NCAAF LIVE🔴 SMU Mustangs vs Nevada Wolf Pack | Week 1 - Full Game 24 August 2024 College Football 25

welcome to the biggest little city in the world Reno Nevada McKay Stadium home to the Nevada Wolf Pack where we have hit the jackpot with this matchup we've got a sensational match up for you fans have been filing in and getting ready for this game as we'll see a squad from the ACC the SMU Mustangs taking on a team from the Mountain West the Nevada Wolf Pack for EA Sports college football I Davis David Po and Jesse Palmer with me guys it's time to get it going the Mustangs will get us started with the opening [Applause] kickoff he'll start the return inside his five and they'll hul down the returner to start us on the next drive so Nevada return didn't help matters out much with that one here he comes and obviously a defense is always going to be aware of a quarterback but boy he finds a way to put defenses on their heels all the time David I mean what can't he do he's got the weapons he's got the confidence he's got the experience Jesse these kind of guys are so hard to defend you're right they better be able to find a way to get pressure on him because if they don't this is going to be a long day you want to talk about making it easy for an offensive coordinator you up a bunch of yards on first down make that second down really really manageable that's a great job by the offense sixy pick up on first down leaves him with second and four looking for a physical attack from the guy he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple it's amazing how play by a defensive end in the back field can really swing the momentum not only of a series but of a game sometimes all you're trying to do is create negative plays to behind the sticks a little bit to get those sacks to get those tackles for a losses you see so much stunting in college football up front with the defensive line because you know once you get one of those plays you got the offense right where you want caugh near the sticks it's how they'll pick up the first down as he gets it out to the 27 yd line wow and what a great job by that quarterback finding his open receiver on third down you know guys one of the most telling stats at the end of the game is third down conversion percentage you're great third down team it's invaluable to your offensive success and that's why teams drill third down so much in practice they'll leave it with him that and picked up out to the 33 well it's plays like that that'll help this offense stay in Rhythm all game long if you can have that kind of success on first down running the football it just opens up your entire Playbook moving forward got six on first down now a lot of options on second and four the G they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one and that seemed a little off from the start didn't it that was a big time play and it was off from the start because of the play he made and I don't think it would have mattered who was playing running back there was absolutely nowhere to go offense breaks the hdle it's third down Lewis wants to pass got his man quickly love to see these third down conversions on offense and they're out to their own 39 yd line it's tough on the defense there third down you're in zone coverage everybody's watching the quarterback and you're trying to make a break on the ball but he just got it out of his hands too quickly and the throw was too accurate really nothing you can do there and it's now a fresh set of downs wants to throw on first down makes the grab they'll get him down but not before he crosses the 50's down the 4 well that receiver he knew he had to get his head turned around quickly he's running the C route against Zone coverage but he knows his quarterback is going to be firing that ball into him it's a rocket pass he's able to make the catch and get the first from the gun running back on the Move that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there all right the offense here they're trying to get this run game established they obviously don't break off a long run there but they're just trying to find their footing at this point picked up two yard on that last one they need eight on second down off play action b a little time lets it Go quarterback needs to make a better throw there incomplete all right ball was incomplete but that was a nice job up front by the offensive line really a nice job of communicating with one another and understanding where that pass rush was coming from ninth play of the opening drive coming up but now they face a third down from the gun wants to pass and the quarterback was trying to extend the and the defense brought it to a close it's such an advantage for a defense when you can add to your pass rush by blitzing guys but especially when you got a middle linebacker like that that can collapse and push the pocket into the lap of the quarterback the wolf pack will have to bring the punt team onto the field first punt of the day and he love to lock him up close to their goal line a fairly distance here toward the sidelines not his best work the Mustangs offense headed on to the field our first look at them today as we take a look at our impact players for this game David what do you look for to make an impact from your leaders your leaders not only have to lead the football team but they got to step up and make plays on the field keep everybody calm these guys typically do a really good job of it yeah David and they also generally set the tone for their respective football teams regardless of which side of the ball they play on the teammates look towards them to step up in big games like this after getting knocked back to open this drive it's second and 12 give to the running back find his way ahead for five and now they've got it at the 28 I know that wasn't a big huge play and everybody's not excited the fans aren't going crazy but those are the plays that in the fourth quarter matter a lot again making you tackle my back making you feel the physicality of the football game throughout so you get tired and get worn down in the fourth quar scanning the field it's Stone he off one deep down the left side inside theu and once he got loose it was all over yeah and that's simple but it's not easy it's a go route like that receiver's streaking straight down the outside of the field and my job as a quarterback is to put that ball up in the air keep it away from the safety he does just that receiver comes down with a catch nice pitch nice catch touchdown lining up for the Pat and the extra point makes it seven nothing quick strike offense on that three play SC drive and they close it in style with a 72 yd pass to the house lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown drive on the run from inside his own five he was looking for more Running Room but none to be found as he stopped at the 23 Nevada takes over as the offense returns to the field that last one looked like a back breaking Drive David but they ended HED yeah and they put some plays oh look out finally R out of bounds but he has this offing with a first down these touch passes it's so hard because there's always action off of it right if I fake this pass and I can run it up the gut or I can throw it and I just spread me out and make me defend so many things and you can tell they got on the edge quickly got the big first down it'll be a first down from the 49 yd line to the ground with the back not much working there it'll be second and N I like feeding my guy I like getting my running back touches feeding the ball so he can break some of those big runs but I'm also okay with these little ones set the tone stay balanced didn't get much on first down it's second and nine the give to the back down at the 39 after a pick up of 10 it'll be a first down all right look I know the defense was feeling real good about their run de coming into this one and how they've been playing up to this point but finally David the offense breaks through and they finally generate something positive on the ground and I can't tell you how easy it is when you're going to throw the ball consistently and I know it I'm going to pin my ears back and I'm going to get to the quarterback it makes life really easy on the defensive line but when you can have balance now the defense doesn't know what's coming they need more this