FACTS AND FIGURES

Where: Reno (227,511)

Founded: 1874

Enrollment: 18,000

Colors: Navy blue and silver

Nickname: Wolf Pack

Record: 7-4, 4-3 Mountain West

Last game: Defeated New Mexico 31-24 on Nov. 17 in Albuquerque

COACH

Chris Ault is 233-107-1 in 28 seasons spread across three tenures at Nevada. He was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 2002 but likely will be best remembered for what he’s done since then. He returned to the sideline in 2004 and rejuvenated a sagging football program — inventing the pistol offense and leading the Pack to a landmark 13-1 record and WAC co-championship in 2010.

OFFENSE

The Wolf Pack’s high-powered attack has returned to its consistently productive ways this season after a down year in 2011. They have scored at least 30 points in every game to rank 16th in the nation with 38.5 points per game. They also generate 509.5 yards per game, which ranks 10th, and 263 rushing yards per game, which ranks seventh.

Sophomore quarterback Cody Fajardo, who didn’t play against Boise State last year, is third in the conference in pass efficiency with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also is seventh in rushing at 90 yards per game.

Junior tailback Stefphon Jefferson also is dynamic, ranking second in the nation with 142.2 rushing yards per game and tied for third with 126 points (21 TDs).

DEFENSE

Defense has been the Achilles’ heel of the Nevada program — and it is again this year. The Pack have allowed at least 30 points six times this season, including 40 points per game over the past five games. The rushing defense ranks 111th at 213 yards per game. The pass defense hasn’t produced turnovers (four interceptions) but ranks second in the Mountain West in holding opponents to a 54.2 completion rate.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Senior punt returner Khalid Wooten ranks second in the nation with a 16.4-yard average. He doesn’t have a touchdown, but has frequently produced long returns. The kickoff unit ranks last in the Mountain West and the punt team is seventh, so there could be some opportunities for the Broncos to make a big play there. Kicker Allen Hardison missed the Pack’s last game with an injury. He is 7-of-8 on field goals and 47-of-48 on PATs this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

The winning team has scored 30 points or more in every Boise State-Nevada game since the Wolf Pack won 17-14 in 1991 in Reno.

Chadd Cripe: 377-6398