FRESNO STATE (1-0) at Utah State (1-1)

Bulldogs at Aggies
Saturday, 5 p.m.
Romney Stadium (25,513)

TV: KAIL

Quarterbacks
It’s far too early to talk about national stats leaders, but Fresno State senior QB Ryan Colburn (6-3, 220) leads the WAC and is second in the NCAA with a 208.1 passer rating after one game. It was well documented during fall camp that Colburn looked different — improved passer with more command — in practice and if the season-opening 28-14 win over two-time defending Big East champ Cincinnati is any indication, those observations were correct. Colburn was 18 of 24 for 247 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception. Last year he was a manageable QB – this year he might be the type of QB who can carry a team to victory.

It’s widely known by now how lethal senior Diondre Borel (6-0, 190) can be, especially for a defense like Fresno State’s that has traditionally struggled against mobile QBs. And Borel is as mobile as they come – even on a ‘Dogs schedule that also includes Zach Collaros (Cincinnati), Jeremiah Masoli (Ole Miss) and Colin Kaepernick (Nevada). But Borel can also throw it, as his 596 yards and 3 touchdowns in two games this year shows. He’s completed 61% of his passes, but has tossed 3 picks. The Bulldogs’ defense is familiar with what Borel can do (he’s caused it fits two straight years) and have a lot of respect for his ability. Last year against the ‘Dogs, Borel threw for 240 yards and ran for 105. This game will go a long way toward determining which school has the better QB.
Edge: Even

Running Backs
The Bulldogs endured some tough-to-swallow news this week when Pat Hill announced starting RB sophomore Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185) won’t play on Saturday because of injury. Rouse had a disappointing opener, averaging just 2 yards per carry, but that may have been more the fault of the offensive line than Rouse. With one elusive sophomore sidelined, another elusive sophomore gets his first career start in A.J. Ellis (5-11, 180). Ellis had 1 carry for 6 yards out of the “hound” formation (Fresno State’s wildcat) in the opener, and has just 3 runs for 13 yards in his career. He spent most of camp as the fourth-string back, but is a danger in the passing game, especially out of shotgun formation. Thanks to being healthier than his teammates on the unit, he’s shot up the depth chart and will have a chance to emerge as an every-down runner. That said, expect senior Tracy Slocum (5-10, 205), a Fresno native who transferred from Cal, to get his first action in Bulldog Red. He sat out the opener with turf toe but is expected back for Utah State. Slocum rushed for 125 yards in 2008 for Cal. Slocum’s power running game should be the perfect ingredient to mix in with Ellis’ speed. Sophomore Michael Harris (5-10, 200) is the other back to keep an eye on. He’s been a stud the past two years in scrimmages, and should see his most significant playing time. Harris had 11 carries for 26 yards against UC Davis last year.

Utah State also has been hit hard by injury at RB, as returning 1,000-yard rusher Robert Turbin (138 yards against the ‘Dogs last year) is out for the season. There’s no doubt the Aggies would like to establish the run on Saturday, something they haven’t been as successful with as they’d like. But the cupboard’s not empty – in fact, it’s running back by committee. Senior starter Michael Smith (5-9, 195) leads the team with 134 yards rushing (6.7 per carry) and senior Derrvin Speight (5-9, 209) isn’t far behind with 121 yards (4.2 per carry). Second-string sophomore Kerwynn Williams (5-9, 185) has just 32 yards on 7 rushes.
Edge: Even

