Matt Weir / The Collegian

Breakdown: Bulldogs

After the loss to Hawaii two weeks ago, every conference game became a must-win scenario for head coach Pat Hill.

Although on paper the ‘Dogs have the clear advantage over San Jose State, the two schools are facing each other for the 75th time in the long-standing rivalry.

The ‘Dogs answered a lot of questions concerning their lack of a run game in last week’s victory over New Mexico State. Robbie Rouse recorded his first 100-yard rushing effort of his career, gashing the Aggies for 150 of the team’s 222 yards on the ground. Hill has his full arsenal of running backs ready to go against San Jose State’s run defense, ranked seventh in the Western Athletic Conference.

Coming off a three-game home stretch, the ‘Dogs will face the challenge of their third away game of the season.

The Bulldogs’ defense, is likely to see two quarterbacks from San Jose State. The quarterbacks will feel some heat from the Fresno State defensive line that leads the WAC with 20 sacks.

Breakdown: Spartans

San Jose State has a hard time finding the end zone.

The Spartans are dead-last in the nation in scoring with 62 points through seven games.

Under first-year head coach Mike MacIntyre, the Spartans have suffered numerous injuries to starters after playing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the country, which included stops at Alabama, Wisconsin, Utah and Nevada.

The Spartans have been hit hard by the injury bug in 2010 at pivotal positions, forcing MacIntyre to pencil in freshmen as starters. Leading rusher Lamon Muldrow will miss the rest of the year after injuring his knee against Boise State.

With starting senior Jordan La Secla nursing an injury, former Fresno State quarterback Matt Faulkner is expected to take snaps under center.

Faulkner left Fresno State last spring after the emergence of Ryan Colburn and the arrival of Derek Carr. On Saturday, Faulkner will get his chance to prove to Bulldog coaches that he’s not an after thought.

Mike Howells / The Collegian

Keys to Victory

1. Don’t overlook the Spartans
A rivalry game as big as this one gets even the worst teams pumped up. The Spartans’ 1-6 record is indicitive of their brutal schedule and injury list, and the ‘Dogs need every WAC win possible.

2. Balance, balance, balance
Fresno State looked solid on the ground last week, but Ryan Colburn got lost in the mix. Look for Pat Hill to get Colburn back on rhythm against San Jose State’s seventh-ranked pass defense in the WAC.

3. Bring the heat on D
The Bulldogs’ pass rush has been hot all season, with Chris Carter recently coming on strong. The ‘Dogs are tied with Boise State for first in the WAC in sacks with 20.

Battle of the 152: Getting to know the Spartans

Player to watch: Matt Faulkner, quarterback
Wins against: Southern Utah
Losses to: Alabama, Wisconsin, Utah, UC Davis, Nevada, Boise State
Head coach: Mike MacIntyre (first year, 1-6)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple 4-3
Key players: RB Brandon Rutley, QB Matt Faulkner, WR Chandler Jones, LB Vince Buhagiar
Series record: Fresno State leads 38-33-3
Last meeting: Fresno State won 41-21 in Fresno (2009)

Matt Weir / The Collegian

Position match-ups

Player to watch:
Phillip Thomas, safety

When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
San Jose State’s run defense has been gutted by injuries this season, giving up 205 yards per game on the ground.

When San Jose State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Like the Bulldogs, San Jose State has had a difficult time generating productivity in the run game. While Fresno State’s run defense has had rough moments, it should be enough to slow down the Spartans.

When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
Ryan Colburn hasn’t played the same way he began the season of late, but the senior is due for a big game. He may get it against San Jose State’s seventh-ranked pass defense in the WAC.

When San Jose State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
This may be the biggest mismatch of the game. The Bulldogs’ pass defense has been impressive so far against strong competition, and the Spartans’ quarterback struggles spell trouble.

Special teams:
Advantage – Even
The Spartans have reeled off 20 yards per punt return, while the ‘Dogs have blocked three kicks this year and have a solid kicking duo in Andrew Shapiro and Kevin Goessling.