all, when Nevada missed their first quarter field goal attempt, the Irish responded by driving the length of the field for a touchdown. That's a very important ten point swing that put the Irish in cruise control. Furthermore, when Nevada pinned the Irish on their own one yard line, the Irish offense responded with a 99 scoring drive. It's a mentality the Irish have been lacking the past two seasons.


DEFENSE

3. SHARING THE WEALTH

The Irish saw production from all over the field. Kyle McCarthy and Robert Blanton had interceptions. KLM had a fumble recovery. Brian Smith had two sacks. Sergio Brown was flying around all day. Harrison Smith is a beast. John Ryan had a key pass knock down. Toryan Smith had a stuff on 4th and 1. Manti T'eo delivered the big hits. Most importantly, they play together.


2. BLITZKRIEG

Tenuta lived up to his reputation. The Irish sent blitzes all day long from all directions. The Irish defense finished with only two official sacks, but should have had a few more if it weren't for missed tackles. The pressure got to the Nevada quarterback as he was often flushed from the pocket and really couldn't get into a rhythm all game. He finished 12-24 for 149 yards and two picks.


1. SHUT OUT

The Irish defense played loose, fast, and dictated the style of play. They forced three turnovers while giving up 310 yards. Nevada put together a few drives, but the Irish clamped down when necessary and shut out the visiting Wolf Pack. It was the first Irish shut out during the Weis era and the first since Rutgers in 2002.


OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jimmy Clausen

The Irish signal caller was 15-18 for 315 yards and FOUR touchdowns. Enough said.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Brian Smith

The junior defensive leader had two sacks to go with a handful tackles to lead the Irish defense to the shutout. Not to mention, following the KLM fumble recovery, Smith ran alongside the Nevada sideline for a cocky high-five with a Nevada coach.

-DH