going to be successful on offense coaches always harp about staying ahead of the chains and when you could run with that type of efficiency on first down man you are doing just that they can really be aggressive after that last play it's second and three wide out in motion Lewis to throw big tight end nice pitch and catch there and they'll have enough for the first down well it's a nice job to the quarterback after the play fake there getting his eyes down the field he had to get that to his tight end quickly knowing he wasn't going to have a lot of space to run with after the catch wolf back with a first and 10 here from the Red Zone looking for a space and here comes the Heat and they get home and they get him at the 21 and that is a huge play for the defense offense has it in your redone trying to knock them out of field goal range the only way you do that is by creating negative plays and they get the sack he'll try to keep that sack from Wrecking this drive here on second and 15 one man in the back field and he gets it an attitud as he's dragged down after a pick up of six down to the 14 listen you you got to be able to know what play to call and what hole to go through like the line blocks for a certain hole good job getting through the hole getting what was blocked getting a nice positive gain making your situation really good on the next down boy they'd love to move the sticks here and take a shot at it on first and goal on third down going up top they're bringing heat good job to toss that ball out of bounds and avoid the Los looks as if we have an injury on that last play and we'll take a break to check him out and on fourth down here comes the field goal unit doubt so they were able to put up a three spot on that last drive and now the kickoff team out there as they prepare to put boot to leather from inside the 10 yd line he'll bring it back couldn't find a way to create that broken field as he stopped at the the Mustangs have the ball back and ready to go to work boy David they would love to stack another touchdown on top of that last drive and this offense did such a good job on the last Drive everything in Rhythm moved the ball down the field didn't make those mistakes Jesse and they need to do it again on this one yeah you're right they had the defense on their heels you wonder what sort of communication was going on that sideline what sort of changes were they able to make because they got to stop the bleeding right now Bill snap it from the 3 they've got a first down oh he drops the football he had him right down the gut of the field instead it'll be second down hopefully that's not going to affect the quarterback's confidence going back to this guy later that was a catch he should have made he dropped it let's see what the QB does moving forward and after the incompletion on first down this offense looking at second [Applause] down he leaves it with his back pry good effort on that one to work his way up to the 42 keep pounding away at this defense and make them play the run if you can get this many a chunk they're going to have to commit more guys to the Box more guys to the run then you open it up for the passing game come to the line at the 42 facing a third and to throw it's Stone unloads to the Wi out a strike down field big play for this they get it to the 32 nice play design on that one you make it easy for your quarterback too because it's easy to see what's happening right in front of you over the middle of the field you can see where Defenders are dropping you can see where the soft spots are in zone coverage and just a really nice job by the QB locating his guide making an accurate throw the give out of the gun and they picked up nine on first down it'll bring up second and short yeah this coaching staff they're getting this offensive line lathered up and into a rhythm now they're letting them drive off the ball on first down on these running plays and they're getting chunks of yardage after the nyd pickup on first down here's second and one he's looking to throw got his Man Down field and that's where they'll Mark him but a chunk play and they pick up a first down man goodness gracious this dude is on fire I mean he's already got a 100 yards we're in the first quarter like I I might want to think about double teaming that guy if he goes to the water bottle I'm going to double team whatever he does I'm on it and the Mustangs getting set on First and 10 fast motion from the offense out of the shotgun they go to the ground and he'll pick up one it brings up second and n going to work in the Red Zone they can pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone quarterback will keep it he pushes his way down to the four as they get closer and closer well this guy's a weapon throwing it and running it and you know he's going to try to hurt this defense with his leg it put so much stress on the defensive line to chase him and the fact that the play is extended so long yeah if they've got a spy defensively if someone's athletic enough to run with this guy that's going to be maybe a sound move moving forward schematically touchdown Mustangs and they made it to the house where they found that points waiting on them lining up to tack one more onto that lead the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead so they put together a npl 75 yd drive and they CA the drive with a four yd touchdown pass kickoff team is on the field they'll try to drive this one deep here he comes from inside his own five didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the Nevada takes over as the offense returns to the field always good to get points on a drive David but Chip Shot field goals can leave you a little empty and I think it's great to get points but the great teams get touchdowns in the red area you got to get out there this time and execute a little better on this drive you're absolutely right David generally the best Red Zone offenses are the ones that run the ball the best so let's see if they can be a little bit more physical on this drive solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six from the gun they'll try the middle a knock him down after a gain of three to the 23 you know runs like this often times are like a boxer in a boxing match obviously it's not a knockout punch but these are body blows and as the game goes on these small gains are going to turn into longer runs and that last run leaves him with a third down will they keep it on the ground looking to throw for it got it in the middle it's Howell he'll make a play on third down he's got enough for the first as a mark it at the 32 hard work pays off Guys these offenses work so hard week in week out working on those critical down and distances third downs and having that conversion this early in the game that's got to feel good for this offense preap Motion in the back field they'll throw it on first down caught in the back field it's and a good job in coverage there as they stop it after just a few you know sometimes even a short gain like that can be used to set up something bigger later on no doubt Reese they can pump that and take a shot down the field and don't worry they're going to go back to that same play because they know this guy with the ball in his hands is dangerous he makes one guy Miss he can take it to the house tight end finds a soft spot they're able to get him sto just shy first down marker a nice job by the defense there tackling the catch and smothering the tight end they know this offense is going to try to find him in the passing game in a lot of different situations that time perfect coverage and nice job bringing the big guy down not easy to do they've got it at the 41 third and short trying to keep the change moving trying to pick it up on the ground on hiset at the 45 really nice run there good solid pick up and they'll move the sticks with the first down you know as a defense you can have the right call and the right guy in the right spot but that guy's just too good and how about the running back on that play just making it happen breaking off the huge game it's tough to get these guys on the ground this Nevada offense really has it going they'll ride the hot hand he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple well there's a statement by the defensive line first down play expecting run and they just