Matt Weir / The Collegian

Breakdown: Bulldogs

After returning to form last week against Cal Poly, the Fresno State Bulldogs look to extend their home winning streak to six games dating back to last season.

The Dogs host Hawaii on Saturday and hope to have their offense in full attack mode again. Last week, the Bulldogs lit up the Mustangs to the tune of 459 yards and four touchdowns. Bulldogs’ quarterback Ryan Colburn was his usual self, throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns while completing 72 percent of his passes.

More important to the Bulldogs victory over Cal Poly was their ability to get the running game going. Led by running backs Tracy Slocum, Robbie Rouse and Michael Harris, Fresno State rushed for a combined 202 yards. In order to have success against this week’s Western Athletic Conference rival, the Bulldogs will need continual improvement in the ground game.

Against Hawaii, the Bulldogs defense must stiffen up even more as they will be facing a dynamite aerial attack led by Warriors’ star quarterback Bryant Moniz.

Associated Press File

Breakdown: Warriors

After demolishing Louisiana Tech 41-21 a week ago, Hawaii will be riding into Bulldog Stadium this Saturday ready for a true aerial showdown against the ‘Dogs.

The Warriors carved up last week’s opposing defense by gaining 647 yards of offense and five total touchdowns. Hawaii exhibits an offense with many skilled players and will present difficult match ups for the Bulldogs’ defense in the open field.

In addition to Moniz being a big time play-maker with his arm, speedy wide receivers Kealoha Pilares and Greg Salas can stretch the field.

Employing the run-and-shoot offense, Hawaii passes the ball an average of 46 times per game. Fresno State head coach Pat Hill also praised Hawaii’s run game, which is much improved from year’s past.

Hawaii will rely on its star linebacker Corey Paredes, who leads the team in tackles, to anchor the defense Saturday. Watch out for a match up with plenty of offensive fireworks as both teams will be airing the ball out repeatedly.

Keys to Victory

1. Limit big plays
Hawaii lives off of its big plays on offense. If the ‘Dogs can limit the amount of big plays more than 20 yards it will be successful containing Hawaii’s run-and-shoot offense.

2. Keep Hawaii’s offense off the field
Coach Hill has said all week that he doesn’t want to get into an aerial attack with Hawaii, so the ‘Dogs will try to keep the Warriors on the sidelines by running the ball.

3. Make Moniz uncomfortable
Along with his strong arm, Moniz has some escapability. The ‘Dogs have 14 sacks, good for second in the WAC.

Position match-ups

Player to watch:
Jermaine Thomas, Cornerback

When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Even
The run game for the ‘Dogs has been inconsistent this season at best. Likewise, Hawaii’s run defense hasn’t proved much either, giving up an average of 185 yards on the ground.

When Hawaii runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Instead of “when” Hawaii runs, it should say “if” Hawaii runs. The Warriors rank dead last in the WAC in rush offense, and 117th in the nation, mostly because they only run the ball about 20 times per game.

When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Ryan Colburn is having a tremendous season (11 touchdowns, 3 interceptions), and Hawaii’s pass defense is middle-of-the-pack in the conference.

When Hawaii passes:
Advantage – Hawaii
Bryant Moniz leads the country in passing yards, and although Fresno State’s pass defense ranks first in the WAC, Hawaii’s offense can put up numbers on just about everyone.

Special teams:
Advantage – Fresno State
The Bulldogs’ return game has looked solid this year, even with Devon Wylie out. Outside of kicking, Hawaii is ranked near the bottom in every major special teams category.