What Is 2012 Nevada Wolf Pack football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada, Reno in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Brian Polian in his first year, the team finished with a 7–6 record and won the 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against Boston College with a score of 20–13.

Key Facts

The 2012 Nevada Wolf Pack finished the season with a 7–6 overall record
Head coach Brian Polian made his debut in 2012 after Chris Ault's retirement
Nevada defeated Boston College 20–13 in the 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
The team played in the Mountain West Conference starting in 2012
Quarterback Cody Fajardo threw for 2,260 yards and 15 touchdowns that season

Overview

The 2012 Nevada Wolf Pack football season marked a transition year for the University of Nevada, Reno. After legendary head coach Chris Ault retired following the 2011 season, Brian Polian took over as head coach, becoming the first non-Ault leader since 1998. The team competed in its inaugural season as a member of the Mountain West Conference, having moved from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

This season was notable for Nevada’s resilience and bowl eligibility despite a challenging schedule and coaching change. The Wolf Pack finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, securing a spot in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Their postseason victory marked the program’s first bowl win since 2009 and solidified a successful debut season under new leadership.

Record: The team finished with a 7–6 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in Mountain West Conference play during its first year in the league.
Bowl Game: Nevada won the 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on December 29, defeating Boston College 20–13 at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
Head Coach: Brian Polian began his tenure as head coach in 2012, bringing a new defensive mindset after serving as a special teams coordinator at LSU.
Quarterback: Cody Fajardo emerged as a dual-threat leader, throwing for 2,260 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 775 yards.
Conference Shift: 2012 was Nevada’s first season in the Mountain West Conference, a move that increased competition and national exposure.

Season Performance

The 2012 campaign showcased both growing pains and promising breakthroughs under first-year head coach Brian Polian. The Wolf Pack opened the season with a win over Purdue but struggled with consistency, particularly on defense, which allowed over 30 points in five games. However, key victories over rival Fresno State and a strong finish helped secure a bowl berth.

Offensive Output: Nevada averaged 32.2 points per game, ranking 42nd nationally, powered by a balanced rushing and passing attack.
Defensive Challenges: The team allowed 33.5 points per game, the highest average during the Brian Polian era, highlighting areas for improvement.
Key Victory: A 37–13 win over Fresno State in November kept Nevada bowl-eligible and preserved the Governor’s Cup rivalry trophy.
Home Field: The Wolf Pack went 5–1 at Mackay Stadium, continuing a tradition of strong home performance in Reno.
Rushing Attack: The team rushed for 2,347 yards, led by Stefphon Jefferson, who recorded 1,803 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2012 season compared to recent Wolf Pack campaigns:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Head Coach
2010	13–1	8–0 (WAC)	Won Hawaii Bowl	Chris Ault
2011	7–6	4–4 (WAC)	Lost in Hawaii Bowl	Chris Ault
2012	7–6	4–4 (MW)	Won Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl	Brian Polian
2013	4–8	2–6 (MW)	No bowl appearance	Brian Polian
2014	7–6	5–3 (MW)	Lost in Arizona Bowl	Brian Polian

The 2012 season served as a bridge between the dominant Ault era and the rebuilding phase under Polian. While not matching the 13-win peak of 2010, the team maintained bowl eligibility and demonstrated competitiveness in a tougher conference. The win over Boston College provided momentum, though subsequent seasons would struggle to maintain consistency.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Nevada Wolf Pack season was pivotal in shaping the program’s trajectory in the post-Ault era. It represented both continuity and change, with a successful bowl win offering hope for future success in the more competitive Mountain West.

Program Transition: The season marked the end of the Chris Ault dynasty and the beginning of a new coaching philosophy under Brian Polian.
Conference Realignment: Moving to the Mountain West increased travel demands and competition level, affecting scheduling and recruiting.
Player Development: Cody Fajardo’s emergence signaled a shift toward dual-threat quarterbacks as a core offensive strategy.
Bowl Relevance: The win restored pride after a 2011 bowl loss and kept Nevada bowl-eligible for the fifth consecutive season.
Recruiting Impact: Competing in a Power Five-like conference helped attract talent from California and beyond.
Legacy: The 2012 bowl victory remains one of only two in program history outside the Ault era, making it a milestone moment.

In summary, the 2012 Nevada Wolf Pack football team played a crucial role in maintaining the program’s visibility during a coaching transition and conference upgrade. While future seasons faced challenges, this year laid the foundation for continued participation at the FBS level.