Juan Villa / The Collegian
Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0) at No. 23 Texas A&M (1-0)
Breakdown:
Bulldogs
Last weekend’s victory against Sacramento State was more like an exhibition game for the Bulldogs. The defense was outstanding, allowing only 102 total yards of offense. Offensively the Bulldogs didn’t show much, then again they didn’t need to. The ‘Dogs did still put up 475 yards of total offense.
This week̢۪s matchup with Texas A&M is a chance for Fresno State to show what they are truly made of. If they hope to take down the No. 23 team in the nation, they will have to improve on some weaknesses shown on Saturday, including their ballhandling and penalties. The mistakes the Bulldogs made on Saturday, though minor, will not fly so easily versus a Big 12 Conference power like the Aggies.
Offense:
Juan Villa / The Collegian
• The Bulldogs’ running game looked very good against the Hornets last weekend with a total of 466 yards rushing. Four running backs touched the ball for the Bulldogs, each gaining at least 40 yards and averaging seven yards per carry. New secret weapon Ryan Matthews lead the team with 77 yards rushing. He and the other backs will need to establish the running game early against the Aggies.
̢ۢ Last Saturday, Tom Brandstater looked like he did during the 2006 season opener: solid, not spectacular. This week, he faces a defense that uses five defensive backs in the secondary. Brandstater will need to stretch out the passing game more this week instead of relying purely on the running backs to fuel the offense.
̢ۢ Bear Pascoe showed why he has been picked as a preseason All-WAC team tight end. The big man caught three balls for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Hornets. Look for Pascoe to continue his hot streak and tear up the Aggies̢۪ smaller secondary, while also opening holes for the running game on the line.
Defense:
̢ۢ Last weekend was a cakewalk for the Bulldogs̢۪ defense. This week will be a different story facing an Aggies̢۪ offense that runs the option and is very deceptive. The line will need to make sure to plug holes and watch for the option on sweep plays.
̢ۢ Linebacker Ben Jacobs did a great job of running the defense in his first ever game as a Bulldog. Jacobs, Marcus Riley and Quaadir Brown will need to play smart football this week in the linebacking corps and keep their eyes on Texas A&M̢۪s running game, which gained 242 yard against Montana State.
• Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee only threw two interceptions in 313 pass attempts last season. The Bulldogs’ secondary should keep this in mind and focus on sustaining solid coverage of the Aggies’ receivers who are mediocre at best.
Breakdown:
Aggies
Coach Dennis Franchione̢۪s squad started off its 2007 campaign with a 38-7 victory over Montana State and look to carry that momentum into Saturday̢۪s contest against Fresno State. Kyle Field, often rated as the top stadium in college football, can be a hostile environment. This Saturday marks the first meeting between the Bulldogs and Aggies.
Offense:
̢ۢ The motto for the Aggies̢۪ offense is simple: run, run, run. Quarterback Stephen McGee is a huge double-threat for the Aggies. Last week, the junior ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Look for McGee to run the option frequently.
̢ۢ Along with McGee, is a very versatile one-two punch at tailback: sophomore Mike Goodson and junior Jovorskie Lane. Both ran for a touchdown last weekend. The two backs are a great complement to each other.
• Tight ends Martellus Bennet and Joey Thomas are big targets in the double tight end offense. Aggie fans call them the “Legion of Doom.â€Â
Defense:
̢ۢ Texas A&M̢۪s defense is somewhat unorthodox with a 4-2-5 scheme: four down lineman, two linebackers and four defensive backs. Thirteen of the 16 top tacklers from last season are back for the Aggies.
̢ۢ Defensive end Chris Harrington is the cornerstone of the defensive line. Last week he had 9 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Harrington will be the biggest obstacle for the running game to overcome.
̢ۢ Senior linebacker Misi Tupe earned Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors after coming over from the junior college ranks and making 54 tackles last season. He leads the seven defensive backs along with free safety Devin Gregg who lead all returners with 64 tackles last season.
Davis Carr • Sep 9, 2007 at 11:59 am
correction, TTF…………..MICHIGAN, NOT ND, has eight home games this year and four away games–proof more that college football is biased against those with less $$$. but what’s new..
Davis Carr • Sep 9, 2007 at 6:59 pm
correction, TTF…………..MICHIGAN, NOT ND, has eight home games this year and four away games–proof more that college football is biased against those with less $$$. but what’s new..
Thundering Turd Ferguson • Sep 9, 2007 at 12:38 am
we should be getting a few votes for the top 25 after that result: A&M might drop a spot or be out of the poll entirely. They’ve had a shakey start.
My god—guess “Upset U” will have to look to Eugene for next week. We’ve been on the verge of great wins for a few years now. I recall the Boise win of ’05 and the K-State and Va. wins of ’04 are the only memorable victories in my time at the college.
