Fresno State is a -12 point favorite in today’s game. Fresno State has only been an underdog versus the Spartans just twice (2000, 2006) in the last 15 years. But both of those games were in San Jose. The closest game at Bulldog Stadium in the Pat Hill era was a 24-21 Bulldog victory in 1998.
Fresno State had its worst team in decades in 2006. In addition, Tom Brandstater stated that last years game at SJSU was his worst ever. In spite of these shortfalls, the Spartans were only able to beat the Bulldogs by 10 points.
FRESNO STATE
What to look for on offense: Short to mid-range passing game…Everybody is saying the Bulldogs are a running team. No, they are a balanced team. It has just been that the last two games the running game has been so powerful there has been no need to chuck the ball down field. Against two of the conference’s best cornerbacks, look for Brandstater to pick apart the defense using short and mid-range throws over the middle or in the flats to his outlet receivers.
Who to look for on offense: The Bear…Bear Pascoe is the best tight end in the WAC, and maybe the nation. Few if any linebackers can cover him. And may God help any safety trying to bring him down in the open field. With the cornerbacks attempting to shutdown the outside, Pascoe will be able to roam free over the middle.
What to look for on defense: Interceptions…The Spartans throw them and the ‘Dogs have yet to catch one this season.
Who to look for on defense: Jon Monga…There has not been a better performer on the defensive line this season for the ‘Dogs. His relentless pressure on passing downs give the Bulldogs the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the conference and perhaps on the West Coast.
SAN JOSE STATE
What to look for on offense: Passing…And more passing. San Jose State has no run game whatsoever. Their only option is to test the Bulldogs secondary and make some big plays.
Who to look for on offense: Adam Tafralis…There are few better quarterbacks in the WAC. Tafralis can pick apart defenses if given time to throw. In addition, the Bulldogs have not forced opposing quarterbacks to throw too many bad passes.
What to look for on defense: Shutdown corners…SJSU has two of the best cornerbacks in the West. Moreover, the Spartans will put them on an island against Fresno State’s receivers. This will allow SJSU to bring its safeties up to help in run support.
Who to look for on defense: Dwight Lowery…The All-American CB has a knack for intercepting passes. He got his ninth pick of the season against Brandstater and Fresno State last year. He will be looking for his fourth on the year this week.
PREDICTION
Fresno State is improving each week. This week will be no different and the offense and defense will continue to minimize mistakes. The biggest question marks in today’s game are, who will win the turnover battle and who will convert big plays?
FS has been able to cause fumbles, but SJSU has only fumbled once all season. Tafralis throws interceptions, but the Bulldog secondary can get a pick to save its life.
If the Bulldogs protect the football and run their offense, it will be tough for SJSU to keep up. Especially if the Spartans cough up the football, if so, it could get ugly. However, SJSU is capable of making big plays on offense, defense, and special teams. The Spartans will need a few of those in order to keep this one close.
EA Sports NCAA 2008 says: Fresno State 33, San Jose State 17
BarkBoard.com says: Fresno State 38, San Jose State 17
©Copyright 2007, BarkBoard.com and Scout.com. All rights reserved.