Boise's defense better? Hmmm ...

I found this column through yahoo on rivals.com ...

scroll down to the WAC section of it, and read what it says ...

here's my email to him...

"I am just curious as to how you know for a fact that Boise State's defense is better than Fresno State's?

Didn't Boise give up 31 pts to La. Tech at home, and 44 in regulation (leading to 67 in 4OT) to Nevada at home?

Fresno held La. Tech to 6 points when they played them at home. Not to mention, the 'Dogs just shut out San Jose State this past Saturday, 30-0. Boise's only good defensive game was against New Mexico State, when the Aggies' QB Chase Holbrook went down with an injury.

Fresno's DEs John Monga and Tyler Clutts each have 7 sacks to lead the WAC.

I think Boise's offense is better, by far. But to say that Boise's defense is better without flinching, at this point in the season is ridiculous.

We won't know much until Hawai'i, Boise, and Fresno have all played each other.

-Mark, Fresno, CA"

I've gone back and forth with him a little bit since .... My response in red, his in blue.

Hey, I think boise’s defense is better. You’re right, though: we will see if that’s true.


thanks for actually responding ... a lot of people just ignore these emails


No, I respond to all of them.

Figure if someone took the time to write, I should take the time to write back. Have watched some of fresno’s games this season. Matthews a real nice TB. And miller not that bad, either.

Yes, us Fresno fans are really excited that Mathews came in right away and is performing so nicely. Miller was slated to be the next big thing for FS RBs, but Mathews "cut in line." Can't complain about that though...

also ...my friends and I have a Fresno State sports blog ...check it out www.bulldogbounce.blogspot.com

That’s some pretty good stuff. Thanks for the link.

Grading the 'Dogs (5-2, 4-0): vs. San Jose State (3-5, 2-2)

Quarterbacks: B-
Hard to argue with winning and efficiency, but Brandstater has got to quit overthrowing receivers.

Running Backs: A
Team averages 5.8 yards per carry, led by Mathews' 144 yards and two TDs (9 yards per carry).

Receivers: C+
Pascoe and Smith found the open spaces, but deep threats need to emerge.

Offensive Line: A-
Another dominant running day and only one sack allowed, even the backups got to play.

Defensive Line: B+
Clutts is playing at another level right now, as he and Monga each got their seventh sack of the season (WAC best), and Tolbert and Borg also had one.

Linebackers: B-
While Riley was making head-turning plays one after another, and Bates had a career-best day, Tafralis was allowed way too many scrambling yards.

Defensive Backs: A-
A breakout game for Davis, as 'Dogs held pure passing SJSU to 254 yards and no scores. Owens grabs the team's first interception on the first play.

Special Teams: A
Stitser hits all three field goal attempts (6 of his last 7), and Jefferson nearly returns his only kick return all the way (61 yards). Zimmerman averages 49.8 yards on four punts.

The New Timeout

Okay. Let me just say that about 3 weeks ago, I was not happy with the new timeout. I didn't like how they just completely changed his entire look. I felt as though the marketing department through tradition out the window.

But, that was before our road trip to Reno, Nevada for the football game against the Nevada Wolfpack.

About 2 hours before game time, me and my pals were looking for a grassy area to play catch near Mackay Stadium. So we decided to hang out by the Alumni tailgate. After about 5 minutes of tossing the ball around, we see the new Timeout walking with the cheerleaders.

Suddenly, the new Timeout begins walking towards us, and sticks his fuzzy paws out, as if he wanted us to throw him the ball. So we did. And let me tell you, the new Timeout has to be the most athletic mascot in all of college football. He was making leaping catches, tackling, kicking, and even chest bumping!











This awesome interaction with the new Timeout, allowed me to accept him as a definite formidable mascot. In fact, I'll go further to say that I won't refer to him as "new Timeout" anymore. He is Timeout, and he is our new tradition.

To further my liking of Timeout, he remembered who we were. Tonight, myself, fsdogs1, and DC3, went to the Homecoming Rally at Bulldog Boulevard. While playing catch, Timeout noticed and recognized us, and immediately threw his poms-poms to the ground, and stuck out his fuzzy paws out just like he did in Reno! It was great!

He then tackled me again, and then caught a pass and chest-bumped me again. It was like we could see him smiling, even though he has a permanent-sewn-fuzzy face.

Timeout definitely grew on me and is completely awesome. I formally apologize for not liking him from the get-go.

P.S. San Jose State sucks.

Game Preview: Fresno State (4-2, 3-0) vs. San Jose State (3-4, 1-2)

Quarterbacks
Right now, Fresno State junior Tom Brandstater (6-5, 220) is doing everything he needs to to get the job done. He’s not putting up huge passing numbers, but he’s efficient, completing 60% of his passes for 1,116 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

On the other hand, San Jose State’s Adam Tafralis (6-2, 219) has to air it out to give the Spartans the best chance to win. He’s completed 65.7% of his throws for 1,663 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Tafralis threw 3 picks in last week’s soggy 42-35 overtime loss to Hawaii. Backups junior Jordan LaSecla (6-3, 198), Sean Flynn (6-4, 220) and sophomore Myles Eden (6-0, 182) have each seen action in multiple games this season.
Edge: Spartans

Running Backs
Sophomore Lonyae Miller (5-11, 215) and true freshman Ryan Mathews (5-11, 205) are getting scarier and scarier for opposing teams each week. Miller led the Bulldogs with 18 carries for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns at Idaho last week, while Mathews added 67 yards and two more scores. On the year, Mathews leads the team with 452 yards and 7 touchdowns, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Miller has 360 yards and 5 touchdowns with 4.4 yards per carry. And don’t forget the most versatile weapon of them all Clifton Smith, who has 168 yards and 3 scores on the ground (6 yards per carry) with 177 yards receiving (11.1 per catch). Coach Pat Hill said on his weekly radio show that fullback Nate Adams (5-11, 240) was the offensive MVP against Idaho without ever touching the ball. And watch for sophomore tailback Anthony Harding (6-0, 215), who has 113 yards and 2 scores, to see more time at fullback this week because of a loaded backfield.

The Bulldogs’ strength is the Spartans’ weakness. The running game has been sad at best, with San Jose State averaging 2 yards per carry as a team with Yonus Davis, who rushed for 1,007 yards in 2006, and Patrick Perry out with injuries. Jacob French (5-10, 205) leads the team with 132 yards on 45 carries and James T. Callier (6-0, 220) has 131 yards and 3 touchdowns on 52 attempts.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Junior tight end Bear Pascoe (6-5, 260) was back in the mix at Idaho with 6 catches for 69 yards. Pascoe leads the team with 24 receptions for 332 yards and 4 touchdowns. Sophomore Marlon Moore (6-1, 185), who’s been out with injury for the past 2 ½ games but returned to practice, will be a big boost if he can return this week. He remains second on the team with 193 yards.Sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu (6-3, 205) has quietly developed into the team’s deep threat with 9 catches for 174 yards (19.3 yards per grab). And sophomore Jason Crawley (6-1, 185) is the possession receiver with 14 catches for 108 yards and is the only Bulldogs’ wideout with a touchdown.

