Grading the 'Dogs at Nevada

Quarterbacks: B
Brandstater did what he needed to do -- manage the game. He had some long completions to Ajirotutu and kept things under control minus his top two wideouts.

Running Backs: A+
Mathews averages 12.2 yards per carry with 3 TDs and Miller 7.9 with 1 TD. Mathews had a 54-yard and 67-yard TD, and Miller a 72-yarder.

Receivers: B-
Ajirotutu is on the cusp of breaking out, a huge plus with Moore and West injured. Guys got open deep but Brandstater missed on a couple throws.

Offensive Line: B+
Brandstater wasn't sacked and the running lanes were opened. But penalties are still hurtful, including Jackson's personal foul that turned a third-and-1 into a third-and-16.

Defensive Line: C+
Clutts had another standout game with sack and near-pick, with Stuart (two batted passes) and Ramos filling in nicely for injured Ike. But pressure was inconsistent.

Linebackers: C+
Jacobs tied for team-high 7 tackles and first-year walk-on Bates got a sack filling in for injured Brown. But late-game lull was unecessary.

Defensive Backs: C-
Pass defense was exposed late in the fourth quarter with most of the starters in. Dropped passes helped the unit early, but that won't cut it against better WAC teams.

Special Teams: A-
Only blemish was Stitser's missed field goal, but he had great distance on early kickoffs, Pascoe blocked a field goal and Jefferson returned it for a TD and Smith returned a punt for a TD. Jefferson also had several big kick returns.