SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, AT 7:30 P.M., BULLDOG STADIUM
By Jimmy Graben and Logan Hopkins
Juan Villa / The Collegian File Photo
No. 21 Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0, 0-0 WAC) vs. No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
TELEVISION: ESPN2 (COMCAST CHANNEL 33)
RADIO: KMJ-AM 580 AND KGST-AM 1600 (ESPN DEPORTES)
Breakdown: Bulldogs
Fans in Fresno have been demanding a game of this magnitude and have finally got what they asked for.
For the first time ever, a Big Ten opponent is traveling to Fresno to take on the Bulldogs and for the first time since 2006, a game at Bulldog Stadium has sold out.
The Bulldogs come into the game 1-0 and have had two weeks to rest and prepare for what coach Pat Hill is calling the biggest game in his 12-year tenure with the team.
The Bulldog defense will truly be put to the test against the powerful Wisconsin running attack led by Heisman hopeful, running back P.J. Hill.
The Bulldog defense, especially the young linebackers, will need to step up and help slow down the Wisconsin star.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs will have to rely on the strengths of senior quarterback Tom Brandstater.
The veteran offensive line and strong receiving corps will have to help Brandstater lead the attack against an inexperienced Badger secondary.
The Bulldogs have traditionally emphasized establishing the run, but the strength of the Wisconsin defense is the front seven. Getting sophomore running back Ryan Mathews going will play a big factor in the offensive success.
The town is buzzing about this game and the Badgers should expect a rowdy and packed crowd this Saturday night.
Breakdown: Badgers
After a couple tune-up games to open the 2008 season, the Wisconsin Badgers will finally face a real test Saturday night at Bulldog Stadium.
The Badgers got a scare against Marshall last week when they were down 14-0 early, but rattled off 51 unanswered points to seal the deal.
Leading the way on offense for the Badgers is standout tailback P.J. Hill.
Hill ran for more than 200 yards in the season opener against Akron and has scored two touchdowns in each of his first two games.
Leading the way for Hill is a huge offensive line that averages around 6 feet, 6 inches and over 300 pounds.
Some came into this season questioning Wisconsin̢۪s passing game due to the departure of quarterback Tyler Donovan, but senior Allan Evridge has silenced the critics.
Evridge threw for more than 300 yards Saturday against Marshall and also added a touchdown pass.
A big bonus for Evridge this week is the return of standout tight end Travis Beckum, who was out two weeks with an injury.
Beckum was a Mackey Award Semi-Finalist last season for the Badgers and had 982 yards receiving with six touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Jaevery McFadden leads the team with 20 tackles and has been stepping up in his first year as a full-time starter.
With the series tied 1-1, you can bet Wisconsin is ready to take the rubber match between these two teams and keep climbing the national rankings.
A peek at Bielema’s Badgers…
Wisconsin Player to Watch: P.J. Hill, Tailback
Wins against: Akron (38-17) and Marshall (51-14)
Head coach: Bret Bielema (Fourth season, 23-5)
Offense: Multiple one- and two-back sets
Defense: 4-3
Key players: TE Travis Beckum, LB Jaevery McFadden, QB Allan Evridge
Series record: Tied 1-1
Last meeting: Wisconsin beat Fresno State, 23-21, in Madison.
Point spread: Wisconsin is favored by 1.5 points.
Keys to Victory
1. Stuff the running game.
Easier said than done, but the Bulldogs̢۪ defense will need to find a way to slow down P.J. Hill.
2. Attack Wisconsin̢۪s secondary.
The strength of the Wisconsin defense is the front seven, so running could be tough. Look for the Bulldogs to have success in the air.
3. Feed the Bear.
Tight end Bear Pascoe did not play a huge factor in Fresno State̢۪s opener. Pascoe should have an impact if the Bulldogs hope to win.
Position matchups
Fresno State Player to Watch: Moses Harris, strong safety
When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Ryan Mathews is the catalyst, but look for Lonyae Miller to make more of an impact Saturday.
When Wisconsin runs:
Advantage – Wisconsin
With a huge offensive line and P.J. Hill, the Badgers have a lethal combination of strength and speed.
When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Wisconsin̢۪s secondary is the weakness of its defense. Tom Brandstater is due for a breakout performance.
When Wisconsin passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Wisconsin̢۪s Allan Evridge threw for more than 300 yards last weekend, but Fresno State̢۪s secondary can contain the Badgers̢۪ receivers.
Special teams:
Advantage – Fresno State
Fresno State̢۪s return team didn̢۪t have much success against Rutgers, but All-American A.J. Jefferson should break loose this weekend.