Wolf Pack QB earns rave reviews in four-OT loss

That’s just about the worst situation imaginable for a redshirt freshman quarterback making his first college start, but it didn’t faze UNR’s Colin Kaepernick.

In fact, the 6-foot-6-inch signal-caller thrived in that spot for the Wolf Pack in Sunday’s wild 69-67 four-overtime loss at Western Athletic Conference foe Boise State.

Kaepernick threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 177 yards and two scores a week after accounting for five touchdowns in relief of injured sophomore Nick Graziano in UNR’s 49-41 homecoming loss to Fresno State.

“He did a great job coming in and handling a hostile environment and not letting that rattle him at all,” Boise State coach Chris Peterson said during Monday’s WAC teleconference. “The guy can run in open space and make you miss. He definitely adds another dimension to their offense.

“A running quarterback is another thing you have to pay attention to.”

The Wolf Pack (2-4 overall, 0-2 WAC) rushed for 406 yards against the Broncos (5-1, 2-0) behind Kaepernick — who has 237 yards and three TDs on the ground his last two games — and junior running back Luke Lippincott, who rumbled for a career-high 187 yards and four TDs.

“Their offensive line played harder than our defensive line, and their running backs were really coming downhill hard,” Peterson said. “Even if we hit them at the line, those guys were still getting three or four yards.

“Certainly, with Colin’s running ability, that keeps people on their heels and a combination of the two (styles) was obviously very effective.”

Kaepernick was 2-for-6 for 11 yards and an interception this season before replacing Graziano.

But since then he has completed 34 of 62 passes for 627 yards and seven scores, with no interceptions.

UNR will look for its first league victory at noon Saturday at winless Utah State (0-6).

“That game (Sunday) scares you after watching (UNR’s) new quarterback come in and run for that many yards,” Utah State coach Brent Guy said. “A week ago, I was impressed with his ability to throw the football. And now he showed he has the ability to hurt you with his legs.

“He’s a dual threat and those are the hardest (quarterbacks) to defend.”

Despite Utah State’s record, Wolf Pack coach Chris Ault said he expects a tough game on Saturday.

“I know it’s going to be a ballgame. They had a bye week to prepare for us and that’s certainly a nice advantage for them,” he said. “We’re going on the road again, we lost two in a row and somewhere along the line we have to straighten our ship.”

The 136 points scored by UNR and Boise State set the NCAA record for most points scored by both teams in an overtime game.

The previous record was 134 points in Arkansas’ 71-63 seven-overtime victory over Kentucky on Nov. 1, 2003.

“I’ve been in lots of overtime games and they’re very, very exciting,” Ault said. “I really think (Sunday’s game) emulates what college football should be.”

Contract reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0354.