In what may be the longest and most grueling game of the year, Nevada edges out Arkansas State in OT wins 16-13 in the 2018 Arizona Bowl.
For a game that started at noon, this game took quite literally forever. In a battle of defense from start to finish, the Nevada Wolfpack lost every single statistical category except for one- the turnover battle. They were out-gained 483-265.
Quarterback Justin Hansen had a game to forget for sure, throwing three interceptions to not a single touchdown. The only score for the Red Wolves came in the second quarter and was a rushing touchdown by Marcel Murray — his seventh of the season.
For Nevada though, it was even worse in terms of offense. The only score they put up before the final minute was a field goal in the second quarter after they were unable to capitalize in the red zone. They had a few chances late in the game for sure, and it seemed that they were going to be unable to cash in on both of those.
Of course, it is important to note that while the offense in this game was abysmal to say the least, the defense was absolutely amazing for both sides. For a game to sit at 7-3 from the 2nd quarter on is a feat in and of itself. It was until the final two minutes that the Wolfpack got serious on offense and decided to win the game with a touchdown with 1:23 left.
Three interceptions for Nevada is a big deal against quarterback Justin Hansen who has been pretty strong so far this season. That is a Nevada defensive record for a bowl game.
Those interceptions were very easily the difference in this one at least in regulation- you know except the big time gain by Ben Putman that put the Nevada offense on the one yard line. The Arkansas State defense was able to keep Nevada on their heels the entire game. Even bigger though was the field goal as time expired to send this one to overtime, so after the 2nd quarter- both teams waited for the final two minutes to score again and send us to even more football.
So let’s talk overtime. Arkansas State went first and settled for a field goal 13-10. Nevada then did their best and were able to put up a touchdown to show that a true Wolfpack never backs down and never givens up. The player who caught the game winner, Roberson has only three catches on the year. Not a bad third catch for him, huh?
If you love defense, this was the game for you. If you love offense, which is everyone who tuned into this game thinking it would be a shootout, well I’m very sorry for your loss in this one.