The Series

Fresno State's 2005 win over Boise State in Bulldog Stadium was a rare feat by a WAC team. In fact, that is one of only two WAC losses for the Broncos in the last 50 games. The ‘Dogs and Broncos have met 10 times, with Boise State holding a slight 6-4 edge. Boise State has won three of the four games played in Boise in the series. The ‘Dogs to have two wins on the Blue turf since 2004, beating No. 18 Virginia in the 2004 MPC Computers Bowl and a win over Georgia Tech, 40-28, in the 2007 Roady's Humanitarian Bowl played at Bronco Stadium.

It is all about running the football. The Bulldog offense was stagnating for three quarters last week at San Jose State totaling -13 yards rushing at the half. But the ‘Dogs came alive during two fourth quarter scoring drives and erupted for 142 yards rushing on those drives – 184 rush yards in the second half – pulling away from the Spartans 24-10.

This week FS hopes to continue its run game behind a reworked offensive line. Left guard Charley Robbins had a stellar game against SJSU. He is expected to start this week at Boise, which would be his first career start. In his last two games, Robbins has displayed the drive that Fresno State is accustomed to seeing from the left guard spot the last four years in starters Ryan Wendell and Cole Popovich. Wendell graduated last season and Popovich suffered a season-ending injury in week two. To say Robbins should help the run game this week would be an understatement. The real question is why has it taken for so long for him to reach the field?

Marlon Moore should be back to full strength after finally seeing some game action last week against Spartans. Along with a healthy Chastin West, Devon Wylie, and Jason Crawley, the receiving corps looks its best since before UCLA. Seyi Ajirotutu and Rashad Evans have been the most consistent of late, and should see plenty of balls thrown their way this week.

Jon Monga’s career as a Bulldog is over after re-injuring his knee against SJSU. But the defensive line did okay without him the last half versus the Spartans. The young players know they must play to win this week. There is no room to just hold on until Monga returns. The defense will face its stiffest test all season against the Broncos. Without a stable pass rush, BSU will have a field day against the ‘Dogs.

Boise State

Winners of their first 11 games of the season, Boise State looks for its third undefeated season in five years. The key to Boise State’s success has been an explosive offense that averages 37.5 points per game and a smothering defense that ranks No. 5 in the nation, allowing 12.5 points per game. Freshman quarterback Kellen Moore leads the WAC and ranks 13th in the NCAA in passing efficiency (160.3). He has thrown 23 touchdowns against nine interceptions this season while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. Running back Ian Johnson ranks third in the WAC in rushing touchdowns with 10.