WHEN FRESNO STATE RUNS
Two weeks ago at Nevada, Fresno State showed its ability to hit the big play on long runs. Last week at Idaho, the Bulldogs showed patience and how to methodically move the ball. They'll likely be able to do a bit of both against a Spartans team strong against the pass but weak against the run. Which Bulldogs tailback has the big day ... well, that's TBD.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN SAN JOSE STATE RUNS
How does a team with the 13th-worst rushing defense get the advantage? It happens when it faces the nation's third-worst rushing team in San Jose State, which is averaging a mere 62 rushing yards. Fresno State might end up operating out of its nickel and dime packages all day. The Spartans' top back, James Callier, is averaging 21.8 yards.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN FRESNO STATE PASSES
Quarterback Tom Brandstater completed 17 of 22 passes for 178 yards against Idaho. And if that wasn't efficient enough, consider this -- three of his throws were dropped. Brandstater continues to improve each week, as does the offensive line. Against a Spartans defense that ranks third in the nation in interceptions, Brandstater must play smart.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN SAN JOSE STATE PASSES
Since operating more out of a shotgun and empty backfield, quarterback Adam Tafralis has looked more comfortable in the pocket and in making decisions. He's averaging 237.9 passing yards. Receiver Kevin Jurovich has 44 catches for 638 yards (91.1-yard average) and five touchdowns. The Bulldogs will face another pass-oriented offense.
ADVANTAGE: SAN JOSE STATE
WHEN FRESNO STATE KICKS
Fresno State kicker Clint Stitser had his best game of the season, connecting on 3 of 4 field goals against Idaho in the indoor Kibbie Dome last week. Now it's back outdoors and on grass for the first time in three weeks. Punter Kyle Zimmerman did not allow a single yard returned on two punts against the No. 2 punt returner in the nation.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN SAN JOSE STATE KICKS
Kicker Jared Strubeck has played poorly all year, connecting on 2 of 9 field goals. His long is 31 yards. Spartans coach Dick Tomey has been concerned about special teams playing a big role in this game, and rightfully so. The Spartans' coverage units have been vulnerable to long returns on kickoffs and punts.
ADVANTAGE: SAN JOSE STATE
INTANGIBLES
Fresno State finally made it through a week without any big injuries or suspensions. And now it's homecoming, which is expected to draw a large crowd at Bulldog Stadium for Fresno State's oldest rivalry. The Bulldogs have been on a roll with three straight wins. San Jose State is trying to get over a 42-35 overtime loss to then-No. 16 Hawaii.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
Two weeks ago at Nevada, Fresno State showed its ability to hit the big play on long runs. Last week at Idaho, the Bulldogs showed patience and how to methodically move the ball. They'll likely be able to do a bit of both against a Spartans team strong against the pass but weak against the run. Which Bulldogs tailback has the big day ... well, that's TBD.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN SAN JOSE STATE RUNS
How does a team with the 13th-worst rushing defense get the advantage? It happens when it faces the nation's third-worst rushing team in San Jose State, which is averaging a mere 62 rushing yards. Fresno State might end up operating out of its nickel and dime packages all day. The Spartans' top back, James Callier, is averaging 21.8 yards.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN FRESNO STATE PASSES
Quarterback Tom Brandstater completed 17 of 22 passes for 178 yards against Idaho. And if that wasn't efficient enough, consider this -- three of his throws were dropped. Brandstater continues to improve each week, as does the offensive line. Against a Spartans defense that ranks third in the nation in interceptions, Brandstater must play smart.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN SAN JOSE STATE PASSES
Since operating more out of a shotgun and empty backfield, quarterback Adam Tafralis has looked more comfortable in the pocket and in making decisions. He's averaging 237.9 passing yards. Receiver Kevin Jurovich has 44 catches for 638 yards (91.1-yard average) and five touchdowns. The Bulldogs will face another pass-oriented offense.
ADVANTAGE: SAN JOSE STATE
WHEN FRESNO STATE KICKS
Fresno State kicker Clint Stitser had his best game of the season, connecting on 3 of 4 field goals against Idaho in the indoor Kibbie Dome last week. Now it's back outdoors and on grass for the first time in three weeks. Punter Kyle Zimmerman did not allow a single yard returned on two punts against the No. 2 punt returner in the nation.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
WHEN SAN JOSE STATE KICKS
Kicker Jared Strubeck has played poorly all year, connecting on 2 of 9 field goals. His long is 31 yards. Spartans coach Dick Tomey has been concerned about special teams playing a big role in this game, and rightfully so. The Spartans' coverage units have been vulnerable to long returns on kickoffs and punts.
ADVANTAGE: SAN JOSE STATE
INTANGIBLES
Fresno State finally made it through a week without any big injuries or suspensions. And now it's homecoming, which is expected to draw a large crowd at Bulldog Stadium for Fresno State's oldest rivalry. The Bulldogs have been on a roll with three straight wins. San Jose State is trying to get over a 42-35 overtime loss to then-No. 16 Hawaii.
ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE
