Grading the 'Dogs (8-4, 6-2): at New Mexico State (4-9, 1-7)

Quarterbacks: A-
Brandstater came out more confident than ever, putting zip in his throws, running and throwing for 205 yards (20.5 per completion). Showed no hesitation taking off for a 40-yard run to set up a score.

Running Backs: A-
Harding proves last week was not an anomally, rushing for a career-high 121 and a score, and is complemented by Mathews' 99 yards and a TD before he left with a possible broken clavicle (ouch).

Receivers: B+
A few too many dropped balls, but it was pouring rain. Moore goes over 100 yards for the second straight game with four catches for 106 yards. Ajirotutu adds two for 46, and Lang two for 25. Pascoe returns to field.

Offensive Line: A-
Made Brandstater's day easy, allowing just one sack and giving him tons of time the rest of the game. Had some trouble pushing Aggies defense around inside the red zone early. 'Dogs averaged 5 yards a carry.

Defensive Line: B-
Didn't get much pressure on Holbrook, but helped hod Aggies to 96 rushing yards.

Linebackers: B
Riley and Jacobs are too much, combining for 20 tackles (2 for losses). Riley nearly picked off late desperation pass.

Defensive Backs: B-
Secondary clamped down after shaky first quarter (which seems to be a habit). Davis made two straight key stops in the red zone, and Harding stepped up to fill Bell's void with 10 tackles (2 for losses) and a sack. Still, allowed 323 yards, and Jorde dropped two potential interceptions before leaving with injury.

Special Teams: B
Blocked PAT returned by Owens for two points, but return game struggled without Smith and Jefferson, though Lang could be return man of the future. Stitser made his first two field goals before missing a 24-yarder with 1:04 left that would have sealed the win.

Game Preview: Fresno State (7-4, 5-2) at New Mexico State (4-8, 1-6)

Quarterbacks
Right now, more than ever, Fresno State’s Tom Brandstater has to be feeling confident. He finally looked like the impact player Pat Hill thought he would be last week against Kansas State, throwing for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Heading into the regular season finale, Brandstater has completed 61.8% of his passes for 2,164 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions, compared to 54.5% for 1,490 yards, 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as a sophomore last season. Brandstater has thrown just two interceptions in his past seven games.

New Mexico State junior Chase Holbrook (6-5, 240) ranks eighth in the nation in total offense, thanks to passing for 3,543 yards and 25 touchdowns with a 71.3% completion rate. But, he’s been picked off 18 times – something that can happen when a guy puts the ball in the air 491 times. Usually, Holbrook would get the edge, but not the way Brandstater played last week.
Edge: Even

Running Backs
Sophomore Anthony Harding became the fourth Bulldogs back to rush for more than 100 yards in a game this season with 115 and a touchdown on 22 carries against Kansas State. Sophomore starter Lonyae Miller added 91 yards and a score, but also fumbled twice inside the opposing 5-yard line. Ryan Mathews, who leads the team with 767 yards and 13 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry (tops in the nation among freshmen), returned last week from injury but carried just six times for 16 yards and a score. He could see more of the load Friday. And there’s still senior Clifton Smith, the do-everything shifty runner who was limited with a hip pointer last week, but has 473 rushing yards and three scores to go with 295 receiving yards. He’s third on the team in each category. Senior fullback Nate Adams was praised for opening gaping holes for the tailbacks last week.

The biggest difference between New Mexico State’s offense and Hawaii’s is the running game – the Aggies have one. Junior Justine Buries (6-0, 211) leads the team with 569 yards, though he averages just 3.8 per carry. Sophomore Tonny Glynn (5-8, 190), a converted defensive back, is second on the team with 456 yards (5.6 per carry) and has a team-high four touchdowns.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Watch out – Marlon Moore is officially on the scene. The sophomore turned in the Bulldogs’ first 100-plus yard performance of the Brandstater era with nine catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas State. He also had two scores at Hawaii, giving him four in the past two games. Moore now leads the team with 508 receiving yards and five touchdowns, and is second with 37 receptions. Junior tight end Bear Pascoe has 38 grabs for 474 yards and four touchdowns, but has missed the past game and a half and is questionable for Friday. Sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu leads the team with 16.3 yards per grab and has 406 yards on the season. H-back Isaac Kinter has also become a factor in the flat, with 111 yards and two scores.

The Aggies are severely hampered by injuries in the receiving corps, with standout Chris Williams (772 yards, 11 touchdowns) out for the year. Senior Derek Dubois (5-8, 174) didn’t play two weeks ago in a loss to Utah State, but might return Friday. Dubois is second on the team with 708 yards and has three scores. Junior A.J. Harris (6-0, 208) has just 525 yards but leads the team with 73 receptions (7.2 yards per catch). Harris just became the school’s all-time receptions leader with 182.
Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive Line
The ‘Dogs didn’t allow a single sack and plowed huge running lanes (4.6 yards per rush) against Kansas State last week, something that should scare a New Mexico State team that runs a similar 3-4 defense with lesser athletes. Junior Bobby Lepori has become one of the team’s emotional leaders. Fresno State has allowed 17 sacks on the season.

