Fresno State vs. Idaho

GAME PREVIEW

Staff Reports
The Collegian

Bulldogs

Quarterbacks
Resorting to the running game has fazed Paul Pinegar a bit. He threw an interception early in the Utah State game but quickly redeemed himself as he finished with two touchdowns and completed 13 of 23 passes.

Running Backs
Doesn’t seem like anybody can slow down Wendell Mathis and Bryson Sumlin. Mathis was three yards shy of 100 and Sumlin contributed 63. Even fullback Roshon Vercher got in on the action with a one-yard run in the first quarter of the Utah game, his first one of the season.

Receivers
Joe Fernandez was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes from Pinegar, one for seven yards and the other for 12.

Offensive Line
Sumlin was quick to give praise to the offensive line for creating the holes that led to his 63 rushing yards last week. The only downside: the line allowed two sacks by the Aggies.


Defensive Line
Tyler Clutts and Charles Tolbert combined for 1.5 sacks but also kept Utah State’s quarterback Leon Jackson III, the Aggies’ leading rusher, from gaining any yards on the ground.

Linebackers
Alan Goodwin had six total tackles and Dwayne Andrews has been consistent, also registering six tackles in last week’s game.

Defensive Backs
Even though Richard Marshall got most of the attention this week, Vincent Mays and Elgin Simmons chipped in with four tackles each. They will have their hands full with Daniel Smith, who has 33 receptions on the season.

Special Teams
Clint Stitser was flawless, completing all of his field goal attempts and making good on the six extra-point attempts in the Utah State game. Adam Jennings went down with a sprained shoulder but Fresno State didn’t skip a beat with Richard Marshall filling in. He returned a punt for 70 yards in his debut.

Intangibles
The Bulldogs take to Idaho a No. 24 AP ranking and is coming off three dominating wins. Although the Vandals have had an extra week to prepare for Fresno State, it looks like a fourth blow out is inevitable.

Vandals

Quarterbacks
Junior college transfer Steven Wichman edged out senior Michael Harrington and has a 57.8 passing percentage. For the season, Wichman has completed 104 of 180 passes for 1,345 yards and seven touchdowns. Edge: Bulldogs

Running Backs
The closest the Vandals have to compare to Wendell Mathis and Bryson Sumlin are Rolly Lumbala and Antwaun Sherman. Too bad the numbers don’t compare; both have combined for 356 yards… for the season. Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
The most effective receiver is Daniel Smith, who in five games has had 33 receptions for 434 yards and three touchdowns. Edge: Even

Offensive Line
There are veterans here but this position lacks depth. The Vandals will be relieved if Garrett McIntyre sits out because of a broken hand. Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
Idaho has three returning tackles in Jeff Edwards and Siua Musika and end Mike Bonelli. The three have combined for 38 tackles. Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
This position holds the most experience and depth for theVandals. Idaho’s top tackler last season, Cole Snyder is starting in the middle and has registered 74 tackles in six games. Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
The Vandals have have no returning cornerbacks to depend on but they do return safeties Dan Dykes, fifth-year senior Brandon Mascorro and sophomore Jevon Butler.Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
Mike Barrow is back as kicker for the Vandals. Barrow is 7 for 9 in field goal attempts.Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
Idaho’s Kibbie Dome is like no other venue in the NCAA. The structure looks like an airport hangar. The Kibbie Dome has artificial grass and elevation could be an issue at 2,583 feet. Still, the Vandals will have a tough time hanging with the Bulldogs. Edge: Bulldogs

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