Nevada Downs UTEP 30-13 for First Mountain West Win

Nevada defeated UTEP 30-13 on Oct. 10, 2026, in El Paso, Texas, securing its first Mountain West Conference win of the season behind 274 rushing yards. The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that the Wolf Pack improved to 1-1 in conference play and 2-3 overall, while the Miners dropped to 0-2 and 1-5.

Nevada Ground Game Dominates First Half in El Paso

Nevada established control early, holding a 13-7 lead at halftime after generating 183 total yards while restricting UTEP to negative-seven yards on the ground, according to Reno Gazette-Journal reporting. Herschel Turner and Dom Kelley anchored the offensive surge, combining for significant yardage as the Wolf Pack ground attack wore down the Miners defense. The Pack had rushed for 132 yards in the first half, while UTEP had 40 total yards of offense before the break.

Turner and Kelley Fuel Wolf Pack Offense

Turner finished the contest with 192 rushing yards on 19 carries, while Kelley added 99 yards on 22 attempts, with both running backs scoring touchdowns for Nevada. Joe McFadden contributed three field goals to round out the scoring, helping the Wolf Pack outgain UTEP 376 to 211 in total offense, which included 102 passing yards for Nevada and 132 passing yards for the Miners. Bianco completed two of three passes for 20 yards, though his injured teammate’s status was not known immediately after the game. The Wolf Pack ran 73 plays compared to 51 for the Miners, controlled time of possession by holding the ball for 35 minutes and 26 seconds against 24 minutes and 34 seconds for UTEP, and recorded 21 first downs to nine for the hosts.

Miners Struggle on Third Down Against Nevada Defense

UTEP quarterback Raymond Moore III completed 16 of 26 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns, but the Miners struggled mightily to sustain drives, converting just one of 14 third-down attempts while the Wolf Pack converted on four of 13 tries. Both teams were called for 15 penalties, with Nevada drawing eight flags for 54 yards and UTEP receiving seven penalties for 79 yards.

Wolf Pack Prepares for North Dakota State Showdown

Nevada hits the road next to face North Dakota State on Oct. 17, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m., as reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal. The Bison enter the matchup carrying a 5-1 record following a 13-7 loss to UNLV where North Dakota State threw three interceptions.

Future Schedule

Following the North Dakota State matchup, Nevada’s 2026 schedule features a home game against San José State on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. on MW+, followed by an away game at UCLA on Oct. 31 with a TBD kickoff time and broadcaster. November brings a home game against New Mexico on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, an away game at Northern Illinois on Nov. 14 at 12:30 p.m. on MW+, a home game against Hawai’i on Nov. 21 with a TBD kickoff time on Fox Networks, and a regular-season finale on the road against UNLV on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.