dominated up front beat their one-on ones and force a tackle for a loss after losing yardage is second and 12 one back in the back field he gets the carry they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one you know the one thing you can say about this defense they pursue the football the first guy might miss the second guy might miss but there's going to be more and more hats flying to the ball carryer you saw it on that play getting the tackle for loss on Third and long hoping to throw beyond the sticks it's complete to the left they make the Stop and that's how the first quarter will end that's the end of the period and SMU has the lead really strong performance so far to be able to build a lead here in the first period as we look at the STS [Music] now to see if they can answer this early Blitz here in the second quarter here comes the field goal unit as they'll try to take the three never a doubt for this bigoted guy 49 yd field go is good so after the last Drive ended with a field goal the kickoff team out there to send it away and he takes this from inside the five couldn't find a way to create that broken field as he stopped at the 25 the SMU offense is headed back the field and David how they would love to stick it in the end zone one more time after that last drive and once you get the defense on their heels and you back them off a little bit you get in a little bit of Rhythm it's really hard to stop Jesse and they're going to try to do it again right here and if you're this play caller you're loving what's happening right now because everything you dialed up on that last Drive ended up working out you're just looking at your play sheet everything you're picking is working let's see if they can pull it off again here to throw it's Stone zings it complete to the right and he's brought down at the 40 yd line and that'll be a first down and I think you're seeing these guys in every offense now these little are guys that they're so quick it's hard to get a hand on them run crisp routes you can throw it short you can throw it long but they're just big time Playmakers you've definitely seen an emphasis shift towards smaller wide receivers with some serious skill the give and he's looking for room behind the left tackle they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one how about the defender being a heat seeking missile he was on radar lock he found the football and flew down with some bad intentions L one on that last one it's second and 11 from the gun leaves it on the inside with the back they can rely on this guy to pick up solid yardage when they need out to the 43 offensive linemen love to run the power why you run power you run power then you can play action you don't want that defense to be sitting there saying it's a pass it's a pass having the pass block every play you got to keep defenses off balance quarterback on the keepers picks up the first down and he's knocked down but not before moving the chains and I just love having a decisive quarterback like give him options but he makes a decision sticks his foot in the ground says I'm going to get the first down and he gets it the Mustangs will have it first and [Applause] 10 wide receiver coming across in motion but Jet Sweep pass really nice stop there from this senior leader and these little touch passes man they're just the easiest completions ever for quarterbacks Palmer I bet you would have loved being able to just Flip It Forward that counts as to your completion percentage which is good and then it's all run after the catch so pretty easy for a QB you wouldn't have been the only allamerican in this booth D if I were allowed to put have Push passes when I was playing quarterback I'll tell you that it is so hard to defend it's so hard to seal that edge especially when this guy's Full Speed Ahead coming around the I think you run that play so you stay out of third and long third and long is not where an offense ever wants to thrive third medium hey I'm good with that so you run that play to make for a good third down play number seven on this drive and it'll be third and two he'll PLL it on the re and they did not let him get to that first down line it'll bring up a call here you know this offensive line they just got to hold their blocks a little bit longer this offense likes to run their quarterback on designed plays if you can him a little he can take the but they couldn't get it done on fourth down he'll try to toss it makes a catch past the sticks turns out to be an easy conversion for this offense as they move the chains on fourth down sometimes we don't give enough credit to a receiver knowing exactly where he needs to be on the field and they pick up the first down there yeah and you got to give the receiver credit obviously knowing where that is but the defender needs to know where it is too where is he trying to get that Ball's going to come out quick he didn't where the sticks were and because of that he gives up the first down need to just be a little bit more aware as a defensive gu he'll do it himself he's Dro behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a l of three well they were trying to set up the option but the quarterback had no chance did you see the defensive tackle penetrate what a great first step he shot right through the offensive line and got the tfl got some work to do on second down after that last one they need 13 from the gun they'll try to impose their will they bring him down but a solid pick up to put them in position to pick up a first down and a nice job by the running back finding space getting downhill making the good run great job finishing with his PS really need to pick up this conversion and avoid having to settle for the field goal on third down he drops to throw in the end Z touchdown SMU and it's so underrated the the relationship between a QB and a wide receiver the timing the ability to know where he's going to be and be accurate with the football that's what leads to nice touchdowns Jesse well the chemistry between these two guys has to be great when you're throwing into the end zone because coverage is going to be tight the throw might not be perfect but this is something these two guys have been repping and practice over and over and over and it's paying dividends now on game they'll try to add another to their lead and the extra point puts him on top 21- six they put it in the end zone with a 12pl scoring drive and they finish it by firing one in from the 13 for the score about to kick it off after punching it in for the touchdown on the move from inside is five nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 Nevada takes over as the offense returns to the field quick hand off they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one they're trying to run the ball on first down guys but just nothing doing up front their offensive line got blown up on that play there was nowhere for that guy to go didn't get much done on that first play of the drive it's second and 11 wide receiver shows motion and off from the shotgun he has had a long day at the office not to mention the back field as the defense has been all over him awesome job up front by this defensive line being so good at the point of attack and eating blocks eating some double teams all these linebackers to run free unencumbered and get to the football Lewis wants to pass complete down they'll keep this drive moving by picking up the first down they have it at the 36 well look that wasn't a touchdown but that was a massive play for this offense they needed some momentum they needed to find a rhythm and what better way than converting on third down awesome job by the quarterback getting through his progression leaves it with the back a confident tough efficient run gets it up to the 44 I know it's sexy to throw the football but if you can pound it away and get these kind of gains they will just add up wear the defense down get first downs and ultimately get some points eight- yd pickup on first down leaves them with second and short he's looking to throw grabbed over the middle it's Smith and oh he was Off to the Races after the catch and they finally drag him down excellent throw by the quarterback found the window between the zones then delivered the ball on time Nevada going quickly he'll keep it himself