Fresno State vs. Utah State

GAME PREVIEW

Staff Reports
The Collegian

Quarterbacks
In last week’s game, Paul Pinegar was the key to putting away New Mexico State early, completing two touchdowns in the first quarter and later ran for one.

Running Backs
Bryson Sumlin has been on a roll as of late, giving Fresno State another running option other than Wendell Mathis. In the last two games against Toledo and New Mexico State, the senior running back ran for 211 yards. Expect to see a lot of Sumlin.

Receivers
It seems like Pinegar has many passing options, especially after Jason Fairman caught a one-handed touchdown pass while in mid-air in the first quarter of last week’s game against New Mexico State.

Offensive Line
It was a team effort last week to make room for Pinegar to pass, allowing no sacks for New Mexico State.

Defensive Line
Tyler Clutts, Ricky Miller and Qaadir Brown each produced a sack last week for a loss of 24 yards. With Garrett McIntyre returning for the second time since his high-knee injury, the defensive line will definitely be an impact to the game.

Linebackers
Marcus Riley, Dwayne Andrews and Emanuel Sanchez combined for 18 tackles. But it was a hit to New Mexico State’s Joey Vincent that forced a fumble early in the first quarter which led to the Bulldogs’ first touchdown of the game.

Defensive Backs
In terms of interceptions, it was a quiet night for the defensive backs, who recorded none. But the backs teamed up for six break-up passes.

Special Teams
Clint Stitser contributed largely to last week’s win, adding 13 out of the Bulldogs’ 37 points. Six of those points came from field goals of 36 and 38 yards.

Intangibles
Saturday’s game is what many Fresno State students have been waiting for during Homecoming Week. So expect Bulldog Stadium to be packed with people donned in red, which will pose as a challenge to Utah State.

Quarterbacks
Leon Jackson III is the first QB in Utah State history to lead the team in rushing with 185 yards. He is the only returning QB to have played last year and has compiled 664 yards for the season. Edge: Bulldogs

Running Backs
The top running back for the Aggies last week was Chris Forbes with 15 yards. The leading rusher in the Aggies’ last four games have been players other than running backs, most notably wide receiver Kevin Robinson, who had three carries for 46 yards last Saturday. Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
The duo of Tony Pennyman and Kevin Robinson is the most potent offensive threat Utah State has to offer; Pennyman and Robinson have been on the receiving end of 34 out of 64 passes and 405 of the 674 yards Edge: Even

Offensive Line
Senior Donald Penn has made 36 consecutive starts and will be coming to Bulldog Stadium as a four-year starter. Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
Senior John Chick has registered two sacks in the past two games to give him a total of 4.5 for the season; he also led the team in tackles last week with 10. Edge: Even

Linebackers
Seniors Matt Wiser, D.J. Brookter and freshman Jake Hutton had a combined 29 tackles for the Aggies against San Jose State. Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
Junior Terrence Washington missed spring drills due to injury but has made quite an impact recording 30 total tackles for the season. Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
The Aggies lead the WAC in kickoff returns and are fifth in the NCAA, and is second in punt returns. Edge: Even

Intangibles
In Brent Guy’s first year at the helm, the Aggies have posted a 2-2 record for the second time in eight years but that .500 record will quickly drop as the team faces Boise State and Alabama after Saturday’s game. Bulldog Stadium is not the ideal place to start a rough stretch as the Aggies will see a sold-out stadium for Homecoming Edge: Bulldogs

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