Kaepernick wins WAC honor after another big game

RENO - Colin Kaepernick has been terrorizing opponents all year with his legs and arm, and last weekend was no exception.

Kaeprnick, who became the fifth player in WAC history to rush for and throw for 1,000 yards in a season on Saturday, was honored as the WAC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 147 yards and passing for 192 yards in Nevada's 41-17 win over San Jose State.

Kaepernick has rushed for 1,017 yards and passed for 1,841 yards.

"It's a good feeling personally," Kaepernick said. "I know I could have done a lot better passing-wise.

"So many times when I've broken open I've seen Marko (Mitchell) running wide open. I have the green light if I think I can get to the outside. At times it helps us and other times I guess it would have been better to throw the ball. Our offensive line has done a great job all year, whether it's protecting me or opening up holes on running plays."

Nevada coach Chris Ault said that Kaepernick has done a better job of running the team this year, and that the extra year in the offense has paid tremendous dividends.

"Last year he was a freshman and he got thrown into it (when Nick Graziano was hurt)," Ault said. "He learned more about the offense and has a better understanding what we want him to do. He's done a good job of managing the offense."

Kaepernick is the hottest player in the WAC, and when the season is over, he's bound to be in the running for Player of the Year honors.

"They (Nevada) have a quarterback that is a tremendous running threat and has a great arm," San Jose State coach Dick Tomey said. "He's grown a lot since we played them last year. He's made tremendous improvement.

"Adding that option, the zone read play, has made all the difference in the world. They play to their team's strengths. He (Kaepernick) has such long arms. When a quarterback has long arms, it makes it so much more difficult."

Boise State coach Chris Petersen likened it to defending a triple-option attack in terms of being disciplined.

"It's very much like that," Petersen said. "Everyone has to do their job. If somebody doesn't do their job, you're going to pay for it."