he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three nice job playing assignment football by that defensive end knowing what my job is not letting that quarterback get out get loose making a good play and most importantly being there in the right spot and getting him on the ground got some work to do after that last play second and 13 he's looking to throw he's got an open and they'll finally get him down after a terrific pick up and you see so many smart wide receivers so many smart tight ends nowadays that they know where the holes in those zones are and they work with their quarterback and they find them and they sit down in them and make big plays it's tough to sit back in zone against such smart players nowadays Lewis to throw fires to the Wi out and the pass is incomplete but the flag flies and there was a lot of early contact there and the defender just way too handsy on that last play you could see all the contact as the ball was in the air you simply can't do it and the referee's caught it he's going to pass and the physical play there forces the incompletion on first down and that's your goal separate man from try to get your shoulder in there on the catch point and really make give him something to think about physically jar that football and knock it out nice job by the defender going to work on second down in the red zone and still some ground to cover to pick up that first down running back searching for a hole keeps those legs churning for three yard he's down at the n tight quarters deep in the Red Zone but they can pick up a first down without scoring third down from the gun wants to pass fires to the end zone and that ball was In Harm's Way and he is lucky to get that one back well on Third and short in field goal range they dial up the pass play quarterback was trying to get through his progressions there was just simply nobody open couldn't make an accurate enough throw ball incomplete Now setting up a big decision here on fourth down and here comes the field goal unit this kicker has already made a couple today it is as he puts three on the board so after the made field goal they'll kick it away and rely on their defense he'll bring it back from inside his five didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 the Mustangs have the ball back and ready to go to work DAV they love to do what they did last time and put this one in the end zone you ain't lying they did a great job the offense was clicking everything went well Palmer they execute and got the touchdown and they really were in a nice Rhythm as well and I'd love to see that here on the next drive too just keep doing what you're doing everything seems to be working and you seem to have this defense on their heels and the Mustangs want to pick up the tempo [Applause] from the gun give on the inside continuing to turn and move it forward and they're cling in on Midfield it's down at the 4 nice run there on first down you know this is a running back that gets better as the game goes on so they're going to want to make sure they keep feeding him the football let him get lathered up after the productive first down play it's second and six [Applause] he's got it on the right he's really close to that first down marker but they stop him just a bit short love the play call on the RPO that time the defender bites on the Run fake and that opens up the window for the slant coming in behind it nice job will they keep it on the ground again here on third down they'll try to get it through the air catch in the middle it's Hudson he gets it to the Y Line and they'll pick up a fresh set of downs he might have expected to see this DB up in his receivers kitchen instead nice little Zone and they pick up the first man offenses are getting so good Reese at seeing the holes in the zone knowing you're in zone knowing where to sit down how to make it an easy pitch and catch for the quarterback and that's what it was on Third and short and a good solid pick up there before the defense knocks him down [Applause] nyd pickup on first down and now they can take a shot on second and short back to throw it's Stone he's got it and they reacted well to the completion but it was too late to keep them from getting the first down the magic bean is spinning out of control already over 100 yards in the first half yeah they're being aggressive offensively throwing the football trying to take advantage of this defense on the back end they've got their quarterback right now in a group movement here from the tight end from the gun the ground game just trying to power it ahead they pick up five ball spotted at the 12 I like this guy as a running back because he can run between the tackles and he can also go outside he can really do it all operating in the Red Zone here on second down he's looking to throw he's right on target so close to that end zone he could almost taste it but it'll be first and goal for this offense well this defense now is just getting gashed and if you're the defensive coordinator you might now want to think about being aggressive changing up your play calls and maybe breaking your own Tendencies because you have got to stop offense just marching down the field trying to bully their way in he pushes it forward all the way to the two yd [Applause] line offense trying to pay it off on second and goal tries again to get it in going right back to the well and this time he finds water gets it into the end zone for the touchdown Precision blocking up front created the open Lane and the running back followed it beautifully yeah it's pretty easy to follow an offensive line that makes those holes and just gives you a caravan all the way to the end zone what an unbelievable job blocking up front ready to try the point after and with the extra point they push the lead out a little further an 84 yd drive there and finish to deal with the short touchdown run from the two kickoff team has the ball teed up and they're about ready to go and he's going to bring it out not nearly as much as he' hoped when he brought it out of the end zone he'll be stopped at the 15 first down here with time for maybe one more play until the two-minute warning leaves it with the running back works his way ahead for three they'll spot it at the 18 we've made our way to the two-minute warning and now they'll try to at least cut a little something off of this lead for the break second down coming up Lewis wants to pass he's got the tight end tackled but he has a first down and this junior quarterback shows you why the scouts love that big arm of his there's got to be a sense of urgency for this offense right now they're trailing they're going to be kicking off to open the second half so they need points they need to go tempo maybe that last first down gets them a little bit of confidence he wants to throw got the Quick Pass and he'll make his way out of bounds after the solid pick up well the offense trying to attack the perimeter of the field in the passing game and how about the the sweet feet by the receiver on that play who doesn't like a little dash of the Arts with their football a little ballet moment there here comes the offense on second down he's looking to throw got away from trouble and got rid of it fires to the big fella and he's knocked down immediately but not before he moves the chain and there's finally a bright spot for this offense in the passing game completing that on third down I know we're in the second quarter they're trailing by a lot but you need something positive to happen here to build some momentum maybe they can build on that Drive the field score some points before going here at half time and get a little juju going looking to go up top on first down he's got the tight end there's a timeout called as this offense tries to find a way to draw a little closer Wolfpack will have first and 10 he wants to throw it again looking down the middle all kinds of room to throw that one in there and almost ran away from everybody on that one a huge pick up on that play love to see the fearlessness of a quarterback to work the middle of the field and he's got so much confidence in his own arm talent to be able to get that football there before the defense can break it up down to the 18 yd line it's first and 10 got his man on the right here's a Timeout on the field tight game here late in the first half love working the slot