Matt Weir / The Collegian

WEEK 3 PREVIEW

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, AT 4:30 P.M., VAUGHT-HEMMINGWAY STADIUM

Fresno State Bulldogs
(2-0, 1-0 WAC) vs.
Mississippi Rebels
(1-2, 0-1 SEC)

TELEVISION: COMCAST SPORTS SOUTH, ESPN GAMEPLAN, ESPN3
RADIO: KMJ-AM 580 AND KGST-AM 1600 (ESPN DEPORTES)
Analysis By Ben Ingersoll and Vongni Yang
The Collegian

Breakdown: Bulldogs

Head coach Pat Hill is 0-2 all time against teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) falling to both Tennessee in 2004 and LSU in 2006 by a combined score of 62-12.

Even though the ‘Dogs are heading into the game at 2-0 for the first time since 2004, Hill insists that the longest road trip of the year will be a difficult path to endure.

“We’re anticipating a very, very tough and physical game at Mississippi,” Hill said. “They have physical athletes that can run, there is no doubt about it.”

With Devon Wylie out for a second consecutive game, the ‘Dogs will rely heavily on unexperienced receivers.

A.J. Johnson and Matt Lindsey each collected their first career receptions last week against Utah State.

True freshman Jalen Saunders was also quite impressive in his first full-game agianst the Aggies, especially in special teams, returning five kicks and two punts. With an iffy Rashad Evans, expect Johnson, Lindsey and Saunders to get more production.

Breakdown: Rebels

The Rebels’ slow start gives little indication of the talent they have on the field, and Fresno State head coach Pat Hill knows it.

After falling to a dismal 1-2 record, which includes losses to FCS Jacksonville State and last week to Vanderbilt, Ole Miss has yet to flash its true colors this season.

“Our players completely understand it,” Hill said of the Rebels’ talent. “They are very impressed with the athletic ability of this football team.”

The Ole Miss defensive line, led by All-SEC candidate Jarrell Powe, is the strongest aspect for third-year head coach Houston Nutt’s squad. With a physical and fast defensive front, the Rebels have the potential to give the hampered Fresno State offensive line problems.

Rebels quarterback Jeremiah Masoli presents multiple threats to opposing defenses, especially on the ground. Masoli, who started at Oregon the past two seasons, is still getting used to the new offense and has thrown for 580 yards and rushed for 160 yards.

Keys to Victory

1. Converting on third down

The Bulldogs have managed to convert only nine third downs in 27 attempts. The offense has to do a better job of extending drives.

2. Make Masoli throw

Jeremiah Masoli is at his best on the run. Fresno State defensive ends Chris Carter and Chris Lewis will have the tough task of forcing Masoli to step up and throw downfield.

3. Win the battle in the trenches

Ole Miss’ biggest strength is in its interior defensive line. With All-WAC guard Andrew Jackson sidelined with injuries, the battle between the bigs will play a huge role in who comes out on top in this game.

Position match-ups

Associated Press

Player to watch:
Travis Brown, linebacker
When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Mississippi
Despite the Bulldogs’ big game on the ground at Utah State, the Ole Miss defensive line has has some serious size and athleticism.

When Ole Miss runs:
Advantage – Mississippi
The ‘Dogs haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher yet this season, but with a dual threat QB in Masoli and a bruising running back in Brandon Bolden, the Rebels win this matchup.

When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Ryan Colburn has been on target so far this season, completing 70 percent of his passes with five touchdowns. Ole Miss is giving up a 60-percent completion rating and has yet to intercept a pass.

When Ole Miss passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Masoli is a run first, pass second quarterback who is adjusting to a new offense. The Bulldogs’ secondary has looked solid so far in 2010.

Special teams:
Advantage – Fresno State
Kicker Kevin Goessling’s last miss was over a year ago against Wisconsin. Since then he’s nailed a school-record 17 field goals in a row. Andrew Shapiro leads the WAC in net yards with 42.1 a punt.

Associated Press

The Blindside: Getting to know the Rebels
Wins against: Tulane
Losses to: Jacksonville State, Vanderbilt
Head coach: Houston Nutt (third year, 19-10)
Offense: Pro Set
Defense: Multiple 4-3
Key players: QB Jeremiah Masoli, RB Brandon Bolden, DT Jerrell Powe, WR Markeith Summers
Series record: First meeting
Point Spread: Rebels favored by 2.5 points
Player to watch:
Jonathan Cornell, linebaAddison Dent / The Daily Mississippian
cker

Editor’s Prediction
Fresno State 24, Mississippi 21