Nevada, Colorado State look to get on track as ex-Wolf Pack coach Jay Norvell returns to Mackay

One of the better feelings in life ­— certainly one of the pettier ones — is when you see your ex out in public after a breakup and, despite how down on yourself you are, they’re somehow in a worse place in life than you are.

That’s where Nevada football finds itself Friday night. Former head coach Jay Norvell comes back to Mackay Stadium, the site of his many firsts as a head coach: his first big wins, his first embarrassing losses, his first big payday, and the first small program he spurned in pursuit of bigger and better things.

On his way out, 11 Nevada players and most of the coaching staff jumped ship to follow Norvell to perceived greener pastures.

However, new Nevada head coach Ken Wilson isn’t trying to fuel the “big game” narrative or the bitter feelings many in the fanbase have towards Norvell and the manner in which he left.

“It’s a conference opponent,” he said of Colorado State. “Every time we play now, it’s a big game, it’s a conference opponent. We talk to our team about how this is a huge game because it’s the next game. Every time we go out, it’s a big game.”

The Wolf Pack (2-3, 0-1) finds itself riding a three-game losing streak, the first since 2017, with an average margin of defeat of 23 points per game. Combine that with inconsistent quarterback play and an offensive line with questions, one would think Nevada is coming off worse in this breakup.

Somehow, though, Colorado State is in an even worse state.

The Rams (0-4) have an average margin of defeat of 30.25 points per game due to four blowout losses, including a 31-point beatdown from the hands of FCS opponent Sacramento State last week.

Starting quarterback Clay Millen, a former Nevada player, is listed as day-to-day after being knocked out of the Sac State game in the second quarter. The offensive line has been horrendous, averaging an FBS-low 46 rushing yards per game and 1.38 yards per rush while allowing an FBS-high 25 sacks.

A key matchup is Nevada’s defensive line versus Colorado State’s offensive line. The defensive line for Nevada, despite ranking just 60th in sacks, has been one of the more consistent units on the team, with senior star defensive lineman Dom Peterson leading the charge.

If the front four for Nevada can get pressure on the quarterback, particularly on a backup if Millen can’t play, it will be hard for Norvell to run his air raid offense.

For the Nevada secondary, which ranks 20th in the nation in pass defense, locking up Colorado State receiver Tory Horton will be crucial. Horton, one of the former Nevada players to follow Norvell, is one of the few bright spots for the Rams in 2022.

He’s hauled in 23 catches for 427 yards and five touchdowns in the first four games of the season.

“He’s got great ball skills,” Wilson said. “He’s a taller guy, they put him all over the place, and he’s a really good competitor. When you see him go up for the ball, you have to match his intensity going up for the ball. And if you’re out of position, he’s fast enough to separate, and if the quarterback has time to see him, that’s going to be a battle in the air.”

On the flip side, running backs Toa Taua and Devonte Lee are averaging over four yards per carry and have combined to score nine of Nevada’s 14 offensive touchdowns this season.

If they can help establish the running game against a mid-tier run defense, Nevada could be in control on offense.

For the quarterback position, Wilson’s quotes during the week make it sound like both Nate Cox and Shane Illingworth are going to get chances to play Friday, and Wilson called for improvement from both guys.

“We got to get consistent,” Wilson said. “We got to get consistent play from both those guys whenever their number is called. We have to have consistency … Both those quarterbacks have the talent to be starting quarterbacks and run this offense, and when they get out there, they have to have the focus and the consistency to move the team and not do things that will cut us out of drives too fast.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s game

Colorado State (0-4) at Nevada (2-3, 0-1).

TV: FS1.

Radio: ESPN 94.5 FM

Betting: Opening betting lines had Nevada as a four-point favorite with an over/under of 47. The lines now sit at Nevada as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 44.

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