The Spartans have plenty of guys racking up stats, with three receivers with as many or more receptions as Fresno State’s leader. Junior Kevin Jurovich, who had 117 yards against Hawaii, leads the team with 44 catches for 638 yards and 5 scores. JC junior transfer David Richmond (6-4, 200) has 34 grabs for 472 yards and 3 touchdowns, and running back French has 24 catches for 216 yards and a score. Big sophomore Jalal Beauchman (6-4, 220) has 122 yards on 18 receptions.
Edge: Spartans

Offensive Line
Fresno State had a shaky start with injuries to All-WAC Cole Popovich and Adam McDowell (season). They’re still out, but the line has solidified with redshirt freshmen Joe Bernardi (6-3, 280) and Andrew Jackson (6-5, 290) stepping in. The way Ryan Wendell (6-2, 285) has played since sliding over from center to left guard, he might be the WAC’s best up front. The team has given up just one sack in the past two games and plowed the way for a team average of 4.6 yards per carry.

San Jose State’s line is filled with youth, with three true freshmen starting in left tackle Fred Koloto (6-3, 290), left guard Isaac Leatiota (6-4, 295) and right guard Moa Ngatuvai (6-2, 303). The team has given up 13 sacks this year – one more than Fresno State gave up all of last season.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
NFL-bound tackle Jason Shirley remains suspended indefinitely, but end Tyler Clutts (6-2, 245) and junior tackle Jon Monga (6-2, 280) should have their way with the Spartans’ inexperienced line. Clutts and Monga are tied for the WAC lead with 5 sacks apiece. Charles Tolbert (5-11, 265) had 5 tackles (1 for loss) and a forced fumble last week.

Though listed as a reserve, sophomore end Carl Ihenacho (6-3, 245) leads the team with 4 sacks and 5 tackles for losses. Junior end Jarron Gilbert (6-6, 280) has 22 tackles (4 for losses) with 2 sacks. If this group can’t stop the run up front, the Spartans could be in trouble.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
The Marcus Riley and Ben Jacobs show continues in Fresno State’s bend-but-don’t-break defense that is allowing teams to score red zone touchdowns just 50% of the time (13 of 26). Riley (6-2, 220) is making a case for WAC defensive player of the year with a team-high 58 tackles (7 for losses) and 2 forced fumbles. Redshirt freshman Jacobs (6-3, 225) is second with 48 tackles (3 for losses). Sophomore Quaadir Brown (6-2, 215) is the fastest of the group and capable of being the impact player any given day.

Matt Castelo (5-10, 228) is the leader of the defense with a team-high 71 tackles (7.5 for losses) and an interception. Demetrius Jones (6-1, 230) is second with 67 tackles. Expect these two guys to be helping to stack the box against Fresno State’s run on Saturday.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
The Bulldogs remain the only team in the country without an interception. But so far this year, they’ve given up very few big-play passes, holding opponents to 184.8 yards per game. The ‘Dogs know they can rely on a couple of safeties to deliver big hits in sophomore Moses Harris (6-1, 200) and redshirt freshman Lorne Bell (5-10, 195).

The strength of the Spartans’ defense lies here. Junior corner Christopher Owens (5-10, 170) leads the team with 4 interceptions and is third with 52 tackles. All-WAC corner Dwight Lowery (6-1, 185) has 3 picks after finishing with 9 last season. Junior safety Jonathan Harris (6-0, 190) also has 3 picks, after swiping 2 against Hawaii.
Edge: Spartans

Special Teams
Spartans coach Dick Tomey calls this the strength of Fresno State’s team. Kicker Clint Stitser finally put together a solid 3 for 4 performance in Idaho and Kyle Zimmerman averages 41.5 yards per punt. But the biggest threat might be sophomore corner A.J. Jefferson (5-11, 180), who leads the nation with 33.3 yards per kick return. And don’t forget about Clifton Smith, one of the nation’s most dangerous punt returners. And don’t forget the ‘Dogs are one of the best kick-blocking teams in the country, as usual, with three this season.

San Jose State has struggled mightily in the kicking game, Jared Strubeck is 2 for 9 on field goals and Will Johnson is 0 for 1. Punter Waylon Prather averages 39.3 yards. Dwight Lowery is dangerous on punts, averaging 16.2 yards per return – with an 84-yard touchdown return.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
It’s too close to call here. Pat Hill has established Fresno State as one of the most powerful non-BCS conference programs around, and looks to have the ‘Dogs headed in the right direction after last season’s stunning 4-8 record. The ‘Dogs have already matched that win total this year. But San Jose State’s Dick Tomey, who once had Hill and Bulldogs special teams coach John Baxter on his staff at Arizona, is a longtime proven winner. He came in last season to breathe life into a downward spiraling San Jose State team that was once proud.
Edge: Even

Intangibles
The Bulldogs have played just two home games all season and are hungry to see the Red Wave. San Jose State hasn’t won at Bulldog Stadium since 1991 (losing in the past seven meetings in Fresno). The Spartans’ win last season was their first in 13 tries against the Bulldogs.
Edge: Bulldogs

San Jose State fans crack me up

In all the nation, those have to be the only fans who can still find ways to talk trash when they've lost to a team 12 times in a row. That's what they did before last season's Fresno State game, and then when they finally beat the 'Dogs, it got even worse.

Walking out of Spartan Stadium, five things were on my mind:
1. San Jose State fans love Fresno's Shaw and Blackstone avenues. That's where several of them kept yelling for us to go back to.

2. The series is still so lopsided that they're trash talk ends as soon as you tell them it'll be another decade and a half before they beat the 'Dogs again.

3. What in tarnation!? I just realized -- for the first time ever at Spartan Stadium -- the tailgate area isn't a swampland. I didn't ruin another pair of shoes walking to my truck and I didn't see one single person's tires get stuck in the mud.

4. Is San Jose State struggling so much for fans that they held a special season finale promotion of Gangsta Appreciation Night? Or was it buy one ticket, get four gang bangers in for free? Seriously, I thought I was at a Raiders game with all the thugs bumping their gangsta rap and getting drunk in the parking lot (even before the game). I've seen WWE pay-per-view events with less fighting words tossed around.

5. I can't wait 'til they come to Bulldog Stadium in '07!

Grading the 'Dogs (4-2): at Idaho (1-6)

Quarterbacks: B-
Brandstater was efficient, throwing for 178 yards on 17 of 22 passing with no picks -- but he had no touchdowns either.

