Matt Weir / The Collegian
Breakdown: Bulldogs
After coming off a tough 55-38 loss to the Mississippi Rebels last week, coach Pat Hill and his squad will return home humbled by their recent loss on their 1-1 road trip.
On Saturday, the Dogs’ will look to regain their swagger and confidence that they had after starting the season 2-0.
Primarily, the ‘Dogs must work on improving their ability to run as it has lacked in two of the first three games of the season. Running back Robbie Rouse only turned in 22 rushing yards against the Rebels last week.
On the positive side, quarterback Ryan Colburn paced the offense by throwing for 390 yards and four touchdowns. Thus, his part in the upcoming game will be critical once again. Defense last week was no where to be seen and the coaching staff will have to slow down the Cal Poly rushing attack that averages 258 yards on the ground per game.
Giving up 578 total yards of offense to Ole Miss, the ‘Dogs defense will have to hold firm against another mobile quarterback this week in Andre Broadous.
Breakdown: Mustangs
Coming off of an impressive victory by blowing out McNeese State 40-14 last week, Cal Poly comes into Saturday’s game looking like a well-oiled machine.
Coach Pat Hill knows that this team will be no easy victory and will game plan accordingly. Cal Poly boasts multiple threats in a majority of the skill positions.
Sophomore Andre Broadous anchors the offense and brings with him his mobile style of play. Cal Poly, which employs the triple option threat, will look to bust huge running plays if the scheme is executed properly. Broadous will be accompanied by slot backs Mark Rodgers and Jordan Yocum. This dangerous and potent offensive scheme, which gained a total of 310 rushing yards and four touchdowns last week, will look to run wild against Fresno State’s defense. The Mustang’s defensive unit was impressive last week giving up only 14 points.
The unit is led by senior linebacker Marty Mohamed and has amassed a total of 29 tackles and three interceptions in the early season.
Keys to Victory
1. Forget about last week
After suffering its first loss to Ole Miss 55-38, the ‘Dogs will have to play on a short memory this week to bounce back after the bad loss.
2. Find an identity in the run game
With leading rusher A.J. Ellis out for six weeks, former starter Robbie Rouse will get his chance to shine as the feature back. Outside of the Utah State game, the ‘Dogs have failed to rush for more 50 yards.
3. Sticking to individual assignments
If the defense does not play assignment football, it just might get shredded again like it did against Ole Miss. The defensive players must stick to their own assignments this week to stop the triple option.
Position match-ups
Matt Weir / The Collegian
Player to watch:
Robbie Rouse, running back
When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Although the Bulldogs’ run game has been slow coming this season, an experienced offensive line and depleted receiving corps should spell plenty of carries for the Fresno State backfield.
When Cal Poly runs:
Advantage – Cal Poly
Fresno State’s run defense last week looked lifeless, giving up huge plays and 425 yards on the ground. Cal Poly lives or dies by the run, and if it can catch the ‘Dogs’ defense napping, it could break some big runs.
When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Ryan Colburn is one of the hottest passers in the country right now and is off to the best start for a Bulldog quarterback in the history of the program.
When Cal Poly passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
The Mustangs only throw the ball 16 times per game on average, and Fresno State’s secondary is healthy, led by safeties Phillip Thomas and Lorne Bell.
Special teams:
Advantage – Fresno State
The Bulldogs’ return game has been superb this season, averaging 14 yards per punt return. Kevin Goessling struggled on the road last week, but still booted in a field goal from 50 yards out last week.
Getting to know the Central Coast Mustangs
Player to watch:
Jordan Yocum, fullback
Wins against: Humboldt State, Montana. McNeese State
Losses to: Texas State
Head coach: Tim Walsh (second year, 7-8)
Offense: Spread Triple Option
Defense: Multiple 4-3
Key players:
QB Andre Broadous, FB Jordan Yocum, LB Marty Mohamed
Series record: Fresno State leads 30-10-2
Last meeting: 59-10 (1985)
Point Spread: None