Fresno State Football
Game Preview
Analysis by Darrell Copeland III
The Collegian
Bulldogs
You can bet that last year’s result against Nevada has not been forgotten. Revenge is on the Bulldogs’ mind. However, for the Bulldogs to play for a win, they will need to execute their strong points and prevent their weaknesses from being exposed.
Strengths:
• Fresno State has four experienced linemen who combine for nine years of starting experience entering this season. The lone newcomer to the starting five is left tackle Bobby Lepori. If the offensive line plays to its capabilities, it will be much easier for quarterback Tom Brandstater to get through his first game as starter with a win. Right tackle Chris Denman has added 25 pounds to his athletic frame and is poised for a true breakout season.
• The Bulldogs will have one of their best receiving cores in recent memory, with senior All-American candidate Paul Williams in the forefront. Joe Fernandez, Jaron Fairman and Chastin West will all have a chance to shine in this offense as well.
• The pass rush and run defense will be much improved this season. At defensive tackle, Jason Shirley is in the best shape of his career. He will be an absolute beast. Jason Roberts will burst on to the scene, while Ikenna Ike has continued his breakout party in fall camp.
Weaknesses:
• Once Marcus Riley went down with a knee injury last season, the Bulldogs went downhill. Riley won’t be ready for the opener, so it is up to Ahijah Lane to fill his shoes. He is capable, but has much to prove.
•Quarterback Tom Brandstater performed admirably in fall camp, but had some struggles in both of the scrimmages. He is a cool customer in the pocket, but all fingers will be pointing to him.
• Damon Jenkins, Damion Owens and Elgin Simmons will all see time opposite of Marcus McCauley. All three have great physical tools but will be tested with Nevada’s pistol offense.
Nevada
Nevada enters Bulldog Stadium with a talented senior quarterback who last year, led the Wolf Pack to a victory against the Bulldogs in Reno last year. The Wolf Pack don’t often make appearances on national television as they will this week, so they will be up to the task to prove something.
Strengths:
• Quarterback Jeff Rowe is licking his chops at the chance to attack an unproven Fresno State secondary.
• Running back Robert Hubbard ran all over the Bulldogs last season, running for 146 yards on only 16 carries, picking up three touchdowns along the way.
• Receiver Caleb Spencer is talented, but he will have to deal with Fresno State’s Marcus McCauley, meaning tight end Anthony Pudewell will have to step up.
Weaknesses:
• Nevada head coach Chris Ault has expressed concern with his offensive line this fall. They will have a big challenge coming in the form of the Fresno State defensive line.
• Cornerback Joe Garcia and free safety Nick Hawthrone are about the only sure bets in the secondary. Other than that, Nevada is vulnerable.
• Last year’s leading tackler Roosevelt Cooks is gone, and he led the category by a wide margin with 98.
Keys to the game
1. Establish the run. With a new quarterback and a running back two years out of action, success on the ground is a must.
2. Fresno State's defensive line will need to pressure Nevada QB Jeff Rowe early and often to help the young Bulldogs' secondary get acclimated.
3. It's a new season, treat it that way. As of now, Fresno State is undefeated. It is up to them to keep it that way.
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