Running Backs: B+
While Miller lost two fumbles, he also had his season-best 108 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Mathews added two more scores on 67 yards and Smith had 42 yards on 5 attempts.

Receivers: B
Pascoe was again the go-to target with 69 yards on 6 grabs, but short-armed a sure deep touchdown pass and dropped it. Crawley added 41 yards and Smith 38. The big pass plays are still missing.

Offensive Line: A-
Unit seems to have gelled, paving way for 5.1 yards per carry and allowing one sack. Even when Popovich returns, Bernardi or Jackson will be tough to bench.

Defensive Line: C+
Despite never being in the game after the second quarter, Idaho averaged 6.2 yards per carry and kept its QB out of Clutts' and Monga's grasp. Shamblee let tight end loose for garbage-time TD.

Linebackers: B-
Jacobs led team with 9 tackles, Bates had only sack and 'Dogs were layin' big hits. But gave up too many yards.

Defensive Backs: B
Gave up one big play but held Vandals to 9 of 26 passing. Davis shows he knows how to drop the hits. Still no interceptions on the year...

Special Teams: B
No big plays either way. Stitser badly missed 51-yarder but made two from 44 yards to finish 3 of 4 on field goals. Allowed Idaho 27 yards per kick return.

Radio Tradio

So an Idaho radio personality came on Fresno's Tony D. Show (Sporting News Radio) yesterday and claime the Idaho defense can stop Fresno State's offense?

That got me thinking...this calls for a poll (so vote in it, directly to the right of this blog posting). Can Idaho shut down Fresno State?

I don't know what would make anyone think so...? After all, the 'Dogs won 34-0 last season and 40-10 at Kibbie Dome in 2005.

Idahope this bit's as funny here as it was in our head

Yeah, we weren't going to pile on Idaho this week because, well... Idaho. Sheesh.

But with his mashed taters smack, mizarkn got us in the mood to tizalkn some trizashn.

We used to work with an Idaho grad a few years back. Some chick named Janice or something like that. This was when the Fresno State fight song was our celly's ring tone.

Remember that night the Bulldogs put up like 5 million yards rushing and 70-something points on Hawaii? We played the ring tone every time Fresno State scored until Janice had a nervous breakdown in the office.

She didn't like that tradition. But here's one she did like: She told us the Vandals fans throw potatoes on the field in some pregame ceremony.

Stupid right? Well, we thought that since a dis blog on Idaho wouldn't really serve much purpose (it's not like their fans ((all four of them)) are familiar enough with the internet to even be offended) -- we thought we'd extrapolate their stupid potato-throwing crap out to include other teams.

Like, what if every team's fans took something that people identified their community with and threw it on the field?

We already know what Fresno State fans throw. Beers. Go ask Oregon State. Oh, and we throw fictional screwdrivers.

Duck, June Jones, duck!! As in Donald Duck Orange Juice, so Jones can go mix it with some vodka. Liar.

Anyway, here's our take on what some other Fresno State opponents should throw on their fields.

San Jose State: Hot dogs. Yeah, the Spartans' football team got so bad (as have the rest of their sports), school officials toyed with the idea of dropping the program. Since then, their best known "athlete" is Joey Chestnut.

Oregon: Fat, ugly broads. Seriously, on this year's trip to Eugene, all we saw were hephers. We had planned to take some pics and maybe video of Oregon's hot chicks and post it up here just to exploit them. We'll spare you. All we saw were unshaven pits and multi-chins.

Nevada: Crank. We'd say gaming chips, but who goes there to gamble anymore? Now all Reno is known for is a parody show about bad cops in short shorts and making the biggest little pots of meth.

Hawaii: How 'bout instead of throwing things, you just pickup your damn litter, OK? Has anyone else seen a game in Hawaii on TV? Jesus, why is there so much paper garbage always blowing around on the field? Better not take that tear-shedding old Native American guy from the anti-littering commercials over there. He'd have a heart attack.

Bwa-zay State: The finger. No wait, that's what we'd throw at their racist fans. Seriously, what better way to ruin one of the greatest stories in the country than to have the star football player who helps fuel the upset of the century and proposes to his cheerleader girlfriend after the game than to round up all your redneck fans to send him death threats?

Oh, and our prediction for this week: Idaho loses.

Game Preview: Fresno State (3-2) at Idaho (1-5)

Quarterbacks
Tom Brandstater isn’t taking games into his own hands right now, but he’s winning and for the most part playing mistake-free football. That’s saying quite a lot considering he keeps losing major weapons to injuries. Brandstater has completed 57% of his passes for 938 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.

Idaho senior Brian Nooy (6-2, 199) gets his second straight start after starter Nathan Enderle went down with an injury in a 48-20 loss to Hawaii. Nooy was 8 of 15 for 68 yards and threw two interceptions in the loss, and is 20 of 38 on the year with four picks and no touchdowns.
Edge: Bulldogs

Running Backs
The talent has been there all year – and now it should have plenty of confidence. True freshman Ryan Mathews dissected Nevada for 171 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries (12.2 yards per attempt). Sophomore starter Lonyae Miller had 98 yards and a score on 12 carries (7.9-yard average). Mathews scored on runs of 54 and 67 yards, with Miller scoring on a 72-yard spinning dash across the field. Clifton Smith added 20 yards and a touchdown on two carries and five catches for 74 yards.

Idaho redshirt freshman Deonte Jackson (5-8, 181) leads the WAC with 772 yards rushing. He averages 5.1 per carry with three touchdowns on the year. Senior Brian Flowers (5-9, 190) is second on the team with 195 yards and had a career-high 114 in last year’s loss to Fresno State. Sophomore Jayson Bird (6-0, 221) had 116 yards on the year.
Edge: Even

Receivers
With top receiver Marlon Moore missing against Nevada with an injury and questionable this week, sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu emerged as the deep threat he should be with three catches for 81 yards, including a 42- and 38-yard grabs. The Bulldogs need to find a way to keep tight end Bear Pascoe more involved. He had just one catch for six yards last week.

Sophomores Eddie Williams (6-1, 249) and Max Komar (5-10, 185) lead the way. The much larger Williams has 23 catches for 277 yards and two scores. But Komar leads the team with 14.6 yards per catch and has 18 grabs for 262 yards and three touchdowns. These are the two who can do damage if Nooy can get them the ball – if.
Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive Line
Fresno State’s blocking was much improved now that the line finally seems to have solidified with redshirt freshmen Joe Bernardi at center and Andrew Jackson at right guard. No sacks were allowed against Nevada and the group paved the way for 307 rushing yards, including three runs of more than 50 yards. When and if Cole Popovich returns, will only boost this unit. But it still must work on cutting out the unnecessary penalties (Jackson’s personal foul last week).