Receivers
The injury bug hit Fresno State even harder at WR, though there’s more depth. Senior Devon Wylie (5-9, 185), the fastest WR in school history with a 4.25 40-yard dash, had foot surgery and could miss half or all of the season. Wylie made two spectacular catches in the opener, including a 28-yard, leaping touchdown in double coverage. The most comparable replacement option, as far as skill set, is true freshman Jalen Saunders (5-9, 160), who had an 18-yard grab in his first college game. Saunders doesn’t quite have Wylie speed (in the 40 at least), but he’ll be one of the school’s fastest ever by the time his career is over, and is already a major deep threat. Redshirt freshman A.J. Johnson (6-0, 180) and junior J.J. Stallworth (5-11, 185) are the other options. Neither has a college catch yet, but Hill is very high on Johnson’s potential and Stallworth has the bloodlines (younger brother of NFL’s Donte Stallworth). The two sure things for the ‘Dogs will be junior Jamel Hamler (6-2, 195) and sophomore Rashad Evans (5-9, 180). Hamler had a highlight touchdown grab in the opener, jumping backward in traffic in the corner of the end zone, and Evans sprinted up the seam for a 59-yard score of his own. The two combined for 9 catches and 124 yards. Hamler was second on the team with 503 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.

Junior Utah State WR Matt Austin (6-2, 198) was expected to be Borel’s top target this season but was lost to a knee injury against Oklahoma after making 1 catch for 59 yards. Austin was predicted as WAC newcomer of the year by Blue Ribbon’s preseason magazine. Now, the Aggies will roll with sophomore Dontel Watkins (6-2, 193) and junior Xavier Martin (5-11, 195), who lead the team with 139 and 114 yards respectively. Each had a touchdown. Watch also for freshman Travis Reynolds (6-0, 169) who has 7 catches for 70 yards. This group came up with some big catches against Oklahoma’s secondary, but may have tougher sledding against a Bulldogs unit that looks much improved in press coverage and tackling.
Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive Line
The biggest shock of the opener was the line’s poor performance in the running game, allowing the team to rush for just 1.6 yards per carry – when’s the last time that happened? With five returning starters, and a boatload of depth returning, don’t expect to see that again. The line has three legit first-team All-WAC candidates in RG Andrew Jackson (6-6, 295), RT Kenny Wiggins (6-7, 315) and C Joey Bernardi (6-2, 285). Jackson was a first-team honoree last season and is an All-America candidate, while Wiggins earned second-team All-WAC.

Utah State’s line is holding up well after two games, helping the rushing attack average 4.2 yards per carry and allowing just 4 sacks. And that’s with two seniors, two juniors and a freshman, Tyler Larsen (6-4, 298), starting at center. The biggest question is whether the Aggies tackles can slow Fresno State’s edge pass rush. And Larsen will have his hands full with the Bulldogs’ big, veteran interior linemen.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
If the defensive front continues to play with the type of tenacity it had against Cincinnati, the Bulldogs are on their way to a big, big season. Junior DT Logan Harrell (6-2, 275) had one of the most unsuspected breakout performances in Hill’s tenure, recording 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss against mobile Cincinnati QB Zach Collaros. Senior DE Chris Carter (6-2, 240) was just as ruthless with 3 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Both also forced fumbles. Carter will be a mismatch for his counterpart all season with his speed off the edge, and Harrell should have opportunities with the amount of attention senior DT Cornell Banks (6-3, 310) will command at scrimmage. And if senior DE Chris Lewis (6-3, 260) plays with a high motor, this front four will rival Boise State’s for best in the WAC. A leaner Lewis added 0.5 sacks and 3 tackles in the opener.

To put into perspective how well the Bulldogs front four played in their opener, Utah State’s front four combines for just 1.5 sacks – less than two individual Bulldogs have on their own in one game. Though senior DT Sean Enesi (5-11, 286) is a team captain, his battery mate senior DT Daniel Gurrola (6-1, 282) has been the most impressive so far with 8 tackles and a sack. Enesi has four tackles, but will try to clog the middle against a Bulldogs’ offensive line that owns a tremendous size advantage.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Another breakout occurred at LB with a speedier, lean sophomore SLB Travis Brown (6-2, 235), a former four-star recruit who played as a reserve as a true freshman last season. Brown was second on the team with 8 tackles in the opener, including a sack for an 8-yard loss out of zone coverage. His closing speed in reacting to developing plays is night-and-day from last season. And, of course, Utah State will have to deal with returning first-team All-WAC senior MLB Ben Jacobs (6-4, 240), who had 7 tackles against Cincinnati and has more than 300 in his career.

