CSU Holds Off Nevada, 31-24

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Garrett Grayson passed for 326 yards and three touchdowns and Colorado State held off a late rally to preserve a 31-24 win over Nevada Saturday night.

The Rams fashioned a 28-point lead in the third quarter, then held on as the Wolf Pack scored 21 second-half point.

Colorado State (5-1, 1-1 Mountain West) used an efficient passing attack that manhandled one of the worst passing defenses in the nation through three quarters.

After Nevada (3-3, 1-2 Mountain West) and the Rams failed to score in the opening quarter, Grayson took control, completing 9-for-10 for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the second quarter.

Grayson connected with wide receiver Rashard Higgins on two touchdowns (42 and 51 yards). Higgins led his team with 10 receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns

Grayson finished 26-for-36 and Dee Hart added 90 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown.

Cody Fajardo was 27-for-50 for 297 yards two touchdowns and one interception for Nevada.

The interception secured victory for the Rams after Nevada nearly completed its comeback.

Nevada trailed 31-3 in the third quarter until Fajardo ran 13-yards for a touchdown with 2:13 left.

Fajardo threw for two fourth quarter touchdowns to Hasaan Henderson and Richy Turner. With 4:56 left in the fourth quarter Fajardo started a Nevada drive that got to the Rams' 10-yard line.

Fajardo connected on a deep pass to wide receiver Jerico Richardson that would have tied the game, but was called back for offensive pass interference. Richardson was Fajardo's favorite target, grabbing 10 passes for 122 yards.

Deandre Elliott intercepted a Fajardo lob pass to the left corner of the end zone with 46 second left to preserve the Rams' victory.

The interception was Nevada's only turnover in the game.

Fajardo moved to second all-time on Nevada's total offense list, passing David Neill (11,145 yards). Colin Kaepernick ranks first with 14,210 total yards.

- By EMERSON MARCUS, Associated Press

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