Two years was a long enough wait for the Wolf Pack to take back the Fremont Cannon.
A career receiving night from Romeo Doubs not only helped earn Nevada the largest rivalry trophy in football, but also let the Wolf Pack leave Las Vegas with a 37-19 win over rival UNLV, in the first collegiate football contest played in the new Allegiant Stadium.
Carson Strong continued to flourish for the second time this season, completing over 75 percent of his passes for the second straight game this season.
The sophomore quarterback was once again extremely efficient with the pigskin, tossing it for 350 yards on 21-of-27 completed attempts.
His favorite target on the night, Doubs, caught six of those passes for 211 yards — a career high — and a touchdown. The junior wideout has reeled in 189 yards through the air in the opening half.
From start to finish, Nevada punted one time while gaining nearly 500 yards of total offense.
In his first game this season, Toa Taua didn’t show any signs of rust after getting 12 carries for 88 yards and adding on a four-yard touchdown scamper early in the fourth quarter that put the Wolf Pack up 34-19.
Defense stifles Rebels in second half
On the defensive side of things, UNLV found a rhythm at times, but the Wolf Pack were able to buckle down when needed.
After the Rebels spent the first three quarters averaging around five yards per play, the Wolf Pack held its rivals down south to 2.5 yards per snap in the final quarter.
Lamin Touray, Dom Peterson and Yerington native Sam Hammond each had a sack in the second half as Nevada gave up seven points in the second half.
The Rebels were 5-of-16 on third down Saturday night, but converted their first five attempts on fourth down to extend several drives. Hammonds’ tackle for loss served as the one stop on UNLV fourth down attempts.
UNLV managed 137 yards of offense over the course of the second half.
UP NEXT
Nevada (2-0) sits atop the Mountain West Conference alongside three fellow undefeated squads in Boise State, San Diego State and San Jose State.
The Wolf Pack will be back at Mackay Thursday night, welcoming 0-2 Utah State as the Aggies are coming off losses to both SDSU and Boise State.
