Hamstring injury idles Torres

RENO, Nev. » Hawaii free safety Richard Torres left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. UH head coach Greg McMackin said the hamstring was torn.

Before leaving, Torres was credited with three tackles, including dropping Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick for a 3-yard loss on the Wolf Pack's first play from scrimmage.

“;(Losing Torres) really hurt us because he was big in our package,”; McMackin said. “;Early we were controlling their run because we were getting an extra man to the option. And when Torres went down it sort of took us out of our package.”;

Green breaks through

UH running back Alex Green turned in his most productive game of the season with 70 yards on 10 carries. Most of his work came in the second half.

“;He really looked good,”; McMackin said. “;We know he can run. He needs to get better on the blocking, but he is getting better.”;

First lead in a month

Hawaii's opening possession put the Warriors in an unfamiliar position — in the lead.

The Warriors took the opening kickoff and drove 78 yards. When Kealoha Pilares caught an 18-yard pass from Bryant Moniz it marked the first time UH led in more than a month, when they took a 3-0 advantage against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 30.

When Hawaii took a 14-0 lead moments later, it was the Warriors' biggest spread since the win at Washington State on Sept. 12.

Special teams miscues hurt

For the second straight week, issues in the kicking game hampered the Warriors.

A high snap contributed to Alex Dunnachie's 7-yard punt in the second quarter. The miscue gave Nevada the ball at the Hawaii 35, and the Wolf Pack scored the tying touchdown five plays later. The freshman had a 1-yard kick against Boise State the previous week.

After UH closed to within a score in the fourth quarter, the Warriors had trouble executing the ensuing kickoff. Scott Enos' kick went into the end zone for a touchback, but UH was called for being offside. Enos' second kick skittered out of bounds, giving Nevada the ball at its 45. The Wolf Pack then drove for the clinching field goal.

Silva-Purcell victorious in reunion game

For the first time in his career, Nevada linebacker Jared Silva-Purcell could savor a victory over his hometown team. The Saint Louis graduate and cousin of UH defensive end Elliott Purcell played exclusively on special teams yesterday, serving as the Wolf Pack's long snapper and on the kickoff units.

“;It means a lot, it's a big win for the team,”; Silva-Purcell said. “;Every year we came short, so it feels real good.”;