Despite running back Deonte Jackson leading the WAC in rushing, Idaho gets just 3.6 yards per carry as a team. And the line has given up 21 sacks in six games. Junior center Adam Korby (6-2, 292) is a third-year starter and team captain.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
The depth keeps on dwindling. With Chris Lewis (suspension), Taylor Smith (injury), Jason Roberts (injury) and Ikenna Ike (injury) all out for the season, the Bulldogs learned this week they may have seen the last of NFL tackle prospect Jason Shirley (suspended indefinitely for conduct). The good news is end Tyler Clutts and tackle Jon Monga are tied for the WAC lead with five sacks apiece. Charles Tolbert, with six tackles, two for losses and a sack, gets the chore of trying to fill Shirley’s shoes.

With just three down linemen, the Vandals could be in trouble one week after the ‘Dogs torched Nevada’s 3-4 defense on the ground. Junior nose Siua Musika (6-1, 293) leads the team with three sacks and has 26 tackles. Junior end Taylor Rust (6-2, 232) has two sacks.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
The Bulldogs’ starters are amongst the best in the WAC as a unit and individually. Marcus Riley leads the team with 52 tackles, six for losses and a forced fumble. Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs is second with 39 tackles, three for losses and a fumble recovery. Sophomore Quaadir Brown missed much of the Nevada game with an injury but should be back to help cause fits for Idaho. The big loss to depth came with news that key reserve Ryan Machado’s season is over after a knee injury at Nevada.

This is undoubtedly Idaho’s strength. Senior David Vobora (6-1, 240) is all over the field with 83 tackles (3.5 for losses) already this season. His 10.83 per game rank 14th in the nation. Vobora had a career-high 18 last week against San Jose State. He also has an interception. And he’s got plenty of help with junior Brandon Ogletree (6-3, 224), senior Jo’Artis Ratti (6-1, 220) and junior Ben Alexander (6-1, 224). Ogletree is second on the team with 57 tackles (5.5 for losses), Ratti is fourth with 44 tackles (3 for losses) and Alexander has 41 tackles (7 for losses) and a sack.
Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
So much for Fresno State’s No. 2 in the nation pass defense. The ‘Dogs gave up 491 yards to Nevada’s two quarterbacks, although 259 of them came during the garbage-time fourth quarter. But that’s still no excuse for allowing that many yards and letting the game appear far closer than it was. On a positive note, sophomore A.J. Jefferson seems to have blossomed into a key player and future star. But sophomore Damion Owens was reportedly carted out of practice with a hand injury Wednesday. The ‘Dogs are the only team in the country without an interception.

Idaho, on the other hand, has plenty of interceptions. Senior corner Stanley Franks (5-11, 167) is the star of the unit and had nine picks last season. Franks has one so far this year, but sophomore safety Shiloh Keo (5-10, 175) has four and is third on the team with 51 tackles. Redshirt freshman corner Eric Hunter (5-6, 154) hasn’t let his small stature stop him from picking off three passes. With turnovers as Idaho’s best chance to win, Tom Brandstater better not throw too close to these three.
Edge: Vandals

Special Teams
It looks like the ‘Dogs might be up to their old tricks again. Clifton Smith returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown against Nevada, Bear Pascoe blocked a field goal that A.J. Jefferson returned 40 yards for a score and Jefferson added three kick returns for 108 yards to set up good field position. Oh, and Kyle Zimmerman averaged 42 yards a punt. The only question mark right now is kicker Clint Stitser, who is a disappointing 3 of 7 on field goals this season.

Idaho kicker Tino Amancio is solid at 9 of 11 on the year, with a long of 51 yards. But he has had one blocked, which doesn’t bode well as no one blocks kicks better than the Bulldogs. Punter T.J. Conley has seen a lot of action, averaging 37.7 yards per punt and placing just 10 of 43 inside the 20. The Bulldogs will have to watch for Shiloh Keo, who had a 100-yard touchdown return on a punt in a 42-35 loss to Northern Illinois.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Pat Hill has led the ‘Dogs to wins over Idaho in each of the teams’ two previous WAC meetings by a combined score of 74-10, including last season’s 34-0 victory. First-year Idaho coach Robb Akey has plenty of energy, but is 1-5 so far this season, and will have to do more to prove himself and his team has what it takes to beat the WAC’s headline programs.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
As far as homefield advantage goes, Idaho’s 16,000-seat Kibbie Dome, an old airplane hangar, doesn’t do much to intimidate. If anything, it could lull the Bulldogs to sleep and help Idaho catch them off guard with a quick start. But don’t count on it, as Fresno State can’t take any game for granted this season. Idaho’s new grass-like artificial playing surface is a big advantage of the worn-down health-threat turf it had when these teams met in 2005.
Edge: Even

Mashed Taters

I want this upcoming game with the Potato Vandals to be a statement game. I want the 'Dogs to smash them into what I like to call "Mashed Taters."

Alright, enough with the potato puns. But really, this Fresno State team needs a game where they dominate both sides of the ball, every play, every step. Smash! Smash! And more then more smashing!

Like most games, keys to a great domination game lies in the hands of the offensive and defensive lines. I want the 'Dogs to be 6 to 7 steps ahead of the Vandals of every play! I want to see the D-Line crashing through, pushing over Idaho's O-Line, and completely crushing their QB, Brian Nooy, even before he tries to hand the ball off. Every single play!

Idaho sucks.

We all know that.

Even Brian Nooy's mom knows it.

So me wanting these things to happen ... isn't too far fetched ... is it?

Grading the 'Dogs at Nevada

Quarterbacks: B
Brandstater did what he needed to do -- manage the game. He had some long completions to Ajirotutu and kept things under control minus his top two wideouts.

Running Backs: A+
Mathews averages 12.2 yards per carry with 3 TDs and Miller 7.9 with 1 TD. Mathews had a 54-yard and 67-yard TD, and Miller a 72-yarder.

Receivers: B-
Ajirotutu is on the cusp of breaking out, a huge plus with Moore and West injured. Guys got open deep but Brandstater missed on a couple throws.

Offensive Line: B+
Brandstater wasn't sacked and the running lanes were opened. But penalties are still hurtful, including Jackson's personal foul that turned a third-and-1 into a third-and-16.

Defensive Line: C+
Clutts had another standout game with sack and near-pick, with Stuart (two batted passes) and Ramos filling in nicely for injured Ike. But pressure was inconsistent.

Linebackers: C+
Jacobs tied for team-high 7 tackles and first-year walk-on Bates got a sack filling in for injured Brown. But late-game lull was unecessary.

Defensive Backs: C-
Pass defense was exposed late in the fourth quarter with most of the starters in. Dropped passes helped the unit early, but that won't cut it against better WAC teams.

