Saturday, August 30, 2014

Mackay Stadium in Reno

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds will take on their first non-conference opponent of the season on Saturday afternoon when they face the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Southern Utah did well in conference play in 2013 and finished with an 8-5 overall record and a 5-3 record in the Big Sky. They made their first FCS playoff appearance last year and will look to improve again this season with 15 of their players returning.

Sophomore running back Raysean Martin is expected to be the Thunderbirds' star on offense this season after rushing for 444 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. Defensive end James Cowser, who had 77 tackles and 10.5 sacks a year ago, will be back to lead the defensive unit.

Nevada was only able to pick up three Mountain West wins last year and ended up with a 4-8 overall record. They had one of the worst defenses in the country after giving up nearly 35 points per game. Their running game, which was known as a perennial force, was held to just 179 yards per game in 2013.

The Wolf Pack's main hope this year is that their 18 returning starters will help them pick up a few more wins. Senior quarterback Cody Fajardo will probably be asked to be a bigger part of the offense this year after throwing for 2,668 yards, 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2013.

Injuries to Watch

Southern Utah Thunderbirds

No injuries to report at this time.

Nevada Wolf Pack

No injuries to report at this time.

Josh's Pick: Take Nevada

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