Another hard-hit injury position could be LB for the Aggies, with standout junior Junior Keiaho (6-3, 243) in doubt for Saturday. Keiaho has 5 tackles, a sack and a pick this year. Junior rover Bobby Wagner (6-1, 230) leads the team with 18 tackles and junior Kyle Gallagher (6-0, 214) is tied for second with 13 stops.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
Another position, another breakout performance – and this one was predicted many months ago by The Bounce. Sophomore CB Jermaine Thomas (5-11, 190) emerged as the team’s first true lockdown corner in years. He’s strong enough to play physical, press coverage that ‘Dogs fans aren’t used to seeing and had 5 tackles in his first career start. When his man makes a catch, Thomas makes the tackle – and quick. His own team often avoided throwing his way throughout fall camp scrimmage situations. And how ‘bout senior CB Desia Dunn (5-9, 195) showing he could get up to scrimmage and play physical at times too? Dunn led the team with 11 tackles and delivered the biggest hit of the night, popping his own helmet off in the process. The ‘Dogs are very strong at safety as well, with the run stuffer and hardest hitter in senior FS Lorne Bell (5-10, 210) and sophomore SS Phillip Thomas (6-1, 205), who has good enough coverage skills to play nickelback. Thomas is an upgrade over the departed Moses Harris, who was a two-time All-WAC honoree.

A local native has emerged as one of Utah State’s top CBs in senior Curtis Marsh (6-1, 193) of Golden Valley High-Merced. He has 8 tackles along with senior CB Chris Randle (5-11, 187), who also has 0.5 sacks and an interception. The Aggies have 4 picks on the young season. Junior SS Walter McClenton (5-11, 193) is tied for second on the team with 13 tackles. The Aggies like to play physical, pressure defense against the pass, a characteristic of coach Gary Andersen, and will challenge the Bulldogs wideouts early.
Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
With Wylie out in the return game, true freshman WR Isaiah Burse (5-11, 180) is listed as kick returner along with Hamler. Hamler is likely to be used as a blocker. Evans will assume punt return duties (as he should have in the first place). After one game, the ‘Dogs have to be pleased with P Andrew Shapiro, who averaged 40 yards on 8 punts, including 2 inside the 20. It was also encouraging to see LB Kyle Knox flying downfield in kick coverage and making big tackles. That enthusiasm is contagious. Junior K Kevin Goessling didn’t attempt a field goal in the opener, but Utah State fans remember him well for nailing a game-winning 58-yarder (Fresno State all-time record) in the Bulldogs’ last trip to Logan in 2008. Goessling is up for the Lou Groza Award once again this year as the nation’s top kicker.

Utah State boasts perhaps the WAC’s most powerful punter in senior Peter Caldwell (6-4, 228), who averages 46.3 yards per attempt and has booted 4 of 9 punts more than 50 yards and placed 4 inside the 20. Caldwell is 2 of 4 on field goals, with a long of 40 yards. Kerwynn Williams averages 28.7 yards per kick return, and 11 yards per punt return. It’ll be interesting to keep an eye on him as the Bulldogs shut down Cincinnati in kick and punt coverage. If the game comes down to a field goal, it’ll be the Bulldogs’ advantage.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Fresno State coach Pat Hill is the grandfather of WAC coaches in his 14th season at Fresno State, and has won 101 games. He has a ton of respect for Utah State after seeing them play the ‘Dogs so closely the past two seasons and should have the team amped up for the game. Utah State coach Gary Andersen has this program looking better than it ever has in the WAC – which has never been good – in just his second season. His a defensive-minded coach and nearly led the Aggies to a season-opening win at Oklahoma.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
If ever there were some intangibles to talk about – whew! With Fresno State accepting an offer to join the Mountain West Conference, Utah State and the other remaining WAC schools feel betrayed. And the ‘Dogs better believe they’ll use it for motivation, and the fans will feed off it in Logan. Romney Stadium seats only 25,513, but the students are great fans at Utah State and will make plenty of noise to create a hostile road environment. That said, Fresno State is well aware of how dangerous the Aggies’ offense can be, and won’t be caught off guard. There’s a lot on the line for the Bulldogs, who could very well move into the Top 25 with a win (they’re currently 27th in the AP poll).
Edge: Aggies

