Quarterback Derek Carr is seen here finding his favorite target
so far this season in sophomore receiver Jalen Saunders who leads
the the team in receiving yards.
Dalton Runberg / The Collegian
Breakdown: Rebels
Mississppi is making its first trip to Bulldog Stadium looking to get back to its winning ways. The Rebels are currently 1-3 and inconsistent on both sides of the ball.
On the offensive side of the ball, Mississippi will have running back Brandon Bolden to help its rushing attack, which might strike fear in the minds of the Bulldog faithful after Bolden had his way with Fresno State last season to the tune of 228 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Rebels have a new quarterback behind center with junior Zack Stoudt providing the Rebels with more of a pocket passer. Quarterbacks Randall Mackey and Barry Brunetti have also taken snaps for the Rebels. They will provide Fresno State will two quarterbacks that are threats with their legs.
On defense, the Rebels have had some tough competition, which might be the reason they have allowed so many yards on average. The Rebels will have to tighten it up if they want the Bulldog fans to leave Bulldog Stadium with a bad taste in their mouths.
Breakdown: Bulldogs
Fresno State is coming off its best game of the season against Idaho last week. The ‘Dogs played the closest thing to a complete game with all phases of the team contributing to Fresno State’s second win. Sophomore quarterback Derek Carr had the biggest game of his young collegiate career with 371 passing yards and five touchdown passes.
Carr has started to spread the wealth also getting all of his receivers involved throughout the games. He may have another weapon at his disposal with redshirt freshman receiver Victor Dean starting to get more reps with the offense. Junior running back Robbie Rouse has stayed consistent with three games over the century mark in the first four weeks.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs’ defensive line has made a splash in the Idaho game with sophomore Nat Harrison getting his first fumble return touchdown of his collegiate career.
If the ‘Dogs want to beat Mississippi in its first visit to Bulldog Stadium, they will have to contain running back Brandon Bolden and limit the big plays.
Keys to Victory
1. Contain Bolden
Last season’s battle with Ole Miss didn’t go the way Fresno state wanted with RB Brandon Bolden exploding for 228 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The ‘Dogs will have to contain him in his first game back from injury if they hope to get the win.
2. Limit the ‘Big Play’
Bolden shredded the Fresno State defense last season and the ‘Dogs have been prone to giving up the big play this season, so they have to keep all the running plays and passing plays to minimal gains.
3. Convert the ‘Big Play’
In the last two games, QB Derek Carr has been converting the deep ball with a variety of targets. The ‘Dogs will need to continue that against the Rebels if they hope to get out to an early lead on Saturday.
Position Matchups
When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Fresno State
Mississippi has given up over 200 yards on the ground per game so far this season. Junior RB Robbie Rouse has gone over the century mark in three-out-of-four games this year.
When Mississippi runs:
Advantage – Mississippi
Fresno State’s run defense is allowing almost the same amount of yards as last year. And when the ‘Dogs played Mississippi last year, Bolden ran wild all afternoon.
When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
The Bulldogs’ passing game has been gaining momentum with QB Derek Carr having by far his best game of his young collegiate career last week.
When Mississippi passes:
Advantage – Even
Mississippi is averaging only 144 yards per game through the air so far this season, but with the loss of strong safety Phillip Thomas and Derron Smith, it’s a toss up.
Special teams:
Advantage – Fresno State
Fresno State senior Kevin Goessling has been consistent with his only miss coming in the season opener.