When Nevada lost starting running back Luke Lippincott in the second week of the season to a knee injury, it appeared that the Wolf Pack's Pistol offense might take a hit.

That hasn't been the case, thanks in part to sophomore backup Vai Taua.

Taua, who began the season fourth on Nevada's depth chart, emerged as Lippincott's replacement and wound up leading the WAC in rushing and landing on the all-conference first team.

The sophomore from Lompoc, Calif., ran for 1,420 yards and 14 touchdowns and expects to add to those numbers Tuesday when Nevada (7-5) plays Maryland (7-5) in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl in Bronco Stadium.

"What Vai had to do was a big challenge for him - he had some pretty big shoes to fill," Nevada senior defensive tackle Mundrae Clifton said. "I think he's done that. He's done a great job."

Taua said he never doubted his own abilities, but the accolades were something he never dreamed about this season.

"I don't think anyone really expected the all-league stuff and all that," Taua said. "It's a great honor to have, but I was pretty confident in what I am doing out there."

Taua was consistent and flashy during the season. Here are some of the highlights:

Rushed for three touchdowns in a victory at Idaho.

Ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns and caught five passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to New Mexico State.

Had a 79-yard run and a 160-yard game in a loss at Hawaii.

Ran for a season-high 263 yards and a touchdown in a win against Fresno State.

"Vai is a great back and was just waiting for an opportunity to step in," Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. "He got his opportunity this year, unfortunately it came from an injury to Luke. The way he stepped in and handled it - physically, mentally and all-around - you can't ask for anything more than what he's done this year."

While Taua and his teammates were confident in his abilities, Nevada coach Chris Ault wasn't sure how the 5-foot-10, 225-pounder would handle becoming an every-down back.

"Vai was a guy who we thought was a good back and was going to play some this year," Ault said. "How he'd develop and how fast he'd develop, we didn't know. He's done everything we've asked of him.

"The thing I appreciate about Vai is that he just continues to get better. He's improved. It hasn't been one of those flash-in-the-pan deals. I think he's become a much better runner and he certainly has a much better feel for our offense and has been really an intricate part of what we do."

Ault said Taua and Lippincott are excellent athletes who can catch (Taua has 29 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns). The difference between the duo is how they get the job done.

"Vai is a little bit more powerful than Luke," Ault said. "Vai is a little bigger (225 pounds to Lippincott's 215) with broad shoulders and is a strong-legged kid. Luke is a little bit more of a slasher."

Taua said everything changed when he suddenly became a starter after Lippincott's season-ending injury.

"My mind set was, 'It was time for me to step up' and make changes in play and be a leader on the field," Taua said. "Once you become a starter, the intensity of the game and the whole thing changes because you're no longer in the backseat. You're actually on the field and people and teammates are relying on you."

Taua also said his success largely is due to the offensive line. He said outsiders who thought Lippincott's injury was a death blow to Nevada's unique Pistol offense didn't know about the Pack's front.

"It would have been hard for us to be done just because Luke went down because the real focus of our running game is our O-line," Taua said. "We have a great O-line - I don't think it mattered whose turn it was to step in. Any one of us could have stepped in and got the job done because of our O-line."

Nick Jezierny: 377-6420