Matt Weir / The Collegian
Breakdown: Bulldogs
Fresno State had only five days to prepare for tonight’s game against Illinois, and that’s going to show in the last game of the year at Bulldog Stadium.
Coming off a last minute 23-20 victory over Western Athletic Conference foe Idaho, the Bulldogs have a chance to knock off the Big Ten’s Illinois to collect the teams first signature win of the 2010 season.
Head coach Pat Hill’s squad has not defeated a team with a winning record this season with wins against the likes of WAC bottom dwellers New Mexico State, Utah State and Football Championship Subdivision Cal Poly while also collecting wins against middle-of-the-pack WAC teams.
But the 16 seniors that take the field for the last time tonight will look to go out on top.
Seniors Ryan Colburn, Chris Carter and Ben Jacobs have anchored this team in the past couple of years, so it’ll be fitting if they go out victorious.
Expect a big performance from the seniors.
Breakdown: Fighting Illini
Illinois has had 13 days of rest since it last played, an impressive 48-27 win over Northwestern at Wrigley Field.
The Fighting Illini boast arguably the best running back in the Big Ten. Mikel Leshoure garnered All-Big Ten honors last week for his 1,371-yard, 13-touchdown campaign so far in 2010.
Leshoure will take handoffs from redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase who has also been impressive as of late. Scheelhaase has thrown just one interception in his last 105 attempts dating back to Illinois’ loss at Michigan State on Oct. 16.
Illinois ground attack averages 236 yards per game on the ground.
On defense, Illinois is lead by All-Big Ten linebacker Martez Wilson who has forced three fumbles and is third in the conference in tackles with 100. As a whole, the Fighting Illini defense has given up 24 points per game this season. But in Illinois’ last three games, it has given up 44 points per game and an average of 266 yards through the air.
Keys to Victory
1. Seniors must dominate
The seniors must cap off their Fresno State careers in style. The ‘Dogs will suit up a number of three and four-year starters who take Jim Sweeney Field for the last time and there’s no better stage to go out.
2. Play Bulldog football
When dynamic offenses and defenses come to town, like Illinois, playing tough, hard-nosed football is critical. Establishing the run and playing mistake-free on defense will keep the ‘Dogs in it.
3. No Colburn turnovers
It’s the senior’s last game in Bulldog Stadium, and making the last five games a thing of the past is important. Colburn has committed at least one turnover in Fresno State’s last five contests.
Associated Press File
Position match-ups
Player to watch: Ben Jacobs, Linebacker
When Fresno State runs: Advantage – Illinois
The Fightin Illini has been stingy against the run all year, allowing just two opponents (Wisconsin and Michigan) to run for more than 200 yards. Fresno State’s feature back Robbie Rouse is likely out as well.
When Illinois runs: Advantage – Illinois
There are few running backs as red hot in the country as Illinois’ All-Big Ten running back Mikel Leshoure. In Illinois’ win over Northwestern two weeks ago, Leshoure gashed the Wildcats for 330 yards.
When Fresno State passes: Advantage – Fresno State
Illinois has been middle of the pack in the Big Ten in pass defense, and Ryan Colburn is due for a big game through the air.
When Illinois passes: Advantage – Fresno State
The Fighting Illini are ranked dead last in the Big Ten through the air, averaging just 149 yards per game.
Special teams: Advantage – Illinois
Illinois has an All-Big Ten punter who has pinned 14 kicks inside the 20-yard line, which bodes well for field position.
Champaign’s finest: Getting to know the Fighting Illini
Player to watch: Mikel Leshoure, Running Back
Wins against: Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois, Penn State, Indiana, Purdue, Northwestern
Losses to: Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, Minnesota
Head coach: Ron Zook, sixth season (27-44)
Offense: Pro Style
Defense: 3-4
Key players: QB Nathan Scheelhaase, WR A.J. Jenkins, LB Martez Wilson
Series record: Fresno State leads 1-0
Last meeting: Fresno State won 53-52 in Champaign, IL
Point Spread: Fighting Illini favored by five points