Bulldog Game Day Fresno State Bulldogs — vs New Mexico Lobos
Breakdown: Bulldogs
After a crushing victory over Wyoming last week, Fresno State (5-3, 3-1 MWC) looks to continue the momentum as it travels to New Mexico to take on another Mountain West opponent Saturday. The Bulldogs won 42-14 at home against the Cowboys.
The trip to New Mexico should test the Bulldogs to see if they can maintain their composure and not play down to the competition.
Fresno State will run its air and ground game. The well-rounded Bulldogs average 459 total yards per game — the 29th-ranked offense in the NCAA. Led by Derek Carr and Robbie Rouse, the Bulldogs have weapons passing and running.
The Bulldogs’ defense is second in the NCAA in total interceptions. Defensive safety Phillip Thomas leads all players with seven interceptions. He also has two sacks on the season. Thomas added another touchdown last week on a 20-yard interception return, making him the NCAA leader in defensive touchdowns. This could add pressure on the Lobos.
Thomas could use some help from their defensive line. With one of the league’s best running attacks, New Mexico will look to expose the Bulldog’s line and try to limit its passes. ’Dogs nose tackle Andy Jennings will look to add to his sack total of 4.5 by keeping pressure on the quarterback. The Bulldogs need to remain persistent on both offense and defense.
Breakdown: Lobos
Hoping to bounce back from a five-point loss to Air Force last week, the Lobos (4-4, 1-2 MWC) host another tough conference opponent in Fresno State.
New Mexico looks to side-step another big loss against a conference opponent, utilizing its skilled offense. The Lobos are also looking to shake up the Mountain West Conference with another win, which would move them to 2-2 in conference play.
With all but two of their games being decided by more than 10 points, the Lobos will try to keep the game close by utilizing their ground game.
The Lobo’s offense ranks 99th in the country with 353 total yards per game. However, New Mexico ranks sixth in the nation in rushing with 296.7 yards per game. Its passing game is worst in the NCAA with 447 yards all year.
New Mexico will showcase its offensive talent with star running back Kasey Carrier, who is ranked among the top five backs this year in total yardage. Carrier has 968 yards in eight games. Carrrier’s 138.3 yards per game puts him at No. 4 in the nation. He also has 11 touchdowns.
New Mexico’s defense is its Achilles heel and can be exposed to big plays and deep passes. The Lobo’s defense ranks 65th in rushing and 85th in passing. New Mexico is looking for its defensive players to make some big plays and allow the offensive to get on the field consistently.
If New Mexico hopes to win this game, it will need to focus on its running game. With one of the nation’s leading rushers, the Lobos are best suited to keep the ball on the ground and grind down the clock.
If New Mexico can find a way to stay in the game and maintain running the ball, they could have a chance for an upset.
