Kaepernick sparks UNR in opener

RENO -- Colin Kaepernick passed for 306 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for two others as UNR beat Eastern Washington 49-24 on Thursday.

Kaepernick completed 26 of 37 passes and added 60 yards rushing in the Wolf Pack's season-opening victory.

UNR led from the opening drive and sealed the victory when Vai Taua plunged in from 3 yards with 9:17 remaining to make the score 42-24.

Eastern Washington had pulled to within 35-24 when Darriell Beaumonte scored from 1 yard with 1:21 left in the third quarter. The Eagles forced the Wolf Pack to punt on their next possession, but wide receiver Nicholas Edwards fumbled after a reception as the Eagles were driving and UNR recovered.

Taua scored three plays later.

UNR added another touchdown when Lampford Mark scored from 1 yard with 3:38 left.

Taiwan Jones rushed for 145 yards and had 92 yards receiving, including an 82-yard touchdown catch, for Eastern Washington (0-1). Eagles quarterback Bo Mitchell completed 19 of 35 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

UNR led 28-10 at halftime, with Kaepernick running for two scores and connecting with Jeremiah Green on a 48-yard strike with 17 seconds to play in the half. Green had seven receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Kaepernick was 16 of 21 for 181 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Taua also scored for the Wolf Pack in the first half, plunging in from 1 yard to cap the opening drive.