**Photos by Cary Edmondson

Utah State Film Room

OK, so it's always tough to get a true feel for a game based on one team's highlight package, but take a gander at Utah State in its opener at No. 7 Oklahoma to get an idea for what the Aggies do:



Then take a look at the highlight package from the Oklahoma perspective to get an idea of how Utah State is vulnerable:



Then take a look at this distraught Oklahoma fan after the game (I don't advise watching more than a few seconds) for kicks and giggles:

Grading the 'Dogs (5-3, 4-1) vs. Utah State (2-6, 1-3)

Quarterbacks: C+
Ryan Colburn's hot and cold periods aren't helping the 'Dogs. He started the game on fire, ended the first half with three head-scratching plays and an interception, rebounded in the second half and then disappeared the final 10 minutes or so. 1 TD, 1 pick. Average at best.

Running Backs: A
Eight yards per carry for Ryan Mathews. 185 yards total. Two touchdowns. A 46-yard scamper. Mathews was the reason Fresno State won, and his big-play ability was on display all day, the Bulldogs just didn't give it to him enough in the first quarter (he was supposedly hurting a bit). But just one carry for Lonyae Miller and none for Robbie Rouse? That's hard to figure out, especially considering Mathews was sidelined for a couple short stretches.

Receivers: B
In our game preview on Friday, we said Seyi Ajirotutu had developed into a big-time college wideout -- a statement that proved prophetic with his 7 catches for 124 yards and a clutch 18-yard TD on third and long. Jamel Hamler was a playmaker for the second straight week with 5 grabs for 53 yards, again seeing an increased role because of Devon Wylie's injury. But Chastin West's third-down drop of an easy catch on a quick slant hurt bad in the first half. And Marlon Moore disappeared again.

Offensive Line: A
The 'Dogs dominated in the trenches and you don't have to take our word for it. Utah State coach Gary Andersen said the same in this week's WAC teleconference. The 'Dogs averaged 7 yards per carry as a team, and Colburn was protected well all day -- no sacks allowed.

Defensive Line: C+
At times, it was like watching a Pop Warner game where the really fast kid literally runs circles around the other kids. The defensive front was in Diondre Borel's face all game, but he just ran away, behind and around them and made plays. Logan Harrell had the game's only sack, but Utah State had allowed 20 sacks on the year. Credit Cornell Banks (3 tackles) and this group for stuffing the run up the middle for the most part, and credit Chris Carter for 10 tackles and 3.5 tackles for losses.

Linebackers: C
Still confused why the 'Dogs leave three linebackers on the field so often instead of putting more speed out there with an extra defensive back? These guys were in a tough predicament, but struggled in pass coverage in the first half, and had trouble consistently sticking to their option assignments.

Defensive Backs: C
Becoming more and more impressed with Isaiah Green as he's getting more opportunities to play. He had the only pass breakup of the game. After three straight standout performances by Desia Dunn, he got burned early by Stanley Morrison. Lack of aggression in the secondary was a big reason why 'Dogs weren't stopping drives in first half.

Special Teams: C+
Give tons of credit to Kevin Goessling for nailing a 50-yard field goal -- his second straight 50-plus-yarder in as many years against Utah State. But A.J. Jefferson fumbling a kick return away just before halftime almost cost the 'Dogs the ballgame. Robert Malone's punt that was downed at the 1-yard line in crunch time was definitely a game-changer.

Coaching: C
Credit this staff for amping the 'Dogs up at halftime and spurring a second-half shutout of the Aggies, but first-half playcalling was confusing and it took too long to make defensive adjustments. No matter how many were stacked in the box, Aggies couldn't stop the run, so why did the 'Dogs go away from it so early? Make 'em prove they can stop it first.