receivers and you see so much of that it's about matchups right I can put a fast guy in that slot maybe get him matched up on a linebacker a safety I like working those guys in those matchups favorable for the offense for sure it's complete and he'll run out of bound just of the go line wanted to get it in but couldn't quite get home I'll tell you QBs and receivers they practice these out routes all week long and you've got to anticipate you've got to be comfortable throwing it and let's hold on just a minute here as the officials are going to have a second look after taking another look just to confirm everything the officials on the field got it right play will stand try to get the edge with a quick touch pass touchdown and they'll put that scoreboard operator to work and put six on the board and I tell you what that passing touchdown man that should spark this whole comeback is more than on now like they got the touchdown they cut into the lead you want to get a stop and go into the half get all the juices all the excitement and be like listen the passing game rolling we got this the comeb back's in full effect on to attempt the try and it's perfect a drive there of 85 yd and it was finished off with a 2yd touchdown toss now really back in the game here leads down to 12 as they're about to kick it away he'll start the return inside his five not a lot of space to be found good Hustle by the coverage team and they stop him at the 21 the SMU offense is headed back onto the field they've got time they've got the lead and David is sort of like a doctor first Do no harm Do no harm but also momentum is hard to create and sometimes hard to stop you have it so Jesse don't do anything stupid to create some momentum for the other side I think a lot of this comes down to your quarterback and whether or not he's making good decisions in this game if yes be aggressive if not let's just take the lead into halftime and get ready for the second half got it on the outside it's maryn he's run out of bounds but not big pick up and moving the for a first down here's this off with a FR set ofs they'll throw it on first down using the quick game at the 45 on it and how about that what the doctor always ordered an explosive play to the 40 this offense is clicking everything working together really well coordinator quarterback offensive line good Rhythm good flow defens is going to have to find something to kind of mess up this timing they got going on makes a connection and the defense makes the immediate tackle but he has enough for the first down they're running the curl route against Zone coverage the quarterback knows that's going to be a tight window he's got a rifle that ball into his wide receiver he does just that and as a result they pick up the first down coming before they head to the locker room he's looking to throw it got it in the middle it's Dixon they're able to keep him out of the end zone he'll be stopped at the two after the big play in the passing game first half in the books time now to join Kevin Connor in our halftime update thanks guys a first half that saw a little bit of everything there in Reno each of these two offenses has looked like well oiled machines but it doesn't take a genius to figure out these two passing attacks have run circles around these defenses man or Zone nothing seems to be working and I'm not sure that defensive coordinator is going to be able to figure things out here at halim and with that let's send it back to the guys inside macki stadium got teed up and just about ready to go here in the second half he'll bring it out from inside his own 10 and they'll bring him down to get the off started on the next Drive the Mustangs have the ball back and ready to go to work they open this third quarter on top and they built the lead on the strength of that running game and they made a huge statement too just proving to the other team that they're more physical they're winning in the trenches so here in the second half David just keep demoralizing this defense by pounding the football yeah and I'm not going to let that happen I riled up my guys at halim we're going to put more people in the box and we got to come out and meet the physical challenge of this offense running to the left he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three they're trying to run the football there's just nowhere to go for the ball carrier inside he tried to bounce it to the outside that linebacker way too fast there and force the TF Out backing up and backing up on the first two plays now to try to throw it in drive on third down looking down fi and he needs a bunch that's caught it's Bailey and tackling there to keep him from getting to the first down marker well this defense is tried to find ways to disguise their coverage and mix it up to try to confuse the QB it's not working that last he's now got over 300 yards passing the Mustangs will try to pin them back with the punt getting our first look of the afternoon at the punter might have thought he'd want to try to pick up a few yards there but he's content with making the fair catch right around the 35 yd line they'll give it to the back smashes through good job running T and behind PS as he gets up to the 38 yd line this defense has got to get better at tackling in the open field or game tackling because if you need three or four guys to bring a guy down have fun with that halfway there on first down it's second and five quarterback on the keeper that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there the deed to keep it on that one and listen if you had his athleticism you'd want to keep it too almost every time they run these types of option plays but he's just going to have to do a good job of understanding when to hand it off when to pitch it and try to keep this defense on their heels and read his keys he's got a lot of talent just got to make sure he's making the right decisions moving forward on Third and short they'll go to the power running game fights his way for a couple but stopped short of the marker One Nevada will be forced to punt this will be the second time they've had to kick it away fair catch called and the SMU offense is headed back onto the field they missed an opportunity to extend this lead the time they had it Jesse yeah they got to be able to regain that momentum right go back to what was working earlier on in this one and David to me that starts with being the more physical team no I definitely agree being the more physical team but understanding the situation of the game you're still winning you got the football back now put a nice drive together and execute it'll be first and 10 from the 30 wide receiver now comes in motion the G to the tail back he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple that linebacker was a heat seeking Missle and the heat that he sought was the ball carrier yeah great job great fi linebackers are making all the calls in the defense and understanding when I need to come through that Gap and come through with bad intentions those guys are usually 245 pounds of heat seeking missile back to throw it's Stone b a little time lets it Go finds his man they make the stop but the sweet throwing catches plenty to give him a first down well it's a nice play design there you're getting the running back involved in the past game quarterback gives it to him early so he can go to work up field and get the first down and the mustains have it with a first and 10 from the gun they'll give it on the inside he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three you see all this movement in football now all the stem in the defensive line they're sliding right before the snap creating confusion for the offensive line then they're moving back and stunting really good job by the defense continue to move continue to stunt continue to get in the back field and make this life hard on this running back and the defense makes theop after a minimal gain here they come facing third and from the 40 from the gun wants to pass he off it high and deep down the left side and this is in at the 20 yd line I love when you back the defense off of you if you want to get aggressive I'll take shots down the field make the defense play more conserv now what now you're in the Red Zone with a chance to get some points the Mustangs headed quickly to the line [Applause] they've marched to the Red Zone and here they go it Fly he was open he had it and he dropped it would have been aown instead it's second down sometimes as a quarterback when you're feeling the Rhythm and you're feeling yourself you just want to keep taking shots right this guy's already thrown three touchdown passes he saw a look he liked decided to Let Her Fly I haven't seen a lot of balls falling complete especially deep down the field that one did but I'd expect this guy to keep letting it go he'll pull it on the read they'll give him a couple that leaves him with third and eight yeah and it's a nice job by this defense understanding listen that QB is a threat and they're going to run all kinds of options and he's going to run the football they were dialed in and got that sucker to the ground they'd love to pick up this third down and get a fresh set with first and goal from the gun they'll try to impose their running game and he's not going to make it the defense denying him the first down they're strong and they're strong defensive tackles they're strong there's such big jokers in the Middle where they just lock out those offensive linemen and running backs listen they don't have much of a chance when you got that 300 plus pound guy grabbing you around the shoulder pad you tend to go to the ground pretty quick right down the boulevard it's good but now there's a penalty marker on the field let's see what that's about might be the worst case scenario for this defense they held them to three now the offense with a chance for more out of the gun they give to the back he'll be down at the yd line and this defense is on it heels see if they can get it done on second and goal nice defensive play to get a hand in there and knock it away and I don't know if the quarterback's making the right decision on that rpu guys he might have wanted to hand that one off something he thought he saw in the right flat to attack but obviously it wasn't there after a drive this long a field goal would be demoralizing at this point it's third and goal back to pass it's Stone looking for the score and it's incomplete as he was trying to finish the drive with the score got to give the defense credit on that play taking everything away forcing the incompletion now it's decision time fourth and short and you're in field goal range what do you do here it's fourth down and they'll try the field goal NE boot one from the right has he ought to be able to navigate that angle from this distance so good and after the fial lead is still at that's one the kicker would like to have back that's a kick he should be making in sleep Nevada takes over as the offense returns to the field last time David it was one two three kick last drive that three sometimes that puts your defense in a bad spot and you got to get a drive together here so you don't wear the defense out I just think David too predictable that last Drive they got to do something here to get this defense on their heels didn't get much done on that first play of the drive it's second and 11 the give to the back just gets it to the 28 pick up of one this offensive line better figure out a plan for this D tackle he is tough to block with one guy you might want to start double teaming him he's going to be a problem moving forward you saw all of his ability on that last play guys this offense is already reeling down multiple possessions really need to cash in on this drive quickly to the tie end just what they were looking for to get this Drive rolling there out to the 35 and that's why QBs love their tight ends so much right especially when they're athletic because they make short throws turn into long gains because of his ability after the catch it's so unique and special he is dominant in this offense Nevada comes to the line after getting the first down they'll ride the running back and leave it with him nowhere to run on that he loses on the car don't you love energetic defenses that fly around that make things happen the ones that get in the back field the running back tries to go somewhere where do you want him to go there there is nowhere to go nice job by the defense creating the tackle for a loss on first down couldn't get him blocked on that last one now it's second and 14 Lewis to throw and the ball is picked off taking it the other way touchdown Mustangs how about that D coming up with a play like that the DB saw it he thought don't drop it don't drop it then thought don't get caught don't get caught and he didn't the pick six hey these guys can play offense too now look at this I showed you I can be a wide receiver coach might split him out at wide receiver next week after making that big play but defense great job making the interception and you're right doing something with it don't just slide down don't be content take that thing all the way back brother P unit on the field and the extra point is good the lead is 19 so the decision has been made and the coach will take the penalty they're lining up to kick it off after the pick six and that defense will come out feeling it just unloaded on that kickoff don't have to worry about a return on a kick like that they'll bring it out to the 25 off play action on first down and this will be incomplete a big hit there forces second down what a hit by the defender that's a good throw and that was going to be caught but how about the defender dislodging the football from its intended target nice job after the incompletion it's second and 10 from their own 25 misfired on the last play they'll go back to the air out of the back field he's open he's brought down quickly minimal gain there still a bit short of the first down guys out of the back field now it's not just run the ball downhill anymore you got to be versatile I got to be able to trust you in the pass game and I got to be able to throw you the football and you can do that right there I know you're going to catch it and I can depend on you passing game very effective on second down what about here on third Lewis wants to pass it's complete to the right and they'll spotted at the 45 that's good enough for a first down nice job by the running back catching the football and understanding where the first down marker was I gotta go get that first down he did a nice job of it the offense getting set for a first down from the 45 from the gun the running back looking for room they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one I love this linebacker because he's able to dissect what's happening in front of him and he reacts downhill uses his speed to get to the line of scrimmage and create the negative play lost one on that last one it's second and 11 they'll go to the ground they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one goodness great that is the way you blow up a play quick fast and in a hurry hair on fire caused a wreck that had to be a blown assignment a chance to sort of put the defense on it heels if you convert a third and long this one from the 44 from the gun wants to pass now he's going to break the pocket still on his feet at the 45 he gets the job done picking up the first down getting down nice scramble unbelievable job after dropping back to pass and understanding the situation and a nice heads up play slide live to fight another down don't try to make a bigger play and run through somebody big and get yourself hurt Qui completion to the right they stop him almost immediately short game there and still a little ground to cover to pick up the first it's so nice as a quarterback when you've got a guy like that working in the slot he has such a good feel to find the Open Spaces in the defense just makes life so much easier for his quarterback just had a solid pick up on first now let's see what they've got on second down give to the back down to the 30 yd line where he stopped after a gain of five and that will be a first down well the offense knew what they needed to get that first down so they dial up the running play and they get just enough to keep the drive the wolf pack with a first and 10 here looking to move it through the air find his big tight end they make the stop right there good pick up but still short of the first down I'll tell you I love the play call on first down here you're just trying to find an easy completion and the shortest throw on the field for the