This is the injustice in college football. They (AM) don’t have to make a return trip to Tha “No.” Let me wager this guess—-they have five road games and seven home games this season. A non-partisan group needs to be looking out for all teams regardless of conference and ensure that all teams play at least six home/six away. This nonsense with teams like Notre Dame staging an extra “gimmie” game and padding schedules with 1-aa teams and service academies is a major disgrace to the integrity of the sport. Pat Hill is only human—–the sport needs to be looking out for the East Carolinas, Akrons and Fresnos of the NCAA.
Thundering Turd Ferguson • Sep 9, 2007 at 7:38 am
we should be getting a few votes for the top 25 after that result: A&M might drop a spot or be out of the poll entirely. They’ve had a shakey start.
My god—guess “Upset U” will have to look to Eugene for next week. We’ve been on the verge of great wins for a few years now. I recall the Boise win of ’05 and the K-State and Va. wins of ’04 are the only memorable victories in my time at the college.
This is the injustice in college football. They (AM) don’t have to make a return trip to Tha “No.” Let me wager this guess—-they have five road games and seven home games this season. A non-partisan group needs to be looking out for all teams regardless of conference and ensure that all teams play at least six home/six away. This nonsense with teams like Notre Dame staging an extra “gimmie” game and padding schedules with 1-aa teams and service academies is a major disgrace to the integrity of the sport. Pat Hill is only human—–the sport needs to be looking out for the East Carolinas, Akrons and Fresnos of the NCAA.
Karen • Sep 8, 2007 at 8:54 pm
UGH!!! What a BIG heartbreaker!! 🙁
Did Texas A & M really have anything else to their team except J. Lane?? I think NOT!
How can the BIG 12 folks up in the box make a change and/or add a ruling after they allowed the “official” call to be made on the field?? Yes, both of the rulings do go in our favor, but come on!!
Way to go DOGS!! We showed ’em all that we are for REAL!
Wonder if Texas A & M will be kicked off the Top 25 after this game?
Gentleman be sure to get your needed rest and prepare to the best of your abilities & beyond for ’em Ducks!! Let’s beat ’em in their house this time around!!
B-U-L-L-D-O-G-S…Go Dogs Go, Fight Dogs Fight…GO DOGS!!
Karen • Sep 9, 2007 at 3:54 am
UGH!!! What a BIG heartbreaker!! 🙁
Did Texas A & M really have anything else to their team except J. Lane?? I think NOT!
How can the BIG 12 folks up in the box make a change and/or add a ruling after they allowed the “official” call to be made on the field?? Yes, both of the rulings do go in our favor, but come on!!
Way to go DOGS!! We showed ’em all that we are for REAL!
Wonder if Texas A & M will be kicked off the Top 25 after this game?
Gentleman be sure to get your needed rest and prepare to the best of your abilities & beyond for ’em Ducks!! Let’s beat ’em in their house this time around!!
B-U-L-L-D-O-G-S…Go Dogs Go, Fight Dogs Fight…GO DOGS!!
Thundering Turd Ferguson • Sep 8, 2007 at 3:27 pm
watching the a&m game—observations:
first half. do we have receivers?? good thing AM isn’t testing our secondary. This could be alot worse than the official score at intermission.
second half::::: Looking like this one could end with a nice wee surprise. We’re awakening somewhat. Got within two—check that evened up @ 22.
Thundering Turd Ferguson • Sep 8, 2007 at 10:27 pm
watching the a&m game—observations:
first half. do we have receivers?? good thing AM isn’t testing our secondary. This could be alot worse than the official score at intermission.
second half::::: Looking like this one could end with a nice wee surprise. We’re awakening somewhat. Got within two—check that evened up @ 22.
danny noonan • Sep 8, 2007 at 9:13 am
give the ball to Pascoe!!!!! He’s the surest thing on O. The backs are talented, but didn’t show me much during Sac.
danny noonan • Sep 8, 2007 at 4:13 pm
give the ball to Pascoe!!!!! He’s the surest thing on O. The backs are talented, but didn’t show me much during Sac.
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Nice breakdown. Did you get to check out any of the ‘Dogs practices this week while they worked on defending the option without using a ball?
Also, just a note, more than one story I’ve seen (different writers) have spelled Ryan Mathews incorrectly…doublecheck that rushing total from last week, and I think Misi Tupe is a linebacker not a defensive back.
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Nice breakdown. Did you get to check out any of the ‘Dogs practices this week while they worked on defending the option without using a ball?
Also, just a note, more than one story I’ve seen (different writers) have spelled Ryan Mathews incorrectly…doublecheck that rushing total from last week, and I think Misi Tupe is a linebacker not a defensive back.
Joe Graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 7:45 am
Jimmy
Great article, son. Go ‘DOGS!!!
Dad
Joe Graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Jimmy
Great article, son. Go ‘DOGS!!!
Dad