***Photo courtesy of Juan Villa.

Preview: Utah State (2-5, 1-2) @ Fresno State (4-3, 2-1)

Quarterbacks
Edge: Aggies

Now more than ever, Fresno State coaches have to be questioning if they’ve got the right Bulldog starting under center. Junior lefty Ryan Colburn (6-3, 220) hasn’t looked capable of winning a game with the pass since Wisconsin – and even that one the Bulldogs lost on a Colburn interception in overtime. While Colburn’s leadership skills, poise and Bulldog spirit are unquestionable, his first half showing this past Saturday at New Mexico State won’t cut it against tougher competition. Colburn fumbled early before throwing a poor pass that was intercepted in the end zone, and he was nearly picked off again at the goal line moments later. It was a surprising series of mistakes considering Colburn was coming off two straight ultra-efficient starts with no turnovers. For the year, he’s passed for 1,191 yards (59%), 11 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. True freshman Derek Carr (6-3, 190) continues to impress. Carr was 4 of 6 in the fourth quarter at New Mexico State, and is 10 of 14 (71%) for 112 yards on the season.

Utah State counters with one of the WAC’s less known quarterbacks, but also one of its most dangerous – especially to a team like Fresno State with a history of trouble defending scrambler. Junior Diondre Borel (6-0, 187) was known mostly for his running ability last season when he had 12 carries for 74 yards and a score against the Bulldogs, but this season has thrown for 1,681 yards, 10 touchdowns and just 1 interception. The downside? Borel has completed just 57% of his throws. But that’s not as glaring a weakness when he has run for 237 yards and 4 touchdowns. Borel nearly doubled the Aggies’ single-season rushing mark for a quarterback with 632 yards last season, and was one of seven quarterbacks nationwide to lead their teams in passing and rushing.

Running Backs
Edge: Bulldogs

It’s official – the Ryan Mathews Heisman Trophy/Doak Walker Award campaign is under way with an official Web site and T-shirts. For the fourth straight week, Mathews leads the nation in rushing with 1,131 yards on a whopping 7.2 per carry. He has nine touchdowns this season – giving him 29 for his career – with is just three from the Fresno State career record of 32 by Anthony Daigle. Mathews 161.7 rushing yards per game is nearly 26 yards more than his closest competitor, Darius Marshall of Marshall (136 per game). And Mathews’ 157-yard showing at New Mexico State last week propelled him past Dale Messer for fourth in school history in career yardage – just 80 yards behind NFL back Dwayne Wright (2003-04, 06). Whew – got all that? Well here’s one more superlative – Mathews has seven runs this season of more than 50 yards (69, 68, 68, 60, 59, 58, 55). Once opponents have focused on how to slow Mathews, they also have to concern themselves with elusive true freshman Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185) and senior Lonyae Miller (5-11, 220). Rouse has 344 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging slightly more yards per carry than Mathews at 7.6. And Miller has added 213 yards and two scores on 5.5 per carry. The Bulldogs’ leading rusher in 2008, senior Anthony Harding (6-0, 220) presents more danger if he gets carries, but with the standout play of the other three backs, Harding has just 10 carries for 21 yards this season. In last season’s 30-28 win over Utah State, Mathews was hobbled by injury and carried 14 times for just 58 yards. Miller led the team with 67 yards on 12 rushes.

With all the talk about the special batch of Bulldogs backs, don’t ignore Utah State sophomore Robert Turbin (5-10, 212), who is second in the WAC and tied for 18th nationally with 104.9 rushing yards per game. Turbin has run for 734 yards (6.5 per carry) and four touchdowns against a schedule that included Texas A&M, Utah and BYU. He had a career-high 148 yards in a loss to Utah when he sprinted 96 yards for a touchdown on one run. Turbin had just five carries for 13 yards last season against the Bulldogs, but has matured significantly since. He’s also a factor in the passing game, as he’s second on the Aggies with 270 yards receiving and a team-high three receiving touchdowns. Borel is second on the team in rushing, followed by junior Michael Smith (5-9, 199) with 187 yards and two scores.

