The Nevada Wolf Pack, coming off a 27-22 victory over Fresno State last week, will travel to San Jose State to play the 1-5 Spartans on Saturday on CBS Sports Network. The Wolf Pack are looking to snap a five-game road losing streak and get above .500 for the first time since starting this season at 2-1.
Here are three keys for a Nevada victory on Saturday.
1.The Wolf Pack must play better on special teams.
-The Wolf Pack have gotten good special teams play in the last few years but so far this season, the Wolf Pack have struggled on that side of the ball.
Nevada does not rank in the top 85 in the country in any of the four major special teams return categories and have struggled in the kicking game. Brett Zuso is only 4 for 8 on field goal attempts so far this season after going 17 for 19 on field goals last season. Nevada must get better play in all facets of special teams in order to get the win against the Spartans on Saturday.
2. The Wolf Pack must limit quarterback Kenny Potter.
-When the Wolf Pack played San Jose State last season, Potter set a career higher for himself in passing touchdowns (three) and rushing yards (116) in a thrilling game that saw the Wolf Pack win it in overtime.
This year, Potter has struggled with a knee injury and he is coming off an ugly performance last week where he threw three interceptions as the Spartans fell to Hawaii 34-17.
Despite the nagging knee injury and poor performance from Potter, the Wolf Pack defense must be aware of Potter's mobility and try to keep him in the pocket so that Nevada's defense can potentially score some big plays on that side of the ball.
3. Nevada must play a complete game
-In the win against Fresno State last week, the Wolf Pack were up 21-6 at halftime but they were outscored by the Bulldogs 16-6 and if it wasn't for a goal line stand at the end of the game, the Wolf Pack would have blown the game.
In order to avoid a repeat of last week's second half near collapse, Nevada must play a complete game and in order to do that they must continue to run the ball with James Butler and convert on third down If the Wolf Pack, follow this formula then they won't have to worry about any possible second half meltdowns this week.