New Mexico State has allowed 27 sacks this year – a stat that is cause for concern against a Bulldogs defense with 32 sacks coming in. The line has bookend senior tackles in Mike Martinez (6-4, 350) and James Farrelly (6-4, 290). The Aggies average just 3.2 yards per carry.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
Fresno State is enjoying a lot more speed off the edge since moving a few freshmen into the regular rotation. Redshirt freshman Mike Cheese (6-1, 215) had two sacks against Hawaii, and is accompanied by true freshmen Kenny Borg (6-3, 245) and Chris Carter (6-2, 220). Cheese and Carter are undersized as converted linebackers, but are too athletic for some blockers to keep up with. Borg saw extensive playing time last week. But it was a couple of senior who made the biggest impact, when tackle Charles Tolbert sacked Josh Freeman, forcing a fumble that was recovered by end Tyler Clutts and led to a Bulldogs touchdown.

The Aggies’ three down linemen will have their work cut out for them, and will need help from blitzing linebackers. Senior reserve end Maurice Murray (6-3, 323) is tied for the team lead with four sacks, just ahead of senior end Brandon McKinney’s (6-4, 273) three. Nose guard Ray Manumaleuna (6-2, 321) and the rest of a relatively large line will have a hard time defending the run if the Bulldogs get outside the tackles.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
There’s not a better WAC duo than senior Marcus Riley and redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs. Riley leads the team with 110 tackles, 12 tackles for losses and has 1.5 sacks and an interception (not to mention a TKO of Colt Brennan a few weeks back). Jacobs is second with 65 stops and has five tackles for losses (two sacks). Junior Ryan McKinley (6-2, 225) got extensive time against Kansas State, and has moved up to second on the depth chart in the middle.

Expect the Aggies gameplan to include plenty of blitz packages. If this unit doesn’t come through, there’s no way this game is close. Senior Dante Floyd (5-10, 244) leads the way with 115 tackles, 12 tackles for losses and four sacks. Junior La’Auli Fonoti (6-4, 253) is second on the team with seven tackles for losses (two sacks). Senior Michael Brewer (6-2, 230) and junior Chris Nwoko (6-1, 230) round out the lineup and give the group plenty of size. But can they keep up with the Bulldogs’ backfield?
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
The team suffered a hard-to-swallow loss of redshirt freshman safety Lorne Bell to a season-ending knee injury last week, leaving just one reserve in junior Jake Jorde (6-1, 195). Senior corner Will Harding (6-0, 195) may see some time at safety Friday, but is also needed to fill in at corner, as sophomore A.J. Jefferson is expected to miss his second straight game with a high ankle sprain. Junior Sharrod Davis (6-0, 185) will see a larger role behind Damon Jenkins and Damion Owens.

It might not be so wise for the Aggies to focus on the run now that Tom Brandstater is coming off a 313-yard performance. Junior free safety Derek Richardson (5-11, 190) is second on the team with 96 tackles. True freshman Davon House (6-0, 168) is the surprise of the year with a team-high four interceptions (the team has just seven total and no one else has more than one).
Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
Fresno State’s return game is a shell of its former self with the absence of A.J. Jefferson (the nation’s leading kick returner) and Clifton Smith (one of the top 10 punt returners). Smith should be ready to go, missing just bits and pieces of last week’s game with a hip pointer, but Jefferson is expected out. Senior kicker Clint Stitser seems to have shaken an early-season slump, and made his only attempt from 46 yards last week. Senior Kyle Zimmerman has placed 20 of 44 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Aggies senior Jared Kaufman (6-1, 182) averages 40.7 yards per punt, but has landed just 9 of 57 inside the 20-yard line, and had two blocked (not a good sign against Fresno State). Sophomore kicker Paul Young (6-3, 182) has also had two kicks blocked. He’s 11 for 17 with a long of 41 yards. The Aggies return men (Chris Williams and Derek Dubois) have both been injured.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Fresno State’s Pat Hill has his Bulldogs headed to a bowl game for the eighth time in the past nine seasons. New Mexico State’s Hal Mumme is 8-28 in three years with the Aggies, and 105-92-1 in his career. His high-flying offense hasn’t proved to be a winner yet, mainly because of his low-impact defense.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
Fresno State is 13-0 all-time against New Mexico State, winning 23-18 to end a school-record seven-game losing streak last season. With a win, the Bulldogs can flip-flop from 4-8 last season to 8-4 this season (with a bowl remaining, quite possibly the New Mexico Bowl). But it might be hard to get amped up in what is likely to be an empty Aggie Memorial Stadium on Friday. Fresno State won 37-7 in its last trip to Las Cruces in 2005.
Edge: Bulldogs

Grading the 'Dogs (7-4, 5-2): vs. Kansas State (5-7, 3-5)

Quarterbacks: A+
How 'bout that Brandstater!? A career-high 313 yards. Two TDs. And Kansas State never even came close to picking off a pass.

Running Backs: B-
Gotta love fourth-string tailback Harding's 115 yards and a TD coupled with Miller's 91 yards and a TD against one of the nation's best statistical run defenses. But Miller's two fumbles lost inside the 5-yard line would have been critical mistakes in a close game.

Receivers: A+
Hands down the best collective game this corps has had in the past two years. Moore has scratched his prime as the first receiver to top 100 yards all season (134) to go with two TDs.

Offensive Line: A
Possibly this unit's best game ever. Dominant pass blocking and oft-dominant run blocking equals a blowout.

Defensive Line: A
The pivotal play of the game came just after Fresno State took a 17-14 lead, when Tolbert forced Freeman to fumble and Clutts recovered, leading to another TD.

Linebackers: A-
After giving up 67- and 45-yard TD runs in the first quarter, allowed just 14 yards rushing the rest of the game.