Receivers
Edge: Bulldogs

It’s become obvious senior Seyi Ajirotutu (6-4, 210) has become a big-time wideout for the Bulldogs. While Ajirotutu served mainly as the deep threat last season, he’s become more of a possession guy this year and greatly improved his hands. Ajirotutu leads the deep group of ‘Dogs wideouts with 24 catches for 356 yards. Junior Devon Wylie (5-9, 170) is second with 15 grabs for 242 yards and a team-high four touchdowns, despite missing the last game with injury. Wylie’s absence hurt Fresno State’s offense even more than expected, as the Bulldogs failed to capitalize on one-on-one match-ups with receivers and defensive backs on the outside as New Mexico State sold out to try and stop the run. If Wylie can play Saturday, it will be a huge boost for the Bulldogs. Sophomore Jamel Hamler (6-2, 205) saw an increased role with Wylie sidelined, catching three passes for a career-high 63 yards, including a 51-yard, bobbling over-the-shoulder grab.

Fresno State defenders will have their hands full with Utah State’s receiving corps, while also spying the quarterback and trying to defend the run. The multi-faceted ability of the Aggies’ offense is what’s made them so much more competitive this season, despite the poor record. Sophomore Stanley Morrison (5-9, 162) is small but capable with a team-leading 434 yards (16.7 per catch) and two scores. And Utah State has plenty more weapons in senior Omar Sawyer (5-9, 174), junior Eric Moats (6-0, 173), senior Nnamdi Gwacham (6-3, 211) and senior Xavier Bowman (6-3, 204). Gwacham has 230 yards (16.4 per catch), Sawyer has 204, Moats 178 and Bowman 112.

Offensive Line
Edge: Bulldogs

Junior center Joey Bernardi (6-2, 280) left with injury during the New Mexico State game, and the Bulldogs had a couple close calls with inaccurate snaps in shotgun formation while senior Richard Pacheco (6-2, 285) filled in. Pacheco has plenty of experience though, and the Bulldogs won’t miss a beat as long as that problem is shored up. A lot of the credit for Fresno State’s 266.7 yards rushing per game (fifth nationally) and 5.9 per carry goes to the offensive line. However, opponents have been more successful pressuring the quarterback the past three games, as the Bulldogs have now given up 10 sacks on the year.

Still, those numbers seem excellent compared with the 20 sacks given up by Utah State this season – which can only be good news for a Bulldogs team that struggles to get to the opposing quarterback. Utah State averages 180.7 rushing yards, ranking fourth in the WAC and 32nd in the country. The lone senior of the group is center Brennan McFadden (6-2, 295).

Defensive Line
Edge: Bulldogs

Fresno State has shown signs of growth amongst the interior in recent weeks, with junior Cornell Banks (6-3, 300) picking up his first sack at New Mexico State and sophomore Logan Harrell (6-2, 275) collecting one the week before. Junior end Chris Carter (6-2, 230), with four sacks, is the only Bulldog to record more than one. Problem is, Carter hasn’t gotten one since the Hawaii game three weeks ago. He leads the ‘Dogs with six tackles for losses. On the bright side, the Bulldogs are coming off their best defensive performance of the season, where they were swarming to the ball carriers and laying some nasty hits.

Utah State’s two-deep is made up entirely of sophomores and juniors – only one of which has a sack this year. That man is sophomore end Junior Keiaho (6-3, 242), who has a team-best two sacks. The group is extremely undersized at tackle with juniors Sean Enesi (5-10, 275) and Nathan Royster (6-0, 262). Opponents average 197.4 yards per game on the ground.

Linebackers
Edge: Even

Has junior Ben Jacobs (6-3, 225) ever looked more dominant than he did last Saturday? The short answer – no. Jacobs leads the ‘Dogs with 53 tackles – 20 more than the closest teammate – and is second with five tackles for losses. He’s vastly improved in pass coverage this season, and is visibly faster to the ball – making his love for hitting more dangerous to the guys in his path. The other two starters have been very similar, as junior Nico Herron (6-3, 240) and sophomore Kyle Knox (6-1, 215) each have 23 tackles (1.5 for losses). Herron, though, has the 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in the opener against UC Davis. Fresno State’s still waiting to see a breakout game from Knox, who’s capable of becoming a Marcus Riley-type presence if he plays with more reckless abandon.