Special Teams: A-
Only blemish was Stitser's missed field goal, but he had great distance on early kickoffs, Pascoe blocked a field goal and Jefferson returned it for a TD and Smith returned a punt for a TD. Jefferson also had several big kick returns.

Game Preview: FS (2-2) at Nevada (2-2)

Quarterbacks
Just when it looked like Tom Brandstater was on his way to a breakout game, the Fresno State junior flopped against Louisiana Tech with only 92 yards on 8 of 22 passing. He had one touchdown and one interception, dropping to 56.2% passing on the season. He’ll have to have a better showing this week.

Nevada sophomore Nick Graziano (6-1, 220) grew up quick with a clutch performance against UNLV last week, throwing a 43-yard touchdown pass with 27.5 seconds left for the win. Graziano is 61 for 120 with 1,012 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in four games, and has run for 80 yards.
Edge: Wolf Pack

Running Backs
No one has separated himself amongst the Bulldogs’ committee of backs. True freshman Ryan Mathews, sophomores Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding and senior Clifton Smith each have two rushing touchdowns. Mathews leads the group with 214 yards rushing, followed by Miller’s 157, Smith’s 106 and Harding’s 93. But Miller, the starter, is averaging just 3 yards a carry while Mathews is at 4.8 yards.

Junior Luke Lippincott (6-2, 215) is averaging 5.3 yards per carry for the Wolf Pack, with 323 yards and two touchdowns this season. He’s spelled by sophomore Brandon Fragger (5-9, 195), who has 123 yards and one score.
Edge: Even

Receivers
With last year’s leading receiver Chastin West gone for the season with a knee injury, things are only getting worse. Sophomore Marlon Moore (15 catches, 193 yards), who assumed the leadership role, went down with an injury against La Tech and is questionable for the Nevada game. Without him, the team has no proven go-to wideout and will rely heavily on junior tight end Bear Pascoe, who leads the team with 257 yards and four touchdowns on 17 catches. Sophomore Jason Crawley led the team with two catches for 32 yards last week, but that’s not going to translate to wins most of the time.

The Wolf Pack isn’t afraid to go for big plays. Junior Mike McCoy (6-0, 190) averages 22.8 yards per catch, Kyle Sammons (5-11, 195) averages 21.6 yards and junior Marko Mitchell (6-4, 200)19.9. Mitchell leads the team with 11 receptions for 219 yards. Sammons has 216 yards and McCoy has 205. Tight end Adam Bishop (6-4, 245) has nine catches for 147 yards and five touchdowns.
Edge: Wolf Pack

Offensive Line
Even with redshirt freshman Joe Bernardi moving into the starting role at center to make up for injuries to guards Cole Popovich (all-WAC) and Adam McDowell (out for the year), the line allowed way too much pressure on Brandstater last week. He was sacked twice, but hurried all night. The group needs to return to its hard-nosed, physical tradition. It has the manpower with Ryan Wendell and Bobby Lepori.

Nevada junior center Dominic Green (6-3, 295), on the Rimington Award watch list, is coming off a broken foot that sidelined him for the first three games. He played against UNLV but didn’t start. The Wolf Pack will need him this week, and will also need their young tackles, redshirt freshmen John Bender (6-8, 325) and Mike Gallett (6-6, 295) and sophomore Alonzo Durham (6-4, 285) to step up and keep up with the edge rush of Fresno State’s Tyler Clutts and Ikenna Ike.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
Sure, losing end Jason Roberts for the year in the Oregon game severely hurt the depth, but it didn’t stop All-WAC end Tyler Clutts from recording his first four sacks of the season against La Tech with junior tackle Jon Monga adding three more. If the ‘Dogs can apply that type of pressure against Nevada, they’ll have a good shot to win.

The Wolf Pack’s 3-4 defense has given up 1,033 yards rushing already this season. Nose Matt Hines (6-1, 285), a Modesto native, is tied for fourth on the team with 20 tackles. End Jay Dixon (6-2, 270) is the only lineman with a sack.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Senior Marcus Riley is having the type of year that makes him a WAC defensive MVP candidate. With 14 tackles in the WAC opener, he leads the team with 47 this season (returning from a devastating knee injury against USC in 2005). Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs isn’t doing too shabby himself with 32 tackles, second-most on the team.

This could be the battle for the WAC’s top linebacker corps. Nevada’s Ezra Butler (6-2, 248) was a preseason favorite for defensive MVP. But junior Joshua Mauga (6-2, 245) leads the team with 47 tackles. Junior Kevin Porter (6-1, 240) is tied for fourth on the team in tackles and Visalia-native Jeremy Engstrom (6-1, 247) is another top returner.
Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
Fresno State’s second-in-the-nation pass defense, yardage-wise, finally gets a real test this week against Nevada’s pistol offense – the first true passing team the ‘Dogs have faced. Senior corner Damon Jenkins, and All-WAC candidate, missed the La Tech game with injury and allowed fans to see just how bright sophomore A.J. Jefferson’s future could be. But the team is in dire need of playmakers, and Jenkins is the only member of the secondary who’s intercepted a pass (three picks last year). For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are the last team in the nation to not have an interception.

Nevada’s secondary has the veteran presence the ‘Dogs lack, with three senior starting and one junior. Corner Paul Pratt (5-10, 185) and strong safety Uche Anyanwu (6-4, 220) each have 15 tackles, tied for eighth on the team.
Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
Punter Kyle Zimmerman has gone from being shaky last season to a huge asset this year. He’s averaging 41.7 yards per punt and has landed 8 of 18 inside the 20-yard line. Clint Stitser nailed a 46-yarder last week, but is 3 of 6 on the year. Jefferson’s 56-yard kick return was a career-best and Smith added a 34-yard punt return. The ‘Dogs are due for one of their trademarked blocked kick this week.

Junior kicker Brett Jaekle has hit 5 of 6 field goals this season, including a 50-yarder against UNLV. Punter Zachary Whited averages 36.9 yards per attempt with 8 of 25 inside the 20. Dwayne Sanders had a 45-yard kick return last week.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Under Pat Hill, Fresno State has won seven of its past eight against Nevada, including last year’s 28-19 win in the season opener at Bulldog Stadium. But if ever his team was vulnerable, it’s right now.

Hall of fame Nevada coach Chris Ault has a stat of his own to boast. He’s 2-0 all-time against Fresno State in Reno. Ault is 127-26-1 all-time at Mackay Stadium.
Edge: Even

Intangibles
The last time these two teams played in Reno, Nevada shocked the country by pulling out a 37-34 win one week after the Bulldogs battled to a narrow loss at then-No. 1 USC. Fresno State has been in a downward spiral ever since. Is this the game that propels them back up?
Edge: Wolf Pack

Pecker smack the Wolf Pack

See, we can think up catchy phrases, too, Nevada.