Defensive Backs: B+
Although Nelson gathered 15 catches for 165 yards, Jenkins, Owens and Harris all made clutch stops and deflections. Jorde filled in nicely for the injured Bell.

Special Teams: B-
Special teams didn't play much of a factor as the 'Dogs had their worst return game of the season with Jefferson and Smith injured. Stitser hit a 46-yarder.

Here's to you Tommy Brandstater!

Kansas State Ron Prince:"They have a terrific quarterback (Tom Brandstater) and I don't want to take anything away from that. It didn't matter how our defense played, he was going to find a place to throw the ball. He's a real pro. I have a lot of respect for a good quarterback and he is definitely a good quarterback. We got beat by a good quarterback today."

Now there's a refreshing thought heading into the last couple games of '07 and what could be a very special '08...

Game Preview: Fresno State (6-4, 5-2) vs. Kansas State (5-6, 3-5)

Quarterbacks
Fresno State’s Tom Brandstater didn’t do half bad, with maybe his best game ever at Hawaii two weeks ago. Brandstater was 15 of 26 for 209 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Brandstater should surpass that 2,000-yard mark on the season Saturday, as he currently sits at 1,851 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s completed 59.8% of his passes. This game would mark his first win over a BCS-conference team as a starter – something Fresno State quarterbacks are measured by.

The ‘Dogs are no strangers to facing some of the nation’s best passers, as is the case again this week with Kansas State sophomore Josh Freeman (6-6, 250). Freeman has completed 289 passes on the year (30 more than Brandstater has attempted) for 3,097 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He’s completed 63.1%. This guy is only going to get better in the next two years.
Edge: Wildcats

Running Backs
The biggest question for Fresno State’s running game is whether true freshman Ryan Mathews will return from an ankle injury that cost him to miss the Hawaii game. Mathews leads the team with 751 yards and 12 touchdowns (a freshman best) while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Sophomore Lonyae Miller returned from his injury to rush for 78 yards on 17 carries against Hawaii. He’s second on the team with 480 yards and six scores on 4.4 yards per attempt. But the biggest bright spot right now is senior Clifton Smith, who has proved to be capable of carrying an every-down load at times, with 105 yards against Hawaii and 127 against Utah State. Suddenly, Smith is right behind Miller on the season with 472 yards and three touchdowns (6 yards per carry), and is also third on the team with 302 yards receiving. Smith and fullback Nate Adams will have plenty of emotion on Senior Day.

Kansas State’s running game features one back – senior James Johnson (5-11, 200). Johnson has 1,035 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns (6.3 per carry) with 222 receiving on the year. Reserve sophomore Leon Patton (5-7, 187) might remind Bulldogs fans of Kansas State’s back the last time these two teams met in 2004, Darren Sproles. But Patton has blossomed into that type of player yet, through he is second on the Wildcats with 338 yards and three scores (4.2 per carry).
Edge: Even

Receivers
It’s not often this year the Bulldogs have gotten yards after the catch. But sophomore Marlon Moore made sure it happened late at Hawaii, and it was almost enough to win. Moore caught three passes for 59 yards and two scores. Despite missing 2½ games, Moore leads the wideouts with 374 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu has developed into the team’s best deep threat, and is second amongst wideouts with 330 yards (16.5 per catch). The biggest problem for the receiving corps is whether tight end Bear Pascoe, the team’s leader with 474 yards and four touchdowns, can return from an injury that sidelined him in the second half at Hawaii. He has been limited in practice this week.

It’s all about senior Jordy Nelson (6-3, 217) for Kansas State. Nelson is second in the nation with 1,441 yards receiving on 107 catches and has 10 touchdowns. Nelson’s size could be a problem for Fresno State, but unlike Hawaii, Kansas State allows the ‘Dogs to key on one receiver. Although, junior Deon Murphy (5-10, 170) can keep defenses honest with his 568 yards and five touchdowns.
Edge: Wildcats

Offensive Line
A Bulldog Stadium crowd will bid farewell to four-year starter Ryan Wendell, who lines up at center. Fresno State allowed a season-high five sacks at Hawaii after ranking atop the WAC with just 12 sacks allowed previously. Kansas State has sacked the quarterback 30 times on the year. As a team, the ‘Dogs average 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.

Kansas State’s average isn’t far behind at 4.4 yards per carry. The Wildcats’ Logan Robinson (6-8, 318) could be playing in his final game as a senior. Something has got to give as Kansas State has allowed 16 sacks on the season and the Bulldogs have recorded 31 sacks.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
End Tyler Clutts enters his final home game as a Bulldog tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks and tied for third with seven tackles for losses. You can bet he’ll be amped to go out on top. A interesting side note will be how true freshman end Chris Carter is used. He was inserted into the lineup at Hawaii and immediately the ‘Dogs defense started applying pressure on the quarterback. But Carter is still greatly undersized for an end, especially against a Big XII offensive front. Junior tackle Jon Monga is tied with Clutts with 5.5 sacks and is second with 9.5 tackles for losses.

The Wildcats play a 3-4 defense, a scheme Fresno State has done well against this year (Nevada). Senior California-native end Moses Manu (6-2, 260) is tops amongst the line with 32 tackles and is second on the team with 5.5 for losses. He has two sacks. Kansas State nose tackle junior Brandon Balkcom (6-0, 266) will have to rely on athleticism against Fresno State’s bigger interior protection.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Marcus Riley. Senior Day. Watch out. Riley made himself into an instant YouTube star by knocking out Hawaii’s Colt Brennan, and leads the Bulldogs with 103 tackles (10.5 for losses). He also grabbed his first interception in the end zone at Hawaii, and has forced three fumbles. Riley has turned into the WAC’s most aggressive defender. Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs is second with 65 tackles (five for losses).

