Bryan Cole / The Collegian

WEEK 5 PREVIEW

TELEVISION: Bulldog Sports Network (COMCAST CHANNEL 13)
RADIO: KMJ-AM 580 AND KGST-AM 1600 (ESPN DEPORTES)

Breakdown: Bulldogs

Fresno State comes into this week̢۪s game with momentum on its side.

Last week, the Bulldogs traveled to Pasadena to take on the UCLA Bruins and made history by becoming the first Fresno State team to win in the Rose Bowl in six tries.

Now the Bulldogs are happy to be home after playing three of their first four games on the road.

It has been two years since Hawaii made the trip to play Fresno State, but the memory of the game has not faded. The Warriors beat the Bulldogs 68-37 and scored the most points any opponent has ever scored in Bulldog Stadium.

This year, the circumstances have changed. The Warriors are in a down year, much like the Bulldogs of 2006.

Fresno State̢۪s offense has been effectively moving the football in the last two games, led by quarterback Tom Brandstater. The senior was the starter in 2006 and should have a strong game in 2008.

The defense will be tested this week, even though Hawaii̢۪s offense lacks experience. The Bulldogs are missing senior defensive tackle Jon Monga. True freshmen Chase McEntee and Logan Harrell will be responsible for getting a steady pass rush up the middle.

WAC openers have been good to the Bulldogs in the past. Coach Pat Hill is 10-1 in conference openers.

Breakdown: Warriors

Last season, the Hawaii Warriors became the second consecutive WAC team to play in a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game.

But the Warriors didn̢۪t have the same success as Boise State, losing 41-10 to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

The defending WAC champ definitely has a different look to it this season with a new head coach and completely new offensive personnel.

Replacing Colt Brennan at quarterback is junior Inoke Funaki.

While he̢۪s not the prototype passer that Hawaii is used to, Funaki gives the Warriors a running threat at the quarterback position.

All four of Hawaii̢۪s starting receivers from a year ago are gone, which hasn̢۪t boded well for the offense. The Warriors only have four touchdown passes this season and 11 interceptions.

Carrying a big load of the offense has been tailback Kealoha Pilares who leads the team with 109 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

Pilares suffered a concussion last weekend against San Jose State and might not play much against the Bulldogs Saturday.

Defensively, the Warriors rely on two First Team all-conference linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard.

This may not be the explosive Hawaii offense of old, but Fresno State should still expect a very competitive squad Saturday night.

David Baker / Ka Leo O Hawaii

Somewhere over the Rainbow (Warriors)…

Hawaii Player to Watch:
Inoke Funaki, Quarterback

Win against: Weber State (36-17) Losses to: Florida (56-10), Oregon State (45-7) and San Jose State (20-17).

Head coach: Greg McMackin (First season, 1-3)

Offense: Run-and-Shoot

Defense: 4-3

Key players: Linebacker Solomon Elimimian, defensive end David Veikune, tailback Leon Wright-Jackson

Series record: Fresno State leads the series 20-19-1

Last meeting: Hawaii won, 37-30, in Honolulu

Point Spread: Bulldogs favored by 22

Keys to Victory

1. Get out to an early lead.
The Bulldogs have only led once at halftime this season and need to put Hawaii out early to rest key players in the second half.

2. Make Funaki throw the ball.
If Hawaii̢۪s quarterback is able to run he can be a dangerous threat. Forcing him to throw will increase his mistakes.

3. Have a complete game.
The Bulldogs have excelled in offense, defense and special teams this season, but never in the same game. Fresno State needs to put it all together to dominate.

Bryan Cole / The Collegian

Position match ups

Fresno State Player to Watch:
Chastin West, Wide Reciever

When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Tailback Ryan Mathews had a stellar performance last week and Hawaii̢۪s defense is allowing 134.2 yards per game on the ground.

When Hawaii runs:
Advantage – Hawaii
Hawaii does not have a strong running attack, but the Bulldogs are missing a few players on the defensive line and a running quarterback can give the Bulldogs trouble.

When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
In the last two weeks, the offensive execution and play-calling have opened up for Brandstater and crew. The Warriors are allowing more than 200 yards per game through the air

When Hawaii passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
In years past, this has been a strength for Hawaii, but 2008 has been different. Hawaii quarterbacks have thrown four touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

Special teams:
Advantage – Hawaii
After last week̢۪s performance, the Bulldogs still have a lot to prove.

By Jimmy Graben and Logan Hopkins