Nevada romps to a win; Wolf Pack downs Eastern Washington, 49-16 on Saturday at Mackay Stadium

Nevada (2-3) has a bye this week, then plays at San Jose State (3-1) on Oct. 5

The Nevada running game was outstanding and the Wolf Pack defense was stout as the Wolf Pack football team got Jeff Choate his first home win as the Pack’s head coach.

The Wolf Pack rolled over Eastern Washington, 49-16, Saturday at Mackay Stadium, the most points the Pack has scored since the 2021 season.

The Wolf Pack offensive line deserves kudos as Patrick Garwo scored three touchdowns, he rushed 10 times for 63 yards and Savion Red scored twice while running 10 times for 117 yards.

Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis also posted some good numbers, completing 16-of-22 passes for 193 yards and two scores, to Marcus Bellon and Jaden Smith. Lewis also ran for 65 yards as Nevada improved to 2-3 overall. Eastern Washington dropped to 1-3. Bellon a Truckee grad, finished with five catches for 83 yards. He also had two punt returns for 50 yards.

Nevada last scored 49 points in a win over Colorado State on Nov. 27, 2021.

Smith said the Pack is going in the right direction and needs to build off Saturday’s win. The Pack is heading into a by week.

“We’re not there yet, so we’ll celebrate this victory and get back to work tomorrow,” Smith said.

Jeff Choate and Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best faced off twice before Saturday, when Choate was Montana State head coach and Eastern Washington won both meetings (2017-18).

“Clearly, we’re playing down a level of competition and they’re playing up a level of competition, I get that,” Choate said. “But, by the same token, the same thing happened here last year and the result was a little bit different.”

Idaho, an FCS school, beat Nevada last season at Mackay Stadium.

Pack D

Nevada’s defense shut down the Eagles for three quarters, and led, 35-3 until giving up a touchdown with 12 minutes, 30 seconds remaining

Nevada’s Michael Coates Jr. had an interception in the first quarter, for the Wolf Pack’s third pick of the season.

The Pack was without linebacker Drue Watts, out with an injury. He has been the team’s leading tacker, but he is expected to return before the next game. The Pack was also without one of its best offensive player, Jace Henry. Choayte said he could miss a few weeks.

Backups Get in

AJ Bianco went in at quarterback for the Pack with 8:18 remaining as did running Caleb Ramseur. Ramseur promptly ran for 56 yards on nine carries.

Bishop Manogue grad Marshaun Braun also got his first catch of the season, on a short pass from Bianco. McQueen grad Ashton Hayes also had a reception from Bianco to put the Pack on the 9-yard line with three minutes remaining. Red then scored his second TD of the game.

Yellow Flags

Nevada was hurt by penalties, although it didn’t show in the score. The Wolf Pack had two touchdowns called back due to penalties.

Nevada was called for eight penalties for 95 yards. Eastern Washington was called for three penalties for 35 yards.

Half

Nevada led, 21-3 at halftime after Garwo scored twice in the first half. The Pack defense had a goal-line stand to hold the Eagles to a field goal after Eastern Washington had the ball inside the one-yard line in the second quarter.

Series History

Saturday’s game between the Wolf Pack and Eagles was the 10th all-time, and the second since Nevada moved to FBS in 1992.

Nevada beat the Eagles, 49-24, in Reno in on Sept. 2, 2010. Prior to that, the teams had met eight times in Big Sky action.

Up Next

Nevada has a bye this week, then plays at San Jose State on Oct. 5 (4:30 p.m., TV – truTV).

The Spartans (3-1) lost in double overtime at Washington State (4-0), 54-52, on Friday night.

San Jose State also has a bye this week before hosting Nevada.

The Pack will play one final non-conference game Oct. 12, against Oregon State.

Choate said he plans to be out recruiting next weekend over the bye week.