According to the UNR university propaganda Web site, the Nevada students put on some homecoming contest ths week called Bulldoze the Bulldogs.

This is how Nevada public relations practitioner Scott Gayer (too easy; we'll lay off that one) described the event: "Goggle-eyed fraternity and sorority members stumbled, shouted and jumped their way through a zany obstacle course."

We don't see any goggles. Do you?

Here's what we do see: cardboard boxes, fingerpaint and shame.

And how many of the students pictured, including the girl whose face looks like she's passing a stone, are all wearing red? This is a spirit rally?

What a zany afternoon.

But then again, it wasn't the only piece of Wolf Pack "news" that made little to less-than-zero sense this week.

It seems elderly Nevada coach Chris Ault has either forgotten that the area inside the 20-yard lines is referred to as the "red zone" or he's just one of those stubborn old people who like to make up their own names for things.

To our grandma, Long John Silver's is Hi-Ho Silver. Try telling her otherwise and watch out for the uppercut.

Either way, Ault is now roaming around in his Depends babbling about some gold zone.

And instead of getting any kind of explanation for this dementia, some reporter from the Nevada Appeal just accepted it as fact for what he termed as "obvious reasons" and proceeded to refer to the red zone as the gold zone for the rest of his story.

Nevada, let's clear up the confusion. Your colors are blue and gray. We're red. The zone is red. Maybe your coach's Metamucil has some gold on the label.

And you're going down.

Grading the 'Dogs: vs. Louisiana Tech

Quarterbacks: D+
Didn't get much time to throw, but worst performance of the year only 8 for 22 and a few questionable decisions.

Running Backs: C+
Averaged 4 yards per carry as a unit -- hard to figure why 'Dogs didn't run more in first half? Miller must improve on his 2.8-yard average.

Receivers: D+
Crawley's TD was game's only big play, but unit struggled to get open at times and losing Moore to injury would be devastating.

Offensive Line: C-
Hard for Brandstater to pass with constant pressure -- two sacks allowed, but played well in spurts.

Defensive Line: B
Superb in the second half behind Clutts' nine tackles and four sacks. Monga added three sacks and Shirley had one.

Linebackers: B-
Could not stop Tech's Jackson early, but rebounded. Riley was the constant with a game-high 14 tackles.

Defensive Backs: B+
Might remain nation's top-statistical pass defense after giving up just 182 yards. More importantly, the group stopped Tech from getting big-chunk-of-yardage plays.

Special Teams: B
Punting game was fantastic (three inside the 20), Jefferson had 56-yard kick return and Stitser hit 46-yard field goal.

La. La. Land

If you thought we were going to get through a week without the customary trash talk, you thought wrong.

How could we miss an opportunity to smack the fake Bulldogs. The phony Bulldogs. The bullcrap Bulldogs.

Seriously, how many people in this country even know La. Tech's mascot is a bulldog? You couldn't tell that by looking at their actual mascot costume.

It looks like the bastard child of one of the old Timeout's steaming diarrheas and Otis Nixon.

As far as America is concerned, the only thing anyone knows about Ruston is that the women's basketball team is the Lady Techsters.

We actually went through most of our life thinking La. Tech's football team was the Male Techsters.

Then we got a chance to see them when they joined the WAC and realized "Male" was a little too ambitious for them.

So we've got a new name for these wimpy bulldogs that wish they were the Fresno State Bulldogs. La. Tech shall now and forever be referred to by The Bulldog Bounce as "the La. Tech Stans."

That's right, La. Tech. We're chart-topping, hit-making Eminem, and you are the bleach blond wannabe who writes us letters in his basement while wearing a dirty old wife-beater.

No, we will NOT meet you or "be together," and we hope you get some help for your identity neuroses.

Game Preview: vs. Louisiana Tech

Quarterbacks
It’s still early, and Fresno State is 1-2, but junior Tom Brandstater is showing signs of major progress. His completed 61.1% of his passes (55 of 90) for 678 yards and five touchdowns, with only two interceptions. After throwing for more than 200 yards at Texas A&M and Oregon, this could be Brandstater’s breakout game.

Like Brandstater, Louisiana Tech senior Zac Champion (6-2, 202) had five touchdowns and two interceptions, both coming in his last game at Cal. He has completed just two fewer passes than his counterpart, yet he has far less yards at 407.
Edge: Fresno State

Running Backs
The deep and talented stable of Fresno State backs is suddenly in doubt with the questions surrounding the offensive line. But if they get blocking, expect true freshman Ryan Mathews and sophomore Lonyae Miller to cause La Tech nightmares, while senior Clifton Smith and sophomore Anthony Harding keep the other Bulldogs guessing. The unit also has to shore up its fumbling problem.

La Tech has a pretty good back of its own in junior Patrick Jackson (5-10, 193), who averages 4.6 yards a carry with 286 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson had 98 yards against Hawaii and 120 against Central Arkansas. Sophomore Daniel Porter (5-9, 189) has added 155 yards and two touchdowns on 7.4 yards per carry.
Edge: Louisiana Tech

Receivers
It would be hard, if not impossible, to find a better tight end in the nation than junior Bear Pascoe (6-5, 260), who has 14 receptions for 228 yards and four touchdowns while averaging more than 16 yards a catch. Sophomore Marlon Moore is the only other Bulldog with more than 100 yards at 179 on 13 catches. The supporting cast has to step up for this team to win the WAC title.

Everyone has to step up for La Tech, which has no one with 100 yards receiving. True freshman speedster Joe Anderson (6-1, 195) leads the squad with 12 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Edge: Fresno State

Offensive Line
This is where the game could very well be decided. The ‘Dogs need better play from the line than they had at Oregon. With All-WAC guard Cole Popovich sidelined, Pierce Masse didn’t quite fill the void. This week, All-WAC anchor Ryan Wendell slides from center to left guard (where he’s played most of his career) and redshirt freshman Joe Bernardi (6-3, 280) gets his first start at center. Redshirt freshman Andrew Jackson (6-5, 290) remains at right guard in place of Adam McDowell, who’s out for the year.

Tackle Tyler Miller (6-7, 314) and guard Ryan Considine (6-6, 297) are the bookends of an otherwise inexperienced line. Both have already graduated, and lead sophomore Ben Harris (6-4, 280), who has one year experience, and two freshmen.
Edge: Fresno State

Defensive Line
Fresno State took another big injury hit at Oregon, losing highly-touted end Jason Roberts for the season with a broken leg. With Chris Lewis’ yearlong suspension, what was a deep position now has two true freshmen as the primary backups in Chris Carter (6-2, 220) and Kenny Borg (6-3, 245). Junior Ikenna Ike (6-3, 255) is arguably the team’s best pass rusher, and now slides into a starting role to replace Roberts opposite All-WAC standout Tyler Clutts. Big NFL prospect Jason Shirley (6-5, 335) should have no problem dominating the middle.