quarterback is finding your biggest Target and that's the tight end nice job little bit more to go after that last completion they'll try to pick it up on second down Lewis to throw and the pass is incomplete Jarred Loose by the hit the big tight end tries to make a catch and you could tell extends for the ball but great job by the defender getting in there making the hit dislodging the football out as the same time as he's going to catch it and the big tight end couldn't hold on to it if every Journey Begins With this offense needs to step into a third down conversion and then try to turn it into some scores and fast gets out of BS after the big play and they'll be set up in bus for the first and goal well this is one of the fastest quarterbacks in college football and that's why the option's a good idea because if he can get out in space and he has a chance to get down field he is really difficult to tackle and he's very difficult to catch as you saw in that last play getting a first down out of the gun looking to throw lets it go to the end zone and he's got it touchdown Nevada I don't know exactly what the defensive coverage was but it certainly wasn't part of the plan to leave him that wide open well I I don't think they know what their defensive coverage was either how do you leave that big guy open down here in the Red Zone you know the quarterback loves the big tight ends in this area really poor job by the defense they'll try to attack one more on their score and it's up and good they put it in the end zone with a 12 Play scoring drive and they C the drive with a four yd touchdown pass now really back in the game here leads down to 12 as they're about to kick it away on the run from inside his own didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 the Mustangs have the ball back and ready to go to work hand off from the gun now they've got a little room to work with they're out to the 28 with a first down and that is just an attitude run running it right up the middle right into the teeth of that defense at the 28 on first [Applause] down they'll give it to him again fakes his man out he picks up maybe a couple before he stopped right at the 30 yd line that's a really good job by the defense wrapping him up getting him on the ground take away that run game make him onedimensional put him in passing situations really good job by the defense after picking up a couple it's second and eight PS and fires complete and he'll step across the sidelines after making a good gain on that one my coach said you'll never go broke taking a profit take what's there take the positive yards and never complain coming to the line of scrimmage on third down touch pass on the Jet Sweep he's close to the first down but they're going to Mark him just a little short how about that you don't see those you know touch passes go for negative yards very often usually this is a short flip that counts as a comp that goes a long way but the defense aggressive saw it pulled the trigger came outside made sure he didn't get outside and get to that edge nice job by the defense here's a fair Catch and he'll make it close to the 20 yd line final play of the quarter coming Lewis wants the pass swings it out to the flat defense coming through and knocking him down for a loss and that'll be the end of the third period that's the end of the period and SMU has the lead they've built a cushion they've got a nice lead now the task is finish the deal as you take a look at the third quarter steps one more period to go to see who can make the winning plays and come home with the victory they'll try to put it in drive this time on second down from the 22 finds his tight end and just a short safe pass play they pick up a few I'll say this man in college football you see a lot of bad tackling you didn't see it right there that was an awesome job first off being there at the point of attack once the tight made the catch there was no doubt he was going down great job form tackle they line up and it is a long way to the sticks from here on Third and long he's going to have to throw for It Wide Open down field and they'll move the chains and get it to the 47 yd line they absolutely had to have that third down to keep any glimmer of hope alive and defensively that's exactly what I want make you get to third down the clock is your enemy multiple possession lead that is right where I want this offense coming out on first down with the play fake quarterback strolling away from heat he'll pull it down and run and he has a solid gain on the play before sliding you know QBs want to make those big plays they want to they want to put up the big stats but but when nothing's there sometimes you just tuck the ball get a minimal gain I like the slide by the way too get down and don't take a big hit Bunch formation for these receivers Lewis to throw got his man and they WP him up but not before he gets enough on the catch for the first down and a great job by the QB finding the running back get in the football where he can do some damage after the catch and most importantly get the first down this Nevada offense really has it going they'll try the Run he's right out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down well on offense youve got to love the way your offensive line is playing in this game they're getting tremendous movement up front they're climbing in the second level and really giving these backs and carriers a lot of room to run all game Long Wolf will have first and 10 he's going to pass the short hands it's brown and he's tripped up but not before picking up the first down well you're seeing the balance this offense has and how they can create explosive plays in a variety of ways we just saw one come in the Run game and now you see one coming in the passing game I'll tell you they've got this defense on their heel down to the 12 ydd line it's first down he wants to throw he's got it on the run that comp will take it inside the four and the off is threatening it's definitely the wide receiver's job to create space right so whether you're running a go or you're running a hitch like this right here I got to find a way to push off legally or just create a little bit of space to get some positive yards on second down looking to throw touchdown Nevada you thought they were done they're not they're back baby well we wondered exactly where the momentum was and it looks as if Uncle Mo might have switched Sidelines and switched families and momentum is such a big thing it's such a real part of college football isn't it you can just feel that right now it just felt a few minutes ago this game was over and all of a sudden this team they're believing in themselves they've got some win they've got some hope their defense now needs to get the football back to keep that momentum going and with the extra point every little bit counts as they get closer they Mar 78 y down the field and they cap the drive with a four yd touchdown pass the kickoff team takes the field to boot this one away here he comes from inside his own five really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 the SMU off is headed back onto the field caugh behind the line it's Maryland he will step out of bounds but not the big pick up and a first down for this offense I'll be honest man if I had the weapons these guys had offensively I'd be staying aggressive got him to this point it's why they have the lead here in the fourth quarter take some shots when those opportunities present themselves they'll snap this one from the 32 it's first down from the gun running back gets to give and the first guy couldn't get him but the second one does but not until he picks up the first down yeah and he's been dependable I he like just he's been a guy that they've given him the ball a lot he's just been so productive giving this offense an easy way to move the football down the field 97 yards on the day they are dialed in on this drive a couple of Chunk plays and now they'll snap it on first down they're going to ride this running back and that's a very productive first down play and bringing up second and three they've got a lead here in the fourth quarter and there's certainly still plenty of football to go but this is where you'd love to control the flow of the game right you want to dictate everything to the defense and you do that