University of Nevada Athletics

With the win, No. 18/19 Nevada …
-    Improved to 10-1 on the season (5-1 in WAC play), 500-435-33 overall (104th season) and 120-95 as an FBS school.
-    Coach Chris Ault improved to 216-97-1 in his 26-year career.
-    Improved its advantage in the all-time series to 12-2.

HISTORIC WIN: Nevada’s victory was historic for two reasons. First, it was the 500th victory in the history of the program, which dates back to 1898. Nevada Coach Chris Ault was the head coach for the Pack’s 300th, 400th and now 500th program victories. Secondly, it marks the first 10-win season of the Pack’s FBS history and the first 10-win season since 1992.

D FRONT DOMINATES: Led by senior end Dontay Moch and junior tackle Brett Roy, the Nevada defensive line created havoc throughout the day. Overall, the defense recorded a season-high six sacks and 11 tackles for loss on the day. Moch led the way with eight overall tackles, including 3.5 TFLs with 3.0 sacks. Roy had four stops with a pair of sacks included in his 3.0 TFLs. The Pack held NMSU to just 89 yards rushing in the game and 220 passing yards on 39 attempts.
Moch remains the nation’s career leader in TFLs with 60.5 in his stellar career. That puts him in a tie for seventh all-time in NCAA history with Rod Davis of Southern Miss and Dan Bazuin of Central Michigan.

TAUA GOES OVER 100; SCORES THRICE: Senior running back Vai Taua carried the ball 22 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 79-yard touchdown pass on Saturday. The 100-yard performance was his nation-leading 24th of his career.

CAREER-LONG PASS FOR KAEPERNICK: Colin Kaepernick hit Vai Taua on a 79-yard touchdown pass just before halftime to give Nevada a 31-3 advantage at the break. The pass was a career long for Kaepernick. His previous long was a 75-yarder to Marko Mitchell against Utah State in 2008, also for a touchdown.

WOOTEN’S PICK SIX A HISTORIC ONE: Sophomore corner Khalid Wooten picked off Andrew Manley in the fourth quarter and went 90 yards for a touchdown, the first score of his career. It was Wooten’s third career pick and first of the year. The 90-yard interception return ties for third-longest in school history (Tommy Kalminer, lateral to Dick Trachok, against Arizona State in 1946).

FREY GETS PICK: Junior cornerback Isaiah Frey has been a consistent presence throughout the season and on Saturday, he notched his first interception of the season. With the Aggies driving in the third quarter, Frey intercepted Andrew Manley on a crucial third-down play in Nevada territory. It was Frey’s second career pick. Frey entered the game tied for the WAC lead and 18th nationally in pass breakups.

SCORE EARLY, SCORE OFTEN: Nevada the ball on its opening possession and went down the field 75 yards in 14 plays, scoring on a 2-yard Vai Taua run. This marked the ninth time in 10 games that Nevada has scored on its opening drive, including eight touchdowns. Nevada also scored touchdowns in all four quarters for the ninth time this season. Nevada has scored touchdowns in 40 of its 44 quarters played this season.

ET CETERA: Nevada won the toss and received the opening kickoff while NMSU defended the south goal … Junior Jordan Mudge received his first career start as he started at guard in place of John Bender … Steve Haley returned to the starting lineup, filling in for Jeff Nady at tackle … Brandon Wimberly caught two passes and extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 24 (all 24 games in his career) … Chris Barker started his 24th consecutive games (all 24 of his career).

QUARTERBACK CLUB: This week’s Quarterback Club will again be held at Peppermill. Ault will review last week's game and go over game film at each game. He will also introduce players from the team and hold a question and answer session with the fans. The luncheons are open to the public. Doors at the Peppermill will open at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon program begins at noon.  Luncheon cost is $17 at the door. The room will be announced the day of the luncheon. The 2010 Quarterback Club Luncheons will be held each Monday following Nevada football games with luncheons scheduled for Sept. 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18; and Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.