Wilcats senior Justin Roland (6-0, 245) is second on the team with 63 tackles (4.5 for losses). If he has his way, he’ll be joined in the Bulldogs backfield often with junior Reggie Walker (6-1, 231), who is tied for third with 60 tackles and tied for second with five for losses. Junior Ian Campbell (6-4, 249) leads Kansas State with 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for losses.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
Fresno State has to find the guy to cover Jordy Nelson, and that duty will fall to either senior Damon Jenkins (30 tackles, 1 pass broken up, 1 deflected) or sophomore Damion Owens (29 tackles, 1 for a loss, 1 interception, 3 breakups, 4 deflections). Owens has propelled himself as the team’s go-to guy at corner, but the hits come from redshirt freshman safety Lorne Bell (51 tackles, 3.5 for losses) and sophomore safety Moses Harris (46 tackles, 3.5 for losses).

Kansas State senior corner Justin McKinney (5-9, 191) leads the Wildcats with 69 tackles and is second with three interceptions. Sophomore reserve free safety Chris Carney (6-1, 190) has a team-high four picks. Senior free safety Marcus Watts (6-1, 189) is another to watch out for with 58 tackles (3 for losses) and an interception.
Edge: Even

Special Teams
Two straight weeks Fresno State’s A.J. Jefferson has returned kickoffs for touchdowns, with a 98-yarder at Hawaii. Jefferson leads the nation with 35.8 per return. Clifton Smith is seventh in the nation with 15.4 yards per punt return and also has two touchdowns on the year, and a Fresno State record five in his career. Smith would like nothing more than to get one more in his Bulldog Stadium finale. Kicker Clint Stitser and punter Kyle Zimmerman also are playing their final home game. Stitser is 11 of 18 on field goals, and Zimmerman averages 39.5 yards per punt and has pinned 20 of 43 inside the 20-yard line. The Bulldogs have blocked four kicks on the year.

Kansas State’s Deon Murphy leads the nation with 17.2 yards per punt return and has one score. But the Wildcats’ kick return game is below average with Leon Patton’s 22.2 yards per attempt. Junior kicker Brooks Rossman (6-0, 178) has connected on 22 of 28 field goals, with a long of 52 yards. Senior punter Tim Reyer (5-11, 201) averages 44.3 yards per punt.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Pat Hill and Ron Prince have never faced each other. Hill, in his 11th year with the Bulldogs, has earned the reputation as a giant-slayer against BCS-conference opponents. Prince, in his second season, has led Kansas State to a 20-point win over Texas earlier this season and a near-win against No. 2 Kansas, but has his team on the brink of missing a bowl game with a loss Saturday.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
Fresno State hasn’t beaten a BCS-conference team since it’s 37-34 overtime win against No. 17 Virginia in the 2004 MPC Computers Bowl. That same season, the ‘Dogs handed No. 13 Kansas State a 45-21 shellacking in Manhattan, Kan. in a game which former standout running back Dwayne Wright suffered a two-season-ending knee injury in the fourth quarter. It’s Senior Day for the Bulldogs in front of a national television audience that has viewed all four of the Bulldogs’ losses this season, but it’s hard to say how many fans will show up. A Red Wave sellout alone would give Fresno State the edge. Kansas State must win this game to improve to .500 and become bowl eligible. That counts for a lot.
Edge: Even

In case you STILL need an incentive...

In case you STILL need an incentive to get your butt in Bulldog Stadium on Saturday for Fresno State's home finale against Kansas State, here are three more.

1. Clifton Smith
2. Tyler Clutts
3. Marcus Riley

Actually, there are 16 seniors we'll have to say goodbye to. And as you ponder the best way to bid them farewell (which will have something to do with severely damaging your vocal chords yelling for them as they head through the inflatable doghouse), remember these tidbits:

KSEE24 had a great idea on "Bulldog Insider" tonight, where Alexan Balekian sat down with Clif, Clutts and Riley to talk about their fondest 'Dogs memories. All three of 'em said there truly is nothing in college football quite like the walk down the Bulldog Stadium ramp, getting in that doghouse and running through the smoke and fireworks in front of 42,000 pumped-up Red Wavers. (NOTE TO FANS: that means we need 42,000 Red Wavers Saturday to give 'em that one last dream come true).

Then, if you need further evidence these guys are perfect examples of Bulldog Football, Balekian asked what one thing they will take away from Pat Hill?

Clutts said it's that hard work pays off.

Riley said it's that football teaches lifelong lessons, and the way you act when no one is watching is what's most important.

And Clifton summed up the Bulldog Spirit better than anyone. He said the day he stepped on campus as a freshman he learned from Hill that we're Bulldog born, Bulldog bred, we'll be Bulldogs 'til the day we're dead.

Well Clif, Marcus and Tyler, I'm here to say we'll be right there with you. Look for us in the stands. We're the ones wearing Bulldog Red.

NO EXCUSES not to be at the home finale!

Come on Red Wave! The Utah State showing was pathetic. That's not the Red Wave mentality or Bulldog Spirit that we've all been proud of all these years.

It's time to knock it off. Our 'Dogs can finish 8-4 (9-4 with a bowl win) and get back to a bowl game this year. Kansas State -- only the second Big XII team to EVER visit Bulldog Stadium -- is coming to town!

