Nevada’s 49-10 victory over Idaho State was also a blowout victory for fan attendance.
With 23,965 fans, it was the largest home opener since 2013, Nevada Sports Net reported. It was also the largest crowd since Mackay Stadium was renovated in 2016.
In five years as head coach of the Wolf Pack, Jay Norvell had never experienced a crowd this large.
“It was so cool,” Norvell said, according to Nevada Sports Net. “I just loved the fact that we moved the student section to the south end zone and put the band down there as well. It just changes the atmosphere of the stadium. College football is about the kids and the students and their energy, and we could just feel it tonight.”
The team will need large crowds at home as the season progresses, the coach said.
“We’re going to have some great home opponents the rest of the year, and we can’t wait to see our fans continue to grow,” he said.
Nevada had 28 unanswered points in the game against Idaho State.
“Carson Strong had four touchdowns, two to Elijah Cooks. Tristan Nichols had three sacks and Dom Peterson had a fumble recovery for a TD,” fan Matt Hanifan tweeted. “Next up: Kansas State (2-0), who’s good.”
