Juan Villa / The Collegian
Fresno State Bulldogs (6-4, 3-3 WAC) at San Jose State Spartans (6-5, 4-3 WAC)
Breakdown: Bulldogs
This is absolutely the most important game of the season for the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Pat Hill̢۪s team comes into tonight̢۪s game just barely bowl eligible, but in the middle of a race with four other bowl-eligible conference teams.
A win tonight almost assures a bowl spot for the Bulldogs and a positive the team can preserve in what was supposed to be an exciting and historic season.
This season, injuries have been a recurring theme for the ̢۪Dogs and tonight will be no different. Last week, Fresno State dressed only 54 players and will likely be without its two best offensive weapons, Marlon Moore and Ryan Mathews.
The offense will be forced to rely on tailback Anthony Harding to keep the chains moving tonight.
Last week the Bulldog pass rush came to life and defensive linemen Chris Carter and Jon Monga combined for five sacks. Tonight, the tandem will hope to get pressure on San Jose State̢۪s quarterbacks and make life easier on the secondary.
The Bulldogs need to play with pride and play like the season is not over. If they sleep on the Spartans, the season really will be done.
Breakdown: Spartans
The San Jose State Spartans are in a similar situation with the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Both teams have six wins, are bowl eligible and need one more win to secure a bowl birth in December.
The Spartans are coming off two consecutive losses to Louisiana Tech and Nevada — Fresno State lost to both these teams as well.
After starting the season with three straight wins in the conference, the Spartans have fallen off a bit.
Coach Dick Tomey̢۪s offense is ranked dead-last in the WAC in scoring offense and total offense.
Junior quarterback Kyle Reed transferred to San Jose State from Cal and has had mixed results in his first season at the helm.
He has nine touchdown passes and averages 156.3 yards per game through the air.
Senior wide receiver David Richmond has 64 catches this season for 734 yards, including six touchdown catches.
The Spartans rely heavily on their defense, which ranks second in the conference in total defense.
Tonight is the Spartans̢۪ final game of the season and it̢۪s do or die.
Nhat V. Meyer / McClatchy Tribune
Not quite 300 Spartans…
San Jose State Player to watch:
David Richmond, wide receiver
Wins against: UC Davis, San Diego State, Hawaii, Utah State, New Mexico State, Idaho
Losses to: Nebraska, Stanford, Boise State, Louisiana Tech, Nevada
Head coach: Dick Tomey (Third season, 18-17)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Key players: RB Yonus Davis, QB Kyle Reed, LB Duke Ihenacho
Series record: Fresno leads 36-33-3
Last meeting: 2007 – Fresno State won 30-0 in Fresno
Point Spread: Fresno State is favored by 2.5 points
Keys to Victory
1. Take what you can get
San Jose State̢۪s defense allows 138 yards per game on the ground. Fresno State should play to its strengths and run the ball.
2. Create chaos on defense
The San Jose State offense is very unstable right now, ranking last in major categories. The defense needs to capitalize on the revolving door at quarterback.
3. Play with desperation
It’s do or die for the Bulldogs tonight. Fresno State needs a win to get to the postseason — bottom line.
Juan Villa / The Collegian
Position match ups
Fresno State Player to Watch:
Chris Carter, defensive end
When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Fresno State got the ground game going again last week. They will need to control the clock tonight.
When San Jose State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Spartans̢۪ tailback Yonus Davis will most likely not be playing and San Jose State is the second-worst rushing team in the WAC.
When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – San Jose State
The Spartans have 15 interceptions this season and only allow 179 yards per game through the air.
When San Jose State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
San Jose State still hasn̢۪t settled on a starter at quarterback, which could leave the passing game inept tonight.
Special teams:
Advantage – San Jose State
Fresno State allowed a kickoff return last week and the Spartans are one of the best in the conference in returning kicks. With home-field advantage and a big-time game on national television the Spartans will feed off momentum gained from special teams.
By Jimmy Graben and Logan Hopkins / The Collegian