Fresno State football: Week 2 preview

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:

• 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.