BIG WEST ROUNDUP : Big Plays Lead San Jose State Past Nevada

Nose guard Kevin O’Connell went on the offensive Saturday.

O’Connell forced a fumble to set up a touchdown and returned an interception 14 yards for another score as San Jose State defeated Nevada, 39-35, in a Big West game at San Jose.

“Those plays were very big,” said Nathan DuPree, San Jose State tailback. “Without the help of the defense today, it could have been a very different game.”

The Spartans’ offense also did its part in handing Nevada (5-4, 4-1) its first conference loss.

Jeff Garcia threw for two touchdowns and Nathan DuPree gained more than 100 yards for the third consecutive game as San Jose State improved to 6-3, 3-1.

DuPree, who gained 160 yards in 35 carries, caught Garcia’s first touchdown pass, a 33-yarder, to put San Jose State up, 9-7, midway through the second quarter.

Nine seconds later, the Spartans took a 16-7 lead. On the first play of Nevada’s ensuing possession, O’Connell drilled running back Dededric Holmes and the ball popped into the hands of rover back Anthony Washington, who returned the fumble 23 yards for the score.

“That’s a dream for every defensive lineman,” O’Connell said. “I just kind of froze and the thing came right at me. I’ve got the worst hands in the world and I never would have made that catch. I guess it just stuck to my chest.”

Utah State 48, Nevada Las Vegas 8--Anthony Cavillo passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another at Logan, Utah.

Cavillo was 23 of 34 for the Aggies (4-5, 3-1).

UNLV’s loss overshadowed a fine performance by Rebel runner Omar Love, who carried 20 times for 123 yards and the Rebels’ only touchdown--a six-yard scamper with 2:23 left.

The Rebels (4-5, 2-3) self-destructed, turning the ball over a total of six times--five interceptions and a fumble.

Sean Jones started and finished the Aggies scoring. He kicked a 26-yard field goal in the first quarter and added a 52-yard kick with 55 seconds left.