Wolf Pack set for WAC showdown

RENO -- Colin Kaepernick, Vai Taua and the rest of the 19th-ranked UNR Wolf Pack are finally getting what they wanted: a chance to play No. 3 Boise State for a share of the Western Athletic Conference title.

Kaepernick threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns and Taua ran for 111 yards and scored three times Saturday to lead UNR past New Mexico State 52-6 and set up Friday's game at Mackay Stadium against the undefeated defending champions.

"It is going to be a great opportunity for us," UNR coach Chris Ault said. "And they are coming to Mackay. That's pretty special.

"Boise's defense is as good as there is. And their offense is the best they've ever had. We have our work cut out for us."

Kaepernick and Taua hooked up on a 79-yard pass play for a 31-3 lead just before halftime as the Wolf Pack (10-1, 4-1 WAC) claimed their 11th straight victory at home and ensured their first 10-win season since 1991.

Freshman Andrew Manley completed 19 of 39 passes for 220 yards for the Aggies (2-9, 1-6 WAC). But UNR's defense held New Mexico State to 89 yards rushing, sacked Manley six times and had two interceptions. The last one was returned 90 yards for a touchdown by Khalid Wooten with 5:17 left.

"Our defensive effort was outstanding," Ault said. "We had 11 tackles for a loss. That's pretty doggone good."

The victory was UNR's 500th in school history.