You can't ask for a better opponent. This is big-time football. Nationally televised to show the country what the Red Wave is all about. A chance to get some revenge against the team that stole 1 1/2 years of Dwayne Wright's career by injuring his knee in the Bulldogs' 2004 rout. A chance to improve to 2-0 all-time against K-State. An opportunity to beat another BCS-conference big boy -- for the first time since the 2004 MPC Computers Bowl.

Let's get out there early for the 12:30 p.m. game. NO EXCUSES!

And since I'm guessing most everyone reading this is the type of diehard fan who never misses a game, take the responsibility upon yourselves to bring people with you or encourage those fans who don't go to every game to go to this one. Show 'em this link, where they can get TWO TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

I don't like having peripheral vision...

I want to be able to concentrate on the fun part of college sports. The family. The friends. The games. The stats. The football team's good grades. Marcus Riley knocking Colt Brennan out cold, making him fumble, Chris Carter scoring a touchdown and none of it counting (but that's a whole 'nother topic).

Anyway, I'm tired of seeing all the scandalous parts of the games out of the corner of my eyes. Sometimes I wish I didn't have that peripheral vision.

When I turn on the Ch. 47 news and the first three stories aired involve scandal within the Fresno State athletic department, it upsets me. Doesn't it you?

Great news! Jason Shirley appealed his season-long suspension and was granted a return to the team. But does he deserve it? It's up to the courts what his punishment will be, and court is becoming an all-to-common site of Fresno State news these days.

The next story aired was about b-ball Kentucky transfer Rekalin Sims, a post player who will no doubt make a major impact if he ever suits up for the 'Dogs, but was reportedly arrested and is being investigated to see how/if he's connected to the robbery of a "handicapped" man. Now, the one time that I've met Rekalin, he took the initiative to approach us and introduce himself by name and say he's glad to meet us and looking forward to playing for Fresno State. Polite guy. More than most. Let's just say if I had to guess which of the b-ball players were most likely to have a legal issue, I would have pegged Sims more like Tyson Parker than Terry Pettis.

Speaking of Terry Pettis, his deposition has been the talk of the town as the Stacy Johnson-Klein lawsuit drags on. That was the third story on tonight's news.

You know, this whole bad-publicity-is-better-than-no-publicity idea is cute, but what happens when it takes so long to report the bad publicity that we run out of time to talk or think about anything else?

Grading the 'Dogs (6-4, 5-2): at Hawaii (9-0, 6-0)

Quarterbacks: B+
Can't ask for much more than than from Tommy B. 209 yards, 3 TDs and a drive in crunch time. He just needed one more possession.

Running Backs: B
After rough first quarter, Smith (105 yards) and Miller (78 yards) mask Mathews' absence, but deficit was too big already.

Receivers: B+
They can run after the catch! Get Ajirotutu the ball more, and keep finding Moore across the middle. Pascoe's injury didn't hurt too bad.

Offensive Line: C-
5 sacks allowed in one game!? The unit had only allowed 12 all year. Still struggling against blitzing schemes.

Defensive Line: C
First quarter was atrocious with zero pressure on Brennan, but Carter's second-half play made up for some of it.

Linebackers: C
As much as I wanna give an A for Riley's slobber-knocking hit that left Brennan squirming on Hawaii's trash dump of a field, the tale of two halves defensively kept the 'Dogs from winning. Give Cheese props for his 2 sacks, and Riley for his interception in the end zone (just the second of the season for the 'Dogs).

Defensive Backs: D
They buckled down in the second half too, but their terrible first-quarter play was inexcusable, getting down 21-0 and allowing Brennan to throw for more than 300 yards in the first half.

Special Teams: B+
Jefferson got the 'Dogs on the board with a 98-yard first-quarter kick return for a TD. But, other than that, special teams wasn't a difference-maker.

Game Preview: Fresno State (6-3, 5-1) at Hawaii (8-0, 5-0)

Quarterbacks
Tom Brandstater’s most important job Saturday will be keeping Hawaii’s defense honest. If he shows early that he isn’t bashful about playing catch with the wideouts, it’ll open up the running game. Brandstater is having a far better season than last year, throwing for 1,642 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Most telling is his 60.1% completion rate.

Hawaii’s Colt Brennan (6-3, 201) is the second Heisman candidate Fresno State has faced this season. The other was Oregon’s Dennis Dixon. But unlike Dixon, Brennan isn’t going to look to run much – just pass, pass and pass some more. He has completed 68.6% of his passes, while throwing for 2,820 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That’s the good news, if there is any – he does make the occasional mistake.
Edge: Warriors

Running Backs
True freshman Ryan Mathews left the Utah State game in the second quarter – and already had 106 yards. He’s questionable for this week’s game, and sophomore starter Lonyae Miller has missed the past two games with injury. Miller is expected to return, but if he can’t senior Clifton Smith, who is best used as a versatile piece of the offense lining up all over the field, will carry the load. Smith led the team with a career-high 126 yards on 27 carries last week. Mathews leads the team with 751 yards and 12 touchdowns (best in the nation by a freshman), while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Miller has 402 yards and six touchdowns (4.3 per carry) and Smith has 367 yards and three touchdowns (5.3 per carry). Sophomore Anthony Harding has 154 yards and two touchdowns while also seeing time at fullback, but will play tailback if Miller and Mathews aren’t available.

