The "Taua of Powa" Runs Over UNLV

It was a big night for Nevada's Vai Taua as the Wolf Pack (5-0) beat UNLV 44-28 and remained undefeated and in the Top 25. The "Taua of Powa" rushed for three touchdowns and caught a pass for a fourth as the Wolf Pack rolled up 516 total yards, 374 on the ground. QB Colin Kaepernick had 97 yards rushing and 124 yards passing with one touchdown in the air and another on the ground.

Most importantly, Kaepernick now has 48 rushing touchdowns and, with eight remaining regular season games, needs only 11 more touchdowns to tie the all-time NCAA record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. He has already surpassed Tim Tebow's career rushing yardage mark.

UNLV managed only 80 yards on the ground but had nearly 300 yards of total offense as their quarterback Omar Clayton proved to be elusive, accurate, and very fast.

Nevada retained possession of the precious Fremont Canon, the heaviest and most expensive "trophy" in college football.

In a moment of some concern, UNLV player Michael Johnson appeared to have been knocked out briefly after a massive hit by Nevada linebacker James Michael Johnson that forced a fumble. In a remarkable display of courtesy and good sportsmanship, the Nevada player took a knee just yards from the injured UNLV player and just feet from the Rebel bench. Given the intense rivalry between the teams, this display of good sportsmanship was praiseworthy. Fortunately, the UNLV player was not seriously injured and able to return to play.

The Nevada Wolf Pack, keeping pace with the undefeated Boise State Broncos, now moves on to conference play and will face San Jose State in Reno next week. If both Nevada and Boise State remain undefeated, this will set up what would surely be one of the best games of the entire college football season in Reno on November 26.

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Q&A w/ Rebel's Isaako Aaitui

When UNLV senior defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui first came to the United States from American Samoa in 2006, he spoke little English, knew nothing about Las Vegas and was still learning how to play football.
But Mike Sanford, then the Rebels' coach, saw enormous potential, calling Aaitui a "young Junior Seau."

The 6-foot-3-inch, 315-pound Aaitui, who grew up in Western Samoa, has blossomed into one of UNLV's top players and leaders.

Off the field, Aaitui -- who has two brothers with special needs -- volunteers for Opportunity Village.
Aaitui, whose Rebels (0-1) play at No. 20 Utah (1-0) at 1 p.m. PDT Saturday, spoke to the Review-Journal:

1. What was the experience like when you first began to play football?

I looked like a kid who had no idea what was going on. My high school coach wanted me to be a punter and a field-goal kicker. But he thought of the size and potential I had and put me at defensive end, and in the first game I had five sacks. I don't know how that happened. I had no idea what a great game was. I was just going after the guy who had the ball.

2. Did your coach want you to be a kicker because you were a rugby player?

Yes, I played rugby in Western Samoa. I was like 200 pounds, so they saw me as a kicker and a punter. I was thin, a little bit taller -- 6-4. But now I'm 6-3. I think I had too much weight after that. It brought me down a little bit.

3. What did you think when UNLV recruited you?

I had no idea about scholarships. I didn't have a lot of money. So when they showed up, I was like, "What do I say now?"

4. Did you know much about Las Vegas?

I never heard of Las Vegas. On my recruiting trip I thought, "Man, I have never seen a city like this in my life." I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know it was Sin City and the most famous city in America until a couple of years ago.

5. Why did you choose UNLV?

The lights of Las Vegas got my attention, and I wanted to stay here. I thought, "This is it. This is my dream."

6. How difficult is it to be so far from home?

It's hard. I think a lot of Polynesian kids feel homesick. I haven't seen my family for six years. I haven't been back since. ... Last year when the island got hit by the tsunami, it was really tough, and that's when we played Reno. I called back after the game, and they said they were fine. It's so expensive (to travel back). That's a big issue for me. We would have to pay a fortune to go back home.

7. How long did it take you to feel comfortable speaking English?

It took me one year, although I still mumble sometimes. No one translated to me. I just figured it out.

8. Was it difficult to learn the playbook and understand coaches' signals?

It was really tough. I asked some of the seniors how they learned. They learned it by walking through the plays. The most important thing is to know every position in the defense ... what they're going to do and what you're going to do.

9. How satisfying is volunteering at Opportunity Village?

I love visiting and talking to the kids. I have two brothers who kind of have the same problem. I (would be) glad to go back and serve them after I graduate. I love to help.

10. How important are your brothers to you?

I've got to do things that make them happy. When I was in the seventh grade, my mom passed away and I was the oldest in my family. My brothers looked up to me. The thing I still carry in my heart is to help.

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