Fresno State vs. Portland State

Game Preview

By Eddie Hughes

Bulldogs
Quarterbacks
Paul Pinegar should see a pleasant change on Saturday when facing Portland State. The junior is coming off back-to-back games against tough defenses and should be able to put up his biggest numbers of the year against the Vikings. Pinegar was 17 of 30 for 244 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions in a 45-21 win at Kansas State last Saturday. If he cuts down on the interceptions and continues to make smart decisions with the football, he might become the Western Athletic Conference’s best quarterback.

Running Backs
Fresno State’s depth and versatility at the position was dealt a sharp blow in the big win over K-State when starter Dwayne Wright was lost for the season to a knee injury. He’ll be replaced by junior Bryson Sumlin, who rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries last week. Sophomore Wendell Mathis is likely to see an increase in playing time. Junior Matt Rivera, who specializes in passing situations, had two receiving touchdowns against the Wildcats. Sophomore Robbie Dubois steps in as the fourth back.

Receivers
The play of the tight ends was key for the passing game last week. Senior Duncan Reid had three catches for 32 yards. Reid’s 24-yard reception set up the Bulldogs’ first score against Kansas State. The wide receivers might see an increased workload on Saturday. Sophomore Joe Fernandez, who had two catches for 14 yards, was the only receiver with more than one catch against Kansas State.

Offensive Line
This unit looked nothing less than physically dominant last week. Senior left tackle Logan Mankins again and again shoved away overmatched defenders. Freshman left guard Cole Popovich looked solid in his first start. Don’t expect the Vikings to get much pressure on Pinegar with these guys blocking.

Defensive Line
This is one of the units that doesn’t have a lot of experienced depth. But some of the younger guys are about to get experience with starting ends Brian Morris (shoulder) and Claude Sanders (knee) both doubtful with injuries and tackle Louis Leonard (ankle) questionable. Garrett McIntyre and Donyell Booker, who each harassed Kansas State’s blockers, will anchor the starting four. Sophomore Marlon Brisco, who had two tackles last week, is likely to get the start at end. Freshmen Jason Shirley and Charles Tolbert also could see significant minutes.

Linebackers
Coming into the season, this position was seen as a question mark because of its relative inexperience. Forget all of that. Several players have stepped up, helping the Bulldogs hold Heisman Trophy candidate Darren Sproles to 37 yards rushing last week. Sophomore middle backer Dwayne Andrews is fourth on the team with nine tackles this season. Junior Kyle Goodman has seven and senior Todd Garcia has six.

Defensive Backs
Junior safety James Sanders continues to wow with his all-around play. He has three interceptions this season, compared to two all of last year. He’s tied for the team lead in tackles with 11 and has a sack. Starting corner Raymond Washington is doubtful Saturday with a thumb injury and will be replaced in the lineup by junior Awan Diles, who had a pick against Washington. Sophomore corner Richard Marshall has two interceptions this season.

Special Teams
The return game came up big for the Bulldogs last week. Junior Adam Jennings had a 40-yard punt return and a 44-yard kick returns, giving the team great field position on just about every possession. Senior kicker Brett Visintainer hit a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter to put the Bulldogs up 17-7.

Coaching
You’ve gotta love Pat Hill’s attitude after two big wins. He and his staff had the team prepared to make a run, and now it’s turned into reality with a No. 19 ranking.

Intagibles
The nation is watching Fresno State and the Bulldogs will play in front of an adoring home crowd for the first time this season. Expect a lot of energy, even though the game is against a Division-IAA opponent.


Vikings
Quarterbacks
The numbers of senior Joe Wiser were unimpressive in the team’s season-opening win against Division-II Western State. Wiser was 11 of 24 for 157 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He’ll need to do much better than that if Portland State is going to challenge the Bulldogs. Wiser was 18 of 32 for 229 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions against Fresno State last season.
Edge: Bulldogs

Running Backs
This is one area the Bulldogs better be concerned with. Senior Ryan Fuqua rushed 25 times for 194 yards and a touchdown in Fresno last year. Junior Joe Rubin contributed 70 yards of his own in that game. In Portland State’s opener, Fuqua went for 141 yards while Rubin added 65. This year, the Bulldogs run defense has been airtight with the exception of a 50-yard run by Washington’s Zach Tuiasosopo. Fuqua and company aren’t likely to regurgitate those numbers on Saturday.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Senior Erik Selden hadn’t caught a pass in his career before this season. But he pulled in four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown in the team’s opener. Junior Shaun Bodiford, a transfer from Butte College (Oroville, Calif.), had three catches for 67 yards and scored on a 25-yard reverse in the opener.
Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive Line
Portland State has five starters all hovering around 300 pounds, the biggest being center Antonio Narcisse (6-foot-1, 305 pounds). The Vikings allowed two sacks in last season’s meeting with the Bulldogs and allowed just one in their 2004 opener but will be challenged by a big, quick Bulldogs defensive line.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
The Vikings top four tacklers also happen to be this unit’s starters—and they’re all seniors. End Andrew Dorsey leads the team with eight tackles. End Kevin Keanaaina and tackle Chris Berg each have seven. And tackle Chuck Jones is tied for fourth on the team with five.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Portland State’s two-linebacker set is anchored by senior Tolo Tuitele and junior Joey King, who both have four tackles on the year. Fresno State’s physical running game and offensive line play will end the Vikings’ chances if the linebackers don’t play up to the competition.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
Senior Nick Chenault has the team’s only interception this season. Both of the team’s starting corners are 5-10 in senior Reynard Carrie and sophomore Dominic Dixon.
Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
Sophomore kicker Eric Azorr made his only field goal attempt of the season from 42 yards. He made two of three field goals in 2003 before a groin injury ended his season early. Senior punter Jason Daily averaged 35.6 yards per punt.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
In his 12th season at Portland state, Tim Walsh is 71-55. He is 0-3 in meetings against the Bulldogs.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
The home crowd will be a huge factor for Fresno State, but Portland State should be hyped up for what might be the toughest match-up in program history.
Edge: Bulldogs