As a team, Hawaii averages just 72.8 yards per game – less than Fresno State’s Mathews averages on his own (83.4). Running isn’t much a part of the Warriors’ gameplan. Freshman Kealoha Pilares (5-11, 190) leads the team with 294 yards and three touchdowns, while sophomore Nebraska transfer Leon Wright-Jackson (6-1, 211) adds 153 yards and a score. Both average 5.9 per carry, but get very few carries.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Fresno State got a scare with junior tight end Bear Pascoe banged up from a hit during last week’s game, but he’ll be ready to go Saturday. Pascoe’s 37 catches, 462 yards and four touchdowns lead the squad. Sophomore wideout Marlon Moore has been a big boost for the offense since returning from a sprained ankle. He now ranks second on the team with 25 receptions for 315 yards. Clifton Smith also has 25 gras, with 267 yards total. Sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu, who averages 16.6 yards per catch, is a gamebreaker who the ‘Dogs can take better advantage of.

Everyone’s a threat for Hawaii. Four receivers have more than 500 yards, with junior Ryan Grice-Mullen (5-11, 180) leading the way with 952 and nine touchdowns. He averages 119 yards per game. Elusive junior Davone Bess (5-10, 195) also has nine scores to go with 748 yards. Senior Jason Rivers (6-2, 189) has 677 yards and six touchdowns, and despite missing most of the past two games is the nation’s active career leader with 3,422 receiving yards. Senior C.J. Hawthorne (5-11, 168) has 519 yards and five touchdowns.
Edge: Warriors

Offensive Line
Much like the Boise State game, the play of Fresno State’s line could be where the game is won or lost. If the line keeps the running backs moving forward and grinds the clock, there’s no reason the Bulldogs shouldn’t win this game. But that’s a big if unless the passing game keeps Hawaii from stacking the box. Fresno State is tied for a WAC-best 12 sacks allowed, matching the total the Bulldogs gave up last season. The team averages 4.7 yards per carry.

Hawaii is not far behind with only 14 sacks allowed, a feat considering how often the Warriors pass. Much like the Bulldogs, Hawaii features a smaller, more mobile line led by senior guards Hercules Satele (6-2, 293) and Larry Saufea (6-2, 294). The unit isn’t what it has been in recent years before the departure of numerous NFL-bound standouts. Hawaii averages just 3.5 yards per carry.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
The youth is slowly beginning to step up for Fresno State, with true freshman end Kenny Borg and sophomore Wilson Ramos each collecting two sacks last week. That’s good news, considering senior end Tyler Clutts (7) and junior tackle Jon Monga (6) are amongst the WAC leaders in sacks. Pressuring Brennan into quick, short passes and capitalizing on a mistake or two will be key. Clutts is third on the team with 49 tackles (10 for losses).

Hawaii junior reserve end David Veikune (6-3, 252) leads the team with five sacks, just ahead of senior end Karl Noa (6-4, 251), who has four. Hawaii owns the WAC’s best rushing defense, allowing 102.5 yards per game and 2.9 per carry. But the Warriors haven’t yet faced a running game even close to what Fresno State brings when healthy.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
It’s hard to find new adjectives every week to accurately describe the type of impact player senior Marcus Riley is. He leads Fresno State with 94 tackles and 12 for losses. He also has three forced fumbles and two sacks. He hits often and hard and hunts down the ball carrier. Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs is waiting in the wings with 64 tackles (seven for losses) and two sacks. The Bulldogs’ defense is most vulnerable to the run – namely running quarterbacks – something the team won’t have to worry much about this week.

Hawaii has a couple of standout linebackers of its own in juniors Solomon Elimimian (5-11, 218) and Adam Leonard (6-0, 236). Elimimian leads the team with 90 tackles (7.5 for losses) and Leonard is second with 72 tackles (10.5 for losses). Leonard also is tied for the team lead with four interceptions. Brandstater will have to be careful to watch for Leonard lurking in a coverage zone.
Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
Ah, the defensive key to the game. The problem for Fresno State is it has just three proven corners to defend four Hawaii receivers who rank among the WAC’s top 10 in yardage. Damon Jenkins is the only senior, with sophomore Damion Owens and A.J. Jefferson quickly making names for themselves. But watch for junior transfer Sharrod Davis to have a make or break game as the fourth corner, and for versatile redshirt freshman safety Lorne Bell to play a major role. Bell has a knack for picking off passes in practice, but doesn’t have one in a game yet – yet. The ‘Dogs will count on Bell and sophomore Moses Harris to lay big hits and get in the heads of Hawaii’s wideouts. Fresno State’s pass defense ranks second in the WAC, allowing 192.8 yards per game.

Hawaii senior corner Myron Newberry (5-9, 174) is tied for the team lead with four picks. Senior strong safety Jacob Patek (6-0, 204) is third on the team with 53 tackles. As a team, Hawaii has 16 interceptions, also including two each by senior corner Gerard Lewis (5-9, 175) and junior free safety Keao Montelih (5-11, 193). The ‘Dogs bigger receiving threats might be able to exploit Hawaii’s somewhat undersized corners.
Edge: Even

Special Teams
If you’re Fresno State, you want to ensure that special teams plays a big part in this game. The Bulldogs can dictate field position with the nation’s second-leading kick returner in A.J. Jefferson (36.1-yard average), who had an 88-yard touchdown return last week, and nearly untouchable punt returner Clifton Smith, who averages 16.2 yards and has returned two for scores. Kicker Clint Stitser hit a career-long 52-yard field goal last week, and Kyle Zimmerman ranks third in the WAC at 40.8 yards per punt. The Bulldogs recorded their fourth blocked kick against Utah State.

