What Is 1968 Nevada Wolf Pack football team

Overview

The 1968 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada, Reno during the 1968 NCAA College Division football season. Competing in the Far Western Conference, the team struggled on the field, finishing with a 2–8 overall record and a 1–3 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Jerry Scattini, in his third year at the helm, the Wolf Pack faced a challenging schedule that included both regional rivals and stronger collegiate programs. The team played its home games at Mackay Stadium, a venue that has hosted Nevada football since 1908 and remains central to the program’s identity.

• Season record: The team finished with a 2–8 overall record, reflecting a difficult campaign marked by offensive struggles and defensive vulnerabilities.
• Conference performance: In the Far Western Conference, the Wolf Pack went 1–3, securing only one conference win during the season.
• Head coach:Jerry Scattini was in his third season as head coach, having taken over in 1966 after serving as an assistant under previous leadership.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Mackay Stadium, located on the university’s campus in Reno, Nevada, with a capacity of approximately 10,000 at the time.
• Scoring summary: The team scored 145 total points while allowing 279 points, averaging 14.5 points per game and giving up 27.9 per game.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1968 season was defined by a mix of close losses and decisive defeats, with the Wolf Pack showing flashes of competitiveness but lacking consistency. Several games were decided by single digits, indicating potential despite the final record.

• Season opener: Nevada lost to Cal State Los Angeles 21–14 in a tightly contested non-conference matchup on September 14.
• Conference win: The team’s lone conference victory came against Idaho State, winning 20–17 in a hard-fought contest.
• Notable loss: A 41–7 defeat to San Diego State highlighted the gap between Nevada and stronger programs in the region.
• Offensive struggles: The team failed to score more than 20 points in six games, indicating ongoing issues with offensive execution.
• Defensive challenges: Nevada allowed 30 or more points in four separate games, underscoring difficulties in containing opposing offenses.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1968 Nevada Wolf Pack season compares to other years in the late 1960s:

The 1968 season marked a low point in Scattini’s tenure, as the team regressed slightly from previous years. However, by 1970, Nevada showed significant improvement, indicating that the program was evolving despite short-term setbacks.

Why It Matters

While the 1968 season was not a standout year for Nevada football, it remains a part of the program’s historical development and reflects the challenges of mid-tier college football in that era. Understanding these seasons helps contextualize the Wolf Pack’s later successes and growth.

• Program continuity: The 1968 team contributed to the long-term development of the Nevada football program under consistent leadership.
• Coaching evolution: Jerry Scattini’s tenure laid groundwork for future coaches, including the transition to more competitive eras in the 1970s.
• Historical context: The season illustrates the competitive landscape of NCAA College Division football before the FCS subdivision existed.
• Stadium legacy: Playing at Mackay Stadium reinforced the importance of home-field tradition in Reno.
• Player development: Many athletes from this era helped build a culture of perseverance despite limited resources.
• Conference dynamics: Competing in the Far Western Conference placed Nevada among regional rivals, shaping future scheduling and rivalries.