Sophomore tackle D’Anthony Smith (6-2, 292) hit the scene for La Tech last year, and is off to another strong start with 17 tackles, four for losses and a sack this season. His matchup with Wendell will be a key to the game. Reserve end Chris Pugh (6-3, 235) has 3.5 sacks already.
Edge: Fresno State

Linebackers
Fresno State might have the best three starters in the WAC in senior Marcus Riley, sophomore Quaadir Brown and true freshman Ben Jacobs – a scary thought with the group’s youth. The three have a combined 81 tackles, with Riley’s 33 leading the way. Their speed could cause problems for La Tech’s offense.

While La Tech doesn’t have as much depth at the position, it does have one of the WAC’s top linebakers in junior Quin Harris (6-2, 221) from Redwood High in Visalia. Harris is second on the team with 22 tackles and has 3.5 for losses, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He’ll be aiming for a career night in front of many family and friends who will be in attendance.
Edge: Fresno State

Defensive Backs
Maybe the most surprising stat of the early season, Fresno State leads the nation in pass defense – yet the ‘Dogs have no interceptions. Part of it is attributable to playing Texas A&M, an option team, but this week will be a better glimpse into this unit’s talent. Senior corner Damon Jenkins was shaken up late in the Oregon game but is expected to start.

On the other hand, La Tech has had no problem creating turnovers. Corner Tony Moss (5-11, 185) has three interceptions and junior corner Weldon Brown (5-10, 184) has two – team totals 10. Sophomore free safety Antonio Baker (5-11, 200) leads the WAC with 40 tackles.
Edge: Even

Special Teams
Senior Clint Stitser’s inexplicable botch of an extra point – and it was a bad botch – has to be cause for concern, especially while he’s just 2 of 5 on field goals. But punter Kyle Zimmerman had a career game few knew he was capable of, averaging 45.4 yards per punt, although his long of 61 inflated that average a bit by taking a nice Fresno State bounce. True freshman Devon Wylie looks to be on the verge of taking a kick to the house. Fresno State’s kick-blocking ability is a big advantage.

Speaking of punting, La Tech junior Chris Keagle (6-0, 233) is one of the country’s best, averaging 44.9 yards and pinning 10 of 19 inside the 20-yard line. Kicker Danny Horwedel is just 1 of 3 on field goals. Patrick Jackson averages 25 yards per return, less than Fresno State’s Wylie.
Edge: Even

Coaching
To keep this short and sweet, Fresno State has 11th year leader Pat Hill and La Tech has first-year coach Derek Dooley.
Edge: Fresno State

Intangibles
Fresno State is coming off a mojo-killing beating at Oregon, but has a chance to get off to a great start in WAC play starting Saturday. It’s never easy for a road team at Bulldog Stadium, although La Tech took advantage of a demoralized Fresno State team in the final game of 2005 in Fresno.
Edge: Fresno State

Attention Red Wave

I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of the bye week (although that could change if it helps heal Cole Popovich).

But in anticipation of next Saturday's home game against La Tech, I've been thinking...

I want to see this city, this Valley light up with Bulldog Spirit. So I'm asking for all of your help. EVERYONE, get out your Fresno State car flags (or go buy some if you haven't yet) and fly them on your vehicle starting the Friday before the game (before every game) and leave them up all day Saturday and show up to Bulldog Stadium! Add stickers to your doors and windows and pom poms to your bumpers if you'd like. Get creative, just be supportive.

Let's fill the streets with university pride and community pride. Make everyone who isn't supporting the 'Dogs feel left out. Make them feel like they're missing something -- because they are.

And just think what it will do for the fans, what an inspiration it will be. Our how 'bout the players and coaches? Pat Hill has always wanted to paint the Valley red, so let's take a step in that direction.

Who's with me?

Grading the 'Dogs: at Oregon

Quarterbacks: C
Brandstater played well again, but his one interception was extremely costly, and he made some questionable decisions on key third downs.

Running Backs: D-
Team average of 1.7 yards per carry is unacceptable. Mathews fumble came at worst time and continued the team's ball security woes.

Receivers: B-
Moore and Ajirotutu both went over the top for spectacular catches, and Pascoe wowed fans again, but it didn't really matter in big loss.

Offensive Line: F
Without Popovich and McDowell, the unit struggled to run block, pass block and had far too many penalties to kill drives (including Avon's two false starts).

Defensive Line: D+
Roberts' broken leg kills the depth, but Shirley returned with a mean streak and Banks had his best game. Still, unit couldn't slow the run.

Linebackers: D+
Although Riley, Brown and Jacobs led team in tackles again, they spent most of the game making plays after big Oregon gains.

Defensive Backs: C
'Dogs pass defense is ranked as nation's best, but Ducks found tons of room passing over the middle on crucial third downs, and secondary was beaten on Stewart's school-record 88-yard touchdown run.

Special Teams: C
Any time a PAT is missed, grade can't be any better, though Zimmerman's 45.4 yards per punt were amazing and Wylie seemed to break out on returns.

Game Preview: at No. 19 Oregon

Quarterbacks
Junior Tom Brandstater had the best game of his career for Fresno State, nearly propelling the team to victory in the humid, deafening environment of Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. Now the team knows what he’s capable of heading into another raucous stadium at Oregon. Brandstater threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns on 21 of 31 passing with one interception. But his clutch plays that put the game into overtime were most impressive.

Oregon’s Dennis Dixon is coming off a week where he was voted the AT&T national player of the week, after dropping 292 passing and 76 rushing yards in a 39-7 win at Michigan. Dixon has 23 passing yards less than Brandstater on the year, but leads the Ducks with 217 yards on the ground. And – as the nation’s fastest quarterback – is just the type of player capable of giving the ‘Dogs fits.

Edge: Ducks

Running Backs
What looked like an endless amount of depth last week is now a question mark. Sophomore starter Lonyae Miller left the Texas A&M game in the first quarter with an injury, and true freshman sensation Ryan Mathews left late in the game. With Clifton Smith’s fumble woes, sophomore Anthony Harding was left to shoulder the load, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry but scoring twice. The ‘Dogs expect Miller and Mathews to be ready to go, and if they can run on Oregon’s defense they can win.

Everyone knows junior Jonathan Stewart (5-11, 230) is the star of this offense. He rushed for 112 yards on 15 carries at Michigan, but because of injury had just one run for 3 yards against the ‘Dogs in 2006. Reserve Jeremiah Johnson (5-10, 205) filled in with 14 carries for 74 yards.