by running the football that was a really nice run this offensive line is firing off late looks like they're getting stronger as the game goes on and that is a good sign for the offense One Step twep squeeze Juni knows how to get him on the ground now on third down after that run quarterback Quick Pass to the receiver he's inside the 15 and it is a chunk play a hug gain on that one before the defense brings it to an end this defense really needs to be careful and they have to play with great eye discipline understanding where the football is at all times moving forward they have got to know if this guy has the ball because he is dangerous in space they'll run it from the gun picked up maybe a yard it's down at the 16 didn't get much on first down it's second and nine to the air it's Stone quick strike complete they make the stop trying to pick up just a little bit at a time to get to that first down marker Hey listen on offense just take what the defense gives you quarterback looks out wide he sees the DB way off of the receiver throw the easy hitch pass you'll take that completion the terrain gets rough this deep in the Red Zone third down they can pick up the first without scoring he's got and he'll stop him inside the five but the defense is backed up in the shadow of its own goal post he has been the go-to guy on offense all game long and under critical third down here in the fourth quarter surprise surprise guess who they go to that guy so this offense with an opportunity to put this game in a hammer lock if they can score and bleed they will score TDU this is like a baseball pitcher that can't miss he is just pounding pounding pounding the strike zone just gets in the zone right when you can't miss you you've seen quarterbacks get like that no matter what they do they're on fire they're hitting the receivers and listen that's also on the defense the defense has to do a better job making him feel uncomfortable changing what they're doing in coverage so he's a little bit confused you can't just let him pick you up for lining up to tack one more onto that lead and with the extra point the lead is a dozen here in the fourth so it's an 80 yd drive and they CA the drive with a four yd touchdown pass the kickoff unit about to go to work and he takes this from inside the five and the returner is stopped Nevada takes over as the offense returns to the field after standing on the sideline and watching that long touchdown Drive they really need to put something together to give their defense a rest and that's a real thing man like you played a lot of plays you get worn out you need a chance to go decompress on the sideline get some oxygen Palmer now it's on this offense yeah this is the definition of complimentary football because it's a two-prong problem you've got to score points and answer but you've also got to take your time and give your defense an opportunity to get their win Lewis wants to pass fires to the big fell he is stopped behind the line of scrimmage they'll lose yards on that one I like the idea by the quarterback there you're trying to get this first down so you find the tight end see if he can make a guy miss or shake a tackle not able to get it done you make up the game plan and not a lot on the play sheet for this third and long from inside their own 20 from the gun wants to pass throws to the wide out and that's incomplete a Defender all over him knock the ball to the ground fourth down coming up after that incompletion fourth and long now on your own side of the field you're trailing in the fourth quarter what's your go-to play call here in the passing game where is the matchup that you trust in to come up with a big one to give yourself a chance to stay alive and win this game fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way not going to risk a return here he'll make the fair catch the Mustangs have the ball back and ready to go to work they'll start this drive with a pass got him down fi good job running that route to get the sticks because he got nothing after the catch this offense is not letting up guys they've got a lead here late and they are still taking shots they're still looking for explosive plays this defense just has not had an answer here all game long it's first and 10 for this offense from the 42 out of the gun the running back has it a most efficient pick up of six on first down it's second and four it's a point in the game I think as a coaching staff where you really challenge your offensive line to go win the football game right we've got a lead late we're going to run the football and the defense and everybody in the stadium knows that's what's going to happen happen can we run the ball down their throats and impose our will that's what this offense right now is trying to do he'll do it himself really nice stop there from this senior leader as a defensive guy now you're always zoomed in on the quarterback I mean these guys they're whether they're throwing the football or running it at least they have the football in their hands every time you know where they're going to be you focus in the defense locked and loaded understand what they were trying to accomplish doing a good job getting to the and then make those physical Hits Count finish those finish those tackles with aggressive hits make that quarterback F you for a whole length of a game they are on the move as they pick up the first down they'll spot it at the 28 and just went with something very easy very reliable Flip It Forward let your receiver do the rest I only got to get a few yards nice job nice execution first down and the Mustangs are moving quickly down the field he'll come throwing on first down a strike down field touchdown Mustangs and they take it in for six more points and this offense continuing to put up points this game's Out Of Reach you know you're going to win but still throwing the football still finding that connection I imagine there'll be some salty handshakes at the end of this game ling up to add another and no problem on the extra point as they push the lead to 19 here in the the officials offer the deal and the coach accepts it they will take the penalty they're lining up to kick it off and he ought to be able to knock this one anywhere he wants after that extra 15 yards with the roughing the kicker no shot at a return it's out of the end zone and it'll be a Touchback line gets set first down wasting no time throwing on this drive off the deflection missed a great chance to force the turnover instead it'll be second down at this point of the game in the fourth quarter it is going to be tough for this offense to get some completions here because now trailing by this much the defense is expecting pass and they're putting a whole bunch of extra DBS on the field to help them out in coverage last incompletion leaves them still sitting at their own 25 with second and 10 dances away going to try get it himself well great job there by the defense because they weren't able to get him sacked right away but you saw the coverage in the back end nowhere for the quarterback to throw the football didn't get the sack obviously you don't get the negative play but you also don't give up a big one you're feeling pretty good about where you are right now in this drive Ball's at the 27 this offense facing a third and Long Lewis to throw he finds his man and it's a first down they'll Mar it man listen you get Zone coverage and you can hit that Cur route and he comes open continually keep hitting it this might be a play to come back to Nevada comes to the line after getting the first down he's looking to throw it gets it out quickly and the defense had that one well covered just a short game there well here's the problem offensively because you're trailing by so much so late in the game the defense now is going to be playing big Zone coverages and they're going to allow you to throw the ball underneath in the middle of the field rally to make a tackle and bleed the clock it's going to be hard now for this offense to claw their way back in this one looking to throw on second down fires to the tight end and the defense settled in to stop that one for a short gain and defensively this is exactly what you want right you've got the big lead so you can play Big Zone coverages just keep the ball in front of keep your eye on the quarterback rally to