RENO, Nev. (AP) Linebacker Joshua Mauga forced a fumble and recovered another, two of five turnovers the Nevada defense forced Saturday, to lead the Wolf Pack (5-3, 2-2 WAC) to a 48-21 win over New Mexico State.
The Aggie’s turnovers led to 28 Nevada points as NMSU (2-6, 0-4) was held to 295 yards of total offense, compared with 466 by Nevada.
Running back Robert Hubbard ran for 114 yards on 28 carries and scored a touchdown and receiver Caleb Spencer scored a pair of touchdowns for Nevada.
Three Wolf Pack quarterbacks each threw a touchdown pass and combined to complete 20-of-33 for 230 yards, helping to overcome four turnovers, including three interceptions.
The Aggies didn’t punt until 7:33 left in the third quarter but were only able to score seven points in that span.
Still, New Mexico State took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. But Nevada drew even with starting quarterback Jeff Rowe’s 6-yard touchdown run with 9:18 left before halftime that sparked 35 unanswered Wolf Pack points.
New Mexico State’s next three possessions ended with turnovers that all led to Nevada touchdowns. Nevada’s last score, Mike McCoy’s 8-yard catch, gave Nevada a 28-7 lead with 3 seconds before halftime.
Nevada receiver Caleb Spencer scored his second touchdown on a 9-yard catch from backup quarterback Travis Moore, giving Nevada a 35-7 lead with 8:24 left in the third quarter.
NMSU linebacker Tim McManigal stopped the bleeding by intercepting Moore and returning it 60 yards for a touchdown, closing Nevada’ lead to 35-14 with 6:11 left in the third quarter.