Edge: Ducks

Receivers
Despite fumbling the ball into the end zone in the first overtime last week, negating a play that likely would have won the game, sophomore Marlon Moore (6-1, 185) has emerged as the go-to receiver. Meanwhile, junior Bear Pascoe (6-5, 260) has emerged as possibly the best tight end in the nation, with 10 catches for 161 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore Jason Crawley (6-1, 185) gives Brandstater a weapon who’s not afraid to go over the middle.

The biggest problem Oregon’s receivers pose is their height. That, along with blazing speed, makes them near impossible to shut down in their spread option attack. Brian Paysinger (6-2, 208) and junior Jaison Williams (6-5, 240) are no strangers to the ‘Dogs over the past few years. Each has more than 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns this season.

Edge: Even

Offensive Line
Even getting banged up a bit in a physical battle with Texas A&M, and coming off a disappointing two sacks allowed to Sac State, the line held the Aggies without a sack. Junior Adam McDowell (6-4, 285) went down with injury and was replaced by redshirt freshman Andrew Jackson (6-5, 290), a converted defensive tackle who looks to be a future standout. Junior stud Cole Popovich (6-2, 290) – who also left with injury – will likely be replaced by junior Pierce Masse (6-4, 285).

For the second straight week, the ‘Dogs face a heavy line – all five starters are at least 6-4 and 300 pounds. The group is led by Max Unger (6-5, 300), who moved to center this season after starting at tackle the past two. Tackles Geoff Schwartz (6-7, 337) and Fenuki Tupou (6-6, 322) will have to keep up with Fresno State’s speed and athleticism off the edges.

Edge: Even

Defensive Line
A week after chasing Stephen McGee all over the field, the ‘Dogs get to face an even faster runner in Dennis Dixon – and he can pass too. Ends Tyler Clutts and Jason Roberts will have to contain Dixon and also apply the pass rush along with reserve end Ikenna Ike. The good news is the team gets tackle Jason Shirley (6-5, 330) back from a two-game suspension to stuff the run up the middle. Charles Tolbert may have played his way into a starting role over Jon Monga in Shirley’s absence.

Relatively unknown junior end Nick Reed (6-2, 255) was vicious against Michigan, recording three tackles in the backfield. This unit lacks the big names it has had in the past two years, but has plenty of youth. The Bulldogs will look to run first, meaning they’ll have their work cut out.

Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
What can you say but praise for the trio of senior Marcus Riley, redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs and sophomore Quaadir Brown? They combined for 45 tackles against Texas A&M with the young Jacobs leading the way with 16. This unit has about as much speed as you can ask for in a linebacker corps, and they all lay the hits. Brown was phenomenal, forcing a fumble in his first game back from a suspension.

A.J. Tuitele (5-11, 226) is the senior leader of an unheralded group that sacked Michigan four times. Despite the big loss, Michigan was racking up rushing yards in the first half last week, which is what the Bulldogs will try to do – with four ball-carriers keeping fresh legs. After two games, Tuitele, Jerome Boyd (6-2, 220) and John Bacon (6-4, 230) all rank fourth, fifth and sixth on the team in tackles.

Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
This group is ranked second in the nation in pass defense, but we’ll find out how accurate that stat is this weekend. Texas A&M ran, ran and ran again, but Oregon will look to throw much more. With no one taller than 6-1, this unit will be greatly out-sized by Oregon’s receivers, but has plenty of bone-crunching hitters, led by safeties sophomore Moses Harris (6-1, 200) and redshirt freshman Lorne Bell (5-10, 195). First-year corner Sharrod Davis (6-0, 185) played his freshman year for Oregon, and is now a second-stringer for the ‘Dogs.

Junior rover Patrick Chung (6-0, 210) is Oregon’s hard-hitting leader. In previous games with the ‘Dogs, he’s proven to be a physical commodity, and is third on the team with 14 tackles and has an interception. This year Chung has the help of free safety Matthew Harper (6-0, 181), who leads the team with 24 tackles and also has a sack and an interception. Sophomore corner Jarius Byrd (6-0, 208) already has two picks this season.

Edge: Ducks

Special Teams
It’s hard to be too confident in the kicking game after senior Clint Stitser missed two chances against Texas A&M, but punter Kyle Zimmerman had possibly his best career game, and the ‘Dogs blocked yet another field goal – their 72nd in Pat Hill’s 10-plus seasons and second in two games this year.

Ducks kicker Matt Evensen is 3 of 4 this season – 2 of 3 from beyond 40 yards, with a long of 45. But the more impressive stat is Josh Syria’s 44.1-yard punting average. Jonathan Stewart is the kick returner to watch out for.

Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Pat Hill vs. Mike Bellotti. Hill has been with his team longer than any other WAC coach and Bellotti has been with his longer than any Pac-10 coach. With the last five meetings between these two teams settled by no more than one score, it should be a barn-burner.

Edge: Even

Intangibles
Fresno State always seems to travel well to Eugene – expect those Red Wavers to help ease an otherwise hostile environment. Playing at Oregon is nothing new to this team, but the Ducks have had some helpful officiating the past two meetings in Eugene – will that be the case again? On the other side, the ‘Dogs are due for a win after five straight narrow losses in the series.

Edge: Even

Grading the 'Dogs: at Texas A&M

Quarterbacks: B
Brandstater's second-half performance was nothing less than an A, but throwing the early interception, the intentional grounding safety and getting shut out in the first half put the team in hole. Still, his 260 yards passing on 21 of 31 with 3 TDs should give fans high hopes for his potential.

Running Backs: C
Three fumbles by Smith were very costly, as was early injury to Miller. Mathews continued to shine with 66 yards on 11 carries, but also was injured. Harding got done what he needed to but averaged just 2.1 yards per carry.

Receivers: A-
Pascoe shows the nation just how good he is with 3 TDs and 70 yards on 7 catches. Moore turned in another big game with 4 catches for 52 yards, but fumbled the ball again trying to stretch from the 1-yard line to the end zone. Crawley's courage over the middle will be a big asset.

Offensive Line: B
Pass blocking was amazing with no sacks allowed, and Jackson playing the second half in place of McDowell, but run blocking was suspect.

Defensive Line: B-
With Shirley out, Ramos and Banks stepped up, and Ike and Clutts each had 9 tackles. But Lane ran it down the Bulldogs' throats in crunch time.

Linebackers: B
Jacobs, Riley and Brown combined for 45 tackles, but the Aggies finished with 318 yards rushing. The corps was very disciplined at times, and showed it might turn into the WAC's best.

Defensive Backs: A
Harris, Haynes, Bell, Jefferson and Owens were contributing the the run-stopping and along with Jenkins held the Aggies to 79 yards passing. Can't ask for a better performance than that.

Special Teams: C
Stitser has to correct his inconsistency, with two missed field goals, but 'Dogs also blocked an Aggies attempt. Kickoff coverage was solid allowing 20 yards per return. Zimmerman averaged 40 yards per punt and pinned one inside the 20-yard line.