Dec. 28, 2015
Nevada Game Notes 
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TUCSON, Ariz. - With the inaugural NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl set to kick off tomorrow, the Nevada football team hosted its final practice of the season. Monday's festivities in Tucson also consisted of the bowl game press conference followed by a pep rally downtown.
For the second day, Nevada opened its morning with extensive team and position meetings. Head coach Brian Polian, senior linebacker Jordan Dobrich and sophomore running back James Butler then departed for Tucson Marriot University Park for the pre-game press conference. The coach and players met with local, regional and national media in both team's final media availability until after the bowl game.
Coach Polian - who has now guided the Pack to bowl appearances in consecutive appearances - sent thanks to the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl for their hospitality.
"We're excited and grateful to be here at this bowl game," said Polian. "We've had a great experience so far and the folks that have hosted us have done a fantastic job. We're looking forward to the task of trying to win a bowl game and finish the season with a winning record."
When discussing the matchup between the Wolf Pack (6-6, 4-4) and Colorado State (7-5, 5-3), Polian added that despite playing a conference-foe, there is a level of unfamiliarity in opponents. Nevada played the Rams in a thrilling 31-24 loss last year in Reno, but Colorado State has since hired first-year head coach Mike Bobo, who guided the Rams to a 7-5 record this season.
"We played them in a tight game last year in Reno, but that was under a different coach, so in a lot of ways this is like playing a brand new opponent," added Polian. "We may have a sense of their personnel, but scheme-wise, there are a lot of differences for us to account for. We're excited with this match up."
Following the press conference, Nevada held its final practice of the season at Salpointe Catholic High School. Afterwards, Nevada's 12 seniors were recognized for playing in their final practice in their respective careers; Jordan Dobrich, Lenny Jones, Don Jackson, Bryan Lane Jr., Ian Seau, Rykeem Yates, Matthew Lyons, Faigofie Faaituala, Trevor Taft, Kevin McReynolds, Brent Roling and Jeremy Miller.
The pre-game hype than continued to climb in the afternoon with the Arizona Bowl Plock Party in downtown Tucson. The Wolf Pack marching band and cheerleading team perform, while select redshirt players attended to represent the team.
Back at the hotel, the Wolf Pack had its team dinner and more meetings. To close another busy day in Tucson, the players had optional activities which included movies or family time.
Nevada's schedule tomorrow consists of team meetings and a walk-through in the morning before departing for Arizona Stadium in the afternoon.
The inaugural NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl will kick off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday at Arizona Stadium. The game will be broadcast online by Campus Insiders and will also be televised by the American Sports Network, which is carried on KAME My 21 in Northern Nevada.
Back in Reno, The Little Waldorf Saloon will be the official viewing party for the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. Fans who aren't in Tucson are invited to support the Wolf Pack as the Nevada Alumni Association hosts the viewing party at the Wal (1661 N. Virginia St.).