The strength of Utah State’s defense might be this group. Sophomore Bobby Wagner (6-1, 217) leads the WAC and is tied for 15th in the country averaging 10 tackles per game. Wagner has 70 for the year (and a team-high four for losses) – far ahead of the big name on the Aggies defense, senior Paul Igboeli (6-0, 220) who has 31. Igboeli, however, missed last week’s win over Louisiana Tech with an ankle injury. Starting in his place was sophomore Kyle Gallagher (6-1, 203), who’s tied for fourth on the team with 32 tackles, and second with 1.5 sacks.

Defensive Backs
Edge: Bulldogs

Fresno State has to be quite pleased with its secondary play after allowing minus-1 yard passing on four completions to New Mexico State’s starter last week. The cornerback play might be the most improved of any position on the field this season, and it starts with junior Desia Dunn (5-9, 190), who’s third on the team with 33 tackles and has a Bulldogs-best six pass breakups. Senior strong safety Moses Harris (5-11, 205) is second with 33 tackles (three for losses) and was announced Thursday as one of 16 finalists for the “Academic Heisman.” The return to health of junior free safety Lorne Bell (5-10, 200) is the biggest boost of all. This defense plays with a different attitude when Bell’s healthy and popping pads with people as he was last week. It’s Bulldog Football with an attitude. Bell reeled in his first career interception last week, returning it 17 yards for a score.

The safety play for Utah State is nothing to scoff at. Senior James Brindley (5-11, 189) is second on the Aggies with 59 tackles (2.5 for losses) and has a team-best three interceptions to go with a sack. Brindley also has six pass breakups. Scary news for the Aggies is Brindley will likely miss Saturday's game with injury. Junior free safety Rajric Coleman (6-2, 179) is third with 45 tackles and has one pick. Sophomore reserve safety Walter McClenton (5-11, 191) had 14 tackles last week after recording just one previous tackle in his career. Both starting corners also have picks this season in former Edison High standout senior Kejon Murphy (5-9, 168) and junior Curtis Marsh (6-1, 193).

Special Teams
Edge: Bulldogs

You can bet Fresno State sophomore kicker Kevin Goessling (6-0, 190) is still haunting Utah State after his 58-yard field goal won the game with no time remaining last season. Goessling has been dominant since, making 9 of 10 field goals this year with a long of 49 yards. His only miss was beyond 40 yards. Senior punter Robert Malone (6-2, 225) averages 47 yards and 1/3 of his 21 punts have gone for 50-plus yards. With so many weapons in the return game, the Bulldogs finally took one back for a touchdown as Chastin West had an 88-yard punt return last week. Most teams have avoided the Bulldogs’ return men at all costs. The Bulldogs also blocked yet another kick, thanks to Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295).
Senior kicker Chris Ulinski (6-3, 203) is turning in a heck of a year so far, having nailed 9 of 11 field goals with a long of 48 yards. Junior punter Peter Caldwell (6-4, 231)has been phenomenal with 22 of 49 punts pinned inside the 20-yard line and an average of 42.9 yards. Freshman Kerwynn Williams (5-9, 180) averages 23.2 yards per kick return with a long of 41 yards.

Coaching
Edge: Bulldogs

Utah State’s Gary Andersen is in his first year at the helm after directing Utah’s defense previously. Andersen already has the Aggies pointed in the right direction, and has a good shot to make noise in the coming years. Defense is the weakness right now, but he can be counted on to turn that into a strength. Still, there’s no way to give a first-year coach the edge over the WAC’s longest tenured leader, Pat Hill, who’s in his 13th year.

Intangibles
Edge: Bulldogs

Utah State has given the Bulldogs fits the past three years, losing by three in 2008, 11 in 2007 and beating the ‘Dogs in 2006 in a shocker. That said, Fresno State is 10-2-1 against the Aggies all-time in Fresno, and hasn’t lost at home to Utah State since 1980 – the year the Bulldogs became Division I-A.