Hawaii poses a threat with Malcolm Lane (6-2, 184), who has returned two of his seven kick returns for touchdowns, averaging 46 yards. Davone Bess averages 9.8 yards on punt returns. Junior kicker Dan Kelly is 6 of 9 on field goals, with a long of 54 yards. All three of his misses came from 40 yards or more. Junior punter Tim Grasso averages 40.1 yards per attempt, with just 21 attempts on the year.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
It’s a matchup of the WAC’s two longest tenured coaches in Pat Hill (11th season) and June Jones (ninth season). After several years of Hill’s Bulldogs threatening to crash the BCS elitist party, Jones’ Warriors are the biggest threat this season. Will Jones come up with another (tall) tale this season of a thrown screwdriver?
Edge: Even

Intangibles
Fresno State has won at Hawaii just twice since 1965 – but the Bulldogs’ most recent trip, in 2005, was one of those two. Fresno State held a Colt Brennan-led Hawaii club to just 13 points in that game. Hawaii is 29-9 in home WAC games, and its fans have a particular distaste for the Bulldogs – they’ll show and they’ll be heard. If the ‘Dogs were within earshot, we’d give ‘em a big-time, win-one-for-DC3 pep talk – he’s truly amongst the loudest and proudest fans in Red Wave history.
Edge: Warriors

Grading the 'Dogs (6-3, 5-1): vs. Utah State (0-9, 0-6)

Quarterbacks: C+
Brandstater made some great decisions finding Harding and Kinter for TDs, but still isn't getting the ball in the wideouts' hands enough.

Running Backs: A-
The minus comes from Mathews' premature celebration that caused him to drop the ball on the 1-yard line. He was injured in the second quarter but already had 106 yards, and Smith finished with a career-high 126.

Receivers: C
Pascoe leads the way with only 35 yards, and gets injured. 'Dogs need to better utilize Moore and Ajirotutu.

Offensive Line: A
'Dogs averaged 5.4 yards per carry and Brandstater never got sacked -- a perfect winning formula.

Defensive Line: B-
True freshman Borg had two sacks and Ramos had 1.5, but quick penetration opened up scrambling lanes for Jackson III.

Linebackers: B-
Riley had 11 tackles and the hit of the year on a sack that forced a fumble, and Jacobs had a sack, but opposing running games are still causing the 'Dogs fits.

Defensive Backs: C
Allowed Jackson III to throw for 214 yards and two scores, incluing a 44-yard TD to Robinson where Harding blew coverage. Gotta do better than that this weekend.

Special Teams: A+
Just when you get down on Stitser he goes and hits a 52-yard field goal. Jefferson returns kickoff 88 yards for a TD, and Jacobs blocks field goal.

Game Preview: Fresno State (5-3, 4-1) vs. Utah State (0-8, 0-4)

Quarterbacks
Junior Tom Brandstater’s season-high 263 yards passing against Boise State last week aren’t necessarily what Fresno State wants to see. The Bulldog seem to do better when the running game carries the load. Brandstater had one touchdown and one interception last week, although the pick was a late-game desperation pass. He’s thrown for 1,511 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions on the year (59.1% completions).

Utah State senior Leon Jackson III (6-1, 206) presents more of a danger to the Bulldogs when he’s on the run than when he’s passing (Fresno State has struggled against running quarterbacks this season). Though Jackson has completed 65.2% of his passes, he’s thrown for just 960 yards, with four touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s rushed for 248 yards and four scores on 90 attempts (2.8 per carry). Sophomore Jase McCormick (6-1, 190) has passed for 201 yards, two scores and two picks in three games. In Utah State’s win last season, quarterback Riley Nelson led the way, but he’s on his two-year Mormon mission this season.
Edge: Bulldogs

Running Backs
Fans were shocked to see the Bulldogs’ running game tamed last week, with just 89 yards total for a group that is averaging 190 yards per game. True freshman standout Ryan Mathews had just 49 yards on 15 carries, but has 645 yards (6 per carry) and 10 touchdowns on the year. Sophomore starter Lonyae Miller missed the Boise State game with injury, and will be a big boost if he can return this week. Miller has 402 yards (4.3 per carry) and six touchdowns on the year. Senior Clifton Smith led the team with 65 yards on five carries last week, and has 241 yards (6.9 per carry) and three rushing touchdowns this year. Smith is also second on the team with 24 receptions for 263 yards.

The Aggies average just 3 yards per carry as a team, and are led by redshirt freshman Derrvin Speight (5-9, 201), a player who’s not even listed in the two-deep chart. Speight has 80 carries for 286 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Quarterback Leon Jackson III is the team’s second-leading rusher. True freshman Curtis Marsh (6-0, 190) is third with 182 yards and a touchdown on 55 carries. Redshirt freshman fullback Jacob Actkinson (6-0, 218) has just 42 yards rushing, but is second on the team with 143 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Junior tight end Bear Pascoe (6-5, 260) continues to stand apart from his teammates with a team-leading 33 catches, 427 yards and four touchdowns. But this could be a breakout game for sophomore wideout Marlon Moore, who returned from injury two weeks ago and led the ‘Dogs with six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown grab that was No. 5 on ESPN’s top 10 plays last week. Despite missing 2 ½ games, Moore is second on the team with 293 yards and third with 23 receptions. Sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu is looking better each week and getting more attention in the offense because of it. He’s caught 15 passes for 257 yards (17.1 per catch).

