Fresno State Football Game Preview

Analysis by Darrell Copeland III

The Collegian

Bulldogs

Fresno State coach Pat Hill couldn’t have asked for a better first game out of his team, especially quarterback Tom Brandstater.

The Bulldogs were able to run the ball effectively, preventing Oregon from obtaining a complete breakdown of the game.

There is definitely room for improvement however, especially if the Bulldogs are to knock off a top 20 program like the Ducks are bringing to town.

Some things to watch for on behalf of the Bulldogs to be in a position to win at the end ...

Offense:

• The Ducks are well aware that Brandstater is entering only his second career start as quarterback.

Oregon will stack the box in order to stop Dwayne Wright and company. Brandstater will need to accumulate a few extra passing yards against a questionable Ducks secondary.

• Fresno State’s offensive line will need to be at its peak while blocking against an Oregon team that loves to pressure the quarterback. Left tackle Bobby Lepori will have his toughest task yet.

Defense:

• Safeties Vincent Mays and Josh Sherley were each beaten for a touchdown pass against Nevada on almost identical routes. Their play against both the run and pass may determine the outcome of the game.

A.J. Jefferson and Moses Harris may also play a key role in stopping the Oregon passing attack.

• The Bulldogs linebackers seemed slow at times attacking the gaps in the second half against the Wolf Pack. That hesitancy allowed Nevada to get back into the game by tiring the Bulldogs defense, getting them to within two points. If Marcus Riley returns can return, and without rust, the Bulldogs will be at full strength.

Ducks

Oregon looked scary good last week against Stanford. Running back Jonathan Stewart is turning out to be about as he was projected to be when he was the top recruit in the nation.

That was against Stanford, however, the same team, if not worse than the one that lost to UC-Davis a year ago.

Still, the Ducks did show off much of the talent that makes up the quick-strike offense. Some things to observe when watching the Ducks on ...

Offense:

• It’s no secret that Fresno State has struggled in the past against running quarterbacks. Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon is essentially a wide receiver with the ability to throw the ball far and read defenses adequately. If Dixon converts third downs on his feet, Fresno State will have a tough time on defense.

• The Ducks have a quality stable of receivers that are exceptional on deep routes and after the catch.

Their experience and depth presents potential problems for a young Bulldogs secondary.

Defense:

• Oregon’s run defense allowed Stanford only 2.9 yards per carry in the Ducks 48-10 win over the Cardinal. Saftey/linebacker Patrick Chung is a weapon for the Ducks. He is capable of superb run support and has the speed to cover receivers one-on-one from his hybrid position.

• The Ducks two best cover corners are 6-foot freshman Walter Thurmond III and 5-foot-10 junior Jackie Bates. Their play against Fresno State’s talented receiving core will be crucial to the game’s outcome.

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