Kaepernick now in a Motley crew

FRESNO " Marion Motley is the most famous player in Nevada history, and it's taken Colin Kaepernick just 22 games to stamp his name alongside the former NFL great.

With scoring runs of 2 and 16 yards, Kaepernick now has 20 career rushing touchdowns, tying him for ninth all time with Motley.

When asked if he knew who Motley was, Kaepernick said he did. However, the young quarterback didn't realize he'd pulled into the top 10 for rushing touchdowns.

"I had no idea about that," he said.

Kaepernick played another stellar game. He worked the 25-second clock with the aplomb of a veteran, and not once was Nevada penalized.

"He managed the game," Nevada coach Chris Ault said. "Every game he does something a little better. He is throwing the ball better.

"He's a terrific kid and a pleasure to work with. He's a lot of fun to work with and he accepts challenges."

Kaepernick is now tied for fifth on Nevada's single-season charts for most rushing TDs in a season (Charvez Foger, 1985 and 1986; Kin Minor, 1994).

QUESTIONABLE STRATEGY

Fresno State's A.J. Jefferson came into the game as the conference's second-best kick-off returner, and after Friday night he may move into first place.

Jefferson returned six kicks for 241 yards, including a 92-yard TD return in the fourth quarter which cut the deficit to 38-28.

You had to wonder why Nevada kicked to him at all. He was on the verge of breaking one before he scored.

Ault wasn't thrilled with his kick-off coverage group, which had a poor night against Hawaii, too.

"It's amazing, our ability to do that (give up long returns) each game," Ault said. "That's been our M.O. all year."

TURLOCK CONNECTION

Last night's game featured a battle between two quarterbacks with Turlock roots " Fresno State's Tom Brandstater and Nevada's Colin Kaepernick.

Brandstater played at Turlock High and Kaepernick prepped at Pitman, the newest school in town.

ESPN sent television crews to Turlock on Thursday, according to Nevada spokesman Chad Hartley. Former coaches and teammates were interviewed for the segment.

Brandstater passed for 260 yards and two scores, while Kaepernick was 7 for 17 for 128 yards and a score. Kaepernick rushed for 118 yards and two scores.

ETC...

Vai Taua surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, and he's the second player this year to top the 200-yard mark. He has six 100-yard games this season... ESPN loves the Bulldogs. Fresno State had its last four games of the 2007 season televised on one of the ESPN networks and the first four this season. ESPN is televising 16 games this season and Fresno State will be on 12 times, including every weekend in November ... The coin toss was filled with former FSU athletes " ex Giants pitcher Mark Gardner, former Atlanta third baseman Terry Pendleton, ex-Raven and 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer and ex-wide receiver/kick returner Clifton Smith, who now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers... Fresno State won the toss and elected to kick ... Kenny Ackerman started in place of John Bender at guard.