Brandon Talton became Nevada’s all-time leading scorer when he kicked a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter Saturday against Wyoming.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
Wyoming scored in every quarter Saturday at Mackay Stadium to roll over Nevada, 42-6, in the Pack’s season finale.
The Wolf Pack finished the 2023 season 2-10 overall and 2-6 in Mountain West play.
While Nevada’s season ends with the loss, the Cowboys will await word sometime during the following weeks of their bowl selection.
Nevada’s points came from the foot of Brandon Talton. He became Nevada’s all-time leading scorer with his 40-yard field goal in the first quarter, passing Marty Zendejas’ mark of 385 points.
With his two field goals of 40 and 47 yards, Talton ends his career with 390 points.
Quarterback Shane Illingworth saw his first action of the season and completed 15-of-27 passes for 175 yards and an interception. He entered the game in the first quarter after Brendon Lewis left with an ankle injury.
Illingworth spread the passes around. Nine Wolf Pack receivers made a reception, with Spencer Curtis leading the team with five catches for 70 yards. Freshman wide receiver Nate Burleson II made the first catches of his career, finishing with two receptions for 18 yards.
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kola Babalola also caught his first pass of the year for four yards.
Nevada, though, had a season-low 18 yards rushing.
Jamaal Bell became Nevada’s all-time leader in kickoff-return yardage, passing Mike Ball’s mark of 1,695. Bell returned two kicks for 35 yards, bringing his career total to 1,712 yards.
The Nevada offense coughed up the ball twice, one on an interception and the other on a fumble. Wyoming converted the two turnovers into touchdowns.
Safety Emany Johnson shined on defense and made a career-high 13 tackles (10 solo) to lead the Wolf Pack. Linebacker Drue Watts made a sack among his six tackles on the night.
PACK AWARDS
Nevada announced its end-of-season award winners at the team banquet Sunday at the Eldorado Resort & Casino.
Golden Helmet Award (Team MVP)
Emany Johnson, S
Offense Co-MVPs
Jamaal Bell, WR/RB
Dalevon Campbell, WR
Outstanding Defensive Player
Tongiaki Mateialona, LB
BattleBorn Award (Special Teams MVP)
Brandon Talton, K
Captains' Awards
James Hansen, DL
Brendon Lewis, QB
Andrew Madrigal, OL
Drue Watts, LB
Scout Team Players of the Year
Adam Weynand (Offense)
Marquis Ashley (Defense)
Donoven DeRicco (Special Teams)
Chris Exline Academic Award
Zac Welch, OL (Senior)
Sosefo Moeaki, DL (Junior)
Kola Babalola, WR (Sophomore)
Jax Leatherwood, QB (Freshman)
Nevadatude Award
Nick Barcelos, LS
Jackson LaDuke, LB
Zac Welch, OL
Thomas Witte, DE
Fireman Award
Michael Coats Jr., CB
Newcomer of the Year
Sean Dollars, RB (Offense)
KK Meier, CB (Defense)
Basalite Big Blocker Awards
Andrew Madrigal (at SDSU, Overall)
Zac Welch (vs. New Mexico)
Alpha Wolf Strength Award
Cade Rodahaffer, OL