Containing Colin is Bulldogs' challenge

Dual-threat QB has made life miserable for Nevada's opponents.

Published online on Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Fresno State coach Pat Hill showered praises upon Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick during his Monday news conference.

He didn't have a single criticism of the junior quarterback the Bulldogs will face Saturday in Reno.

"He's very elusive and he's deceptively fast," Hill said. "Because he's tall, you don't notice it, but he gobbles up yards very, very fast. ...

"This guy's not gangly, this guy's fast. He's explosive. He's a big guy that can explode."

Hill wasn't alone in his reverence of the 6-foot-6, 215-pound quarterback who has led Nevada (6-3, 5-0 Western Athletic Conference) to six straight wins headed into Saturday's crucial WAC contest. San Jose State coach Dick Tomey crowned Kaepernick the WAC offensive player of the year Monday.

The pick could be inadvertently biased. The pains of playing Kaepernick are still fresh for Tomey.

It was only Sunday night that Kaepernick ran for 115 yards and three touchdowns and led Nevada's running game to 517 yards, eight touchdowns and a 62-7 stomping of the Spartans.

As bad as it was for San Jose State, Fresno State (6-3, 5-1) can empathize. The Wolf Pack dominated the Bulldogs last year inside Bulldog Stadium, beating the Bulldogs 41-28. Nevada ran for 472 yards, with running back Vai Taua rolling for 263 and Kaepernick adding 118.

"They came in here and went up and down the field on us," Hill said.

Hill hopes his defense brings disciplined eyes to Saturday's game. That means he wants his defense to read their keys instead of watching the ball. Offenses based on misdirection -- like Nevada's read option -- pound teams that aren't disciplined. And though Nevada running backs Taua and Luke Lippincott have more than 700 yards rushing apiece this season, Kaepernick might be the biggest run threat to contain.

"We have respect for those two running backs, but it still comes down to the quarterback," said Idaho coach Robb Akey, who lost 70-45 to Nevada in October. Nevada ran for 484 yards in that game, with Kaepernick running for 230 and four touchdowns on 15 carries.

"If [Fresno State] can take care of him running the ball ... I think that's a good thing."

Hill said he didn't think defenses can completely stop Nevada's running game, which is No. 1 in the nation with more than 300 yards per game.

He also said he expects Chris Ault to add a fresh wrinkle to his system before Saturday -- much like the Nevada coach did last season when he unveiled a weakside option the Bulldogs had not seen on tape.

"There's going to be something new," Hill said. "Ault is an outstanding coach. ... They're executing at such a high level right now. There's nobody that's even slowed them down in recent weeks."

Tomey agreed.

"I'm sure Chris has something in his back pocket because I think they have a very structured offense and have probably the most dynamic player in the league in Colin Kaepernick," Tomey said. "I'm sure they have something in their hip pocket for games they consider to be crucial to the championship, and I'm sure this is one of those."

Awards

Fresno State kicker Kevin Goessling won the WAC special teams player of the week award Monday after nailing a 52-yard field goal Saturday in the Bulldogs' win over Idaho. He also was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation's best place kicker.

Goessling's make Saturday was his 11th straight, tying a team record. He is 11 of 12 on field goals and 40 of 40 on PATs this season.

Safety Lorne Bell also picked up an award Monday, WAC defensive player of the week. Bell led the Bulldogs with nine tackles (including one for a loss) against Idaho, which was held to its lowest point total of the season (21).