The Aggies are led by former Hoover High standout Kevin Robinson (6-0, 199), a senior who has 39 catches for 435 yards and three touchdowns. Robinson was passed on by the Bulldogs, but got a taste of revenge last season with a game-winning 30-yard touchdown catch with 55 seconds to go. Junior Otis Nelson (6-2, 214) is third on the team with 119 yards and a touchdown on 15 grabs. No other wideout has hit the 100-yard mark on the year.
Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive Line
The injury bug stung the Bulldogs again last week when redshirt freshman center Joe Bernardi was lost for the year. Since he took over the starting job against Louisiana Tech, the unit had solidified. Now, senior All-WAC standout Ryan Wendell slides back over to center with junior All-WAC Cole Popovich returning from injury to fill the left guard spot. The group struggled to slow Boise State’s blitzing schemes and never seemed to adjust. Its 12 sacks allowed this season match last season’s total, with the team averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Utah State has one of the WAC’s biggest lines, with center Ryan Tonnemacher (6-3, 288) the shortest of the starters, and redshirt freshman left tackle Spencer Johnson (6-5, 283) the lightest. Senior Pace Jorgensen (6-5, 335) is the leader of the unit that has remained intact all season and allowed a modest 16 sacks. The problem is the running game just doesn’t seem to go.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
Senior Tyler Clutts is well on his way to a first-team All-WAC selection as the conference leader with seven sacks (43 tackles). Right behind him is junior tackle Jon Monga with six. Clutts and Monga are also among the leaders in tackles for losses with nine apiece. Senior Charles Tolbert has stepped his game up since taking over for suspended Jason Shirley. Tolbert has three sacks and six tackles for losses. Sophomore Wilson Ramos is quietly climbing the list too, with two sacks and seven tackles for losses.

Along with Clutts, Utah State junior end Ben Calderwood (6-2, 268) are the only two WAC players on the Hendricks Award watch list for the nation’s best defensive lineman. Calderwood is second on the team with 2.5 sacks on the year. Senior end Carl Singleton (6-2, 235) leads the Aggies with 3.5 sacks and is tied for second with senior Frank Maile (6-1, 275) with four tackles for losses.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
The more games that are played, the more Fresno State senior Marcus Riley improves his candidacy for WAC defensive player of the year. Riley leads the team with 80 tackles, including 10 for losses (tied for WAC-high). He had a game-high 12 tackles, including three for losses, against Boise State. Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs is on his way to a Freshman All-America campaign, and is second on the team with 48 tackles. The ‘Dogs will need sophomore Quaadir Brown (39 tackles) to use his speed to keep Leon Jackson III contained.

Utah State’s three starting linebackers make the majority of the team’s stops. Junior Jake Hutton (6-0, 231) leads the team with 62 tackles, while sophomore Paul Igobeli (6-0, 206) and junior De’von Hall (6-3, 220) are tied for second with 58 tackles apiece. While Fresno State should be able to push through Utah State’s defensive line, these guys will need to step up to slow the running game and keep this contest close.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
The Bulldogs’ secondary is much improved from a season ago, though sophomore Damion Owens has the team’s only interception. Coming out of a reserve role, redshirt freshman Lorne Bell is fourth on the team with 40 tackles (four for losses). Don’t be surprised if he picks off a pass or two before all is said and done this season. The Bulldogs are second in the WAC in pass defense (190.1 yards per game) and are the only team in the conference to allow fewer than 10 passing touchdowns (nine).

Aggies junior free safety Caleb Taylor (6-3, 197) is tied for second on the team with 58 tackles. Taylor’s two interceptions are tied with backup free safety junior Roy Hurst (5-9, 187) for the team lead. Sophomore strong safety James Brindley (5-10, 191) is fifth on the team with 44 stops. Sophomore corner Kejon Murphy (5-8, 160) is an Edison High alum returning to his roots for the first time.
Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
Where or where has the Clint Stitser we’re used to gone? Stitser was 0 for 2 against Boise State, having a field goal blocked for the first time in his career. He’s now 9 of 16 on the year, for the second-worst percentage in the WAC. Punter Kyle Zimmerman is second in the conference, averaging 41 yards per punt. Clifton Smith’s 65-yard punt return for a touchdown against Boise State was the fifth of his career – a new Fresno State record. Bulldogs kick returner corner A.J. Jefferson, is second in the nation with 32.9 yards per return.

Utah State’s Kevin Robinson is 12th in the nation with 30.5 yards per kick return. He’s taken two back for touchdowns this season. He’s also returned a punt for a score, and leads the WAC with 19.6 yards per attempt. Quarterback/punter Leon Jackson III leads the WAC with 42.3 yards per punt, and true freshman Peter Caldwell is 10 of 14 on field goals with a long of 47 yards.
Edge: Even

Coaching
While Pat Hill is trying to get the Bulldogs bowl eligible for the eighth time in nine years, Utah State’s Brent Guy is trying to win for the first time this season and the second time in two years. But he’s 1-1 all-time against Hill.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
Besides becoming bowl eligible, the Bulldogs can set up another showdown game next week at No. 12 Hawaii by improving to 5-1 in the WAC. Playing at home, the Bulldogs might also have a hint of revenge on their minds after the most embarrassing loss in program history 13-12 at Utah State last season. That said, Utah State has nothing to lose and a few Valley products who will be amped for the game.
Edge: Bulldogs