Matt Weir / The Collegian
Breakdown: Bulldogs
Fresno State’s biggest challenge this week may be shelving the memory of last week’s narrow loss to Nevada.
Head coach Pat Hill admitted is players were better prepared to take on the Wolf Pack than they had been all season, but an even larger task awaits the ‘Dogs in Boise.
Running back Robbie Rouse has impressed the past month, racking up 769 the last four games, including back-to-back 200-yard performances.
Likewise, quarterback Ryan Colburn has looked fairly sharp the last two weeks, completing more than 60 percent of his passes with five touchdowns to just one interception.
Sack masters Chris Carter and Logan Harrell have a big test this week: getting to Kellen Moore. The Boise State quarterback has been sacked just five times this season, fifth-best in the country.
Fresno State has never won on Boise State’s blue turf, but is the last Western Athletic Conference team to beat the Broncos, a 27-7 win in 2005.
Breakdown: Broncos
Boise State has not lost to a Western Athletic Conference team at home since it became an official member in 2001.
The Broncos have dominated on their homefield this season by outscoring their opponents 185-65 through four games.
The fewest points Boise State has scored at home in 2010 is the 37 points that the Broncos put up against Oregon State.
The Broncos are led by top Heisman candidate Kellen Moore, who has completed an impressive 71.9 percent of his passes for 2,588 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Moore has gone 35-1 as the starting quarterback for the Broncos since taking over as the signal caller as a redshirt freshman in 2008.
But Moore isn’t the only standout player for the Broncos.
The defense is considered by many as the best unit in the nation, giving up just 240 yards an outing while allowing a WAC-best 12.8 points per game.
As much publicity as Moore generates, its the Broncos defense that solidifies Boise State as elite.
Keys to Victory
1. Mistake-free football
One major mistake could easily be one too many against the well-coached Broncos. Turnovers and penalties in a hostile environment would doom the ‘Dogs quickly.
2. Rattle Kellen Moore
The Heisman Trophy candidate has only been sacked five times all season. Chris Carter and Logan Harrell will be X-factors in getting heat on Moore early and often.
3. Avoid a Nevada hangover
If Fresno State has a chance at the upset, last week needs to be a distant memory. The ‘Dogs played very well for most of the Nevada game, and will need a similar performance.
Matt Weir / The Collegian
Position match-ups
Player to watch: Kyle Knox, linebacker
When Fresno State runs: Advantage – Boise State
Despite Robbie Rouse stringing together three straight impressive performances, the Broncos give up just 75 rushing yards per game, second best in the NCAA.
When Boise State runs: Advantage – Boise State
Led by running backs Doug Martin and Jeremy Avery, Boise State averages 214 rush yards per game, which ranks second in the WAC only behind Nevada.
When Fresno State passes: Advantage – Boise State
Although the Broncos’ secondary came into the season as their lone question mark, the Broncos have given up just 166 yards per game through the air.
When Boise State passes: Advantage – Boise State
The Broncos have a probable Heisman Trophy finalist under center, and a duo of dynamic receivers for him to chose from in Austin Pettis and Titus Young.
Special teams: Advantage – Even
Fresno State and Boise State are neck-and-neck in punt and kick return average, and both teams have a solid kicking corps.
Matt Weir / The Collegian
Battle for the Milk Can: Boise State breakdown
Player to watch: Kellen Moore, Quarterback
Wins against: Virginia Tech, Wyoming, Oregon State, New Mexico State, Toledo, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech, Hawaii, Idaho
Losses to: none
Head coach: Chris Petersen ( fifth season, 58-4)
Offense: Pro Style
Defense: Multiple
Key players: QB Kellen Moore, RB Doug Martin, WR Austin Pettis
Series record: Boise State leads 8-4
Last meeting: Boise State won 51-34
Point Spread: Broncos favored by 30.5 points