KEYS TO SUCCESS

FRESNO STATE

1 Own the second half. The Bulldogs had their best game of the season during last week's win at Idaho, particularly because they made halftime adjustments and quickly incorporated them in the second half.

2 Continue to be aggressive with the playcalling. Quarterback Derek Carr enjoyed a 371-yard, five-touchdown game last week largely because the Bulldogs attacked downfield -- even after building a sizable lead.

3 Don't be intimidated. Just because Ole Miss is bigger -- its starting offensive line averages 6 feet, 6 inches and 322 pounds -- doesn't mean the Rebels are better.

4 Don't get hurt. Matchups with bigger, more athletic teams from BCS conferences have created injury problems for Fresno State in past seasons. The Bulldogs must avoid their key guys going down.

5 Stop the run and make Ole Miss QB Zack Stoudt make plays. He has one of the nation's worst pass-efficiency ratings at 87.1.

OLE MISS

1 Play with confidence. Just because Ole Miss is off to a 1-3 start doesn't mean there's no talent. Ole Miss must remember it has bigger, more athletic players -- and handled the Bulldogs easily a year ago.

2 Work to get Fresno State QB Derek Carr out of rhythm early. Part of the reason Carr had a career day last week was because he completed 12 of his first 15 passes. A rough start would force Carr to respond to early adversity -- a test he has yet to pass (see opener at Cal).

3 Run at 'em. That worked well last year when Ole Miss rushed for 425 yards, averaging 9.0 per carry, in a 55-38 win over Fresno State. These Bulldogs rank 74th vs. the run.

4 Take the crowd out early. A fast start by Ole Miss could silence the Fresno State faithful. Maybe even bring out the boo birds.

5 Make big returns. Fresno State has struggled with its kick coverage. The Rebels have two punt returns for touchdowns so far. Will they add a kick-return TD today?

PROJECTED STARTERS

FRESNO STATE

Quarterback: Derek Carr

Backfield: Robbie Rouse, RB; Austin Raphael, FB

Wide receivers: Rashad Evans, Jalen Saunders, Devon Wylie

Tight end: Ryan Skidmore

Offensive line: Bryce Harris, LT; Trevor Richter, LG; Leslie Cooper, C; Austin Wentworth, RG; Cody Wichmann, RT

Defensive line: Matt Akers, DE; Chase McEntee, NT; Logan Harrell, DT; Tristan Okpalaugo, DE

Linebackers: Kyle Knox, OLB; Jeremiah Toma, MLB; Travis Brown, OLB

Secondary: L.J. Jones, CB; Terrance Dennis, SS; Cristin Wilson, FS; Isaiah Green, CB

Special teams: Kevin Goessling, PK; Andrew Shapiro, P and PH; Bobby Shepard, LS; Isaiah Burse, KR; Jalen Saunders, KR; Devon Wylie, Jalen Saunders or Rashad Evans, PR

OLE MISS

Quarterback: Zack Stoudt

Backfield: Jeff Scott, RB; H.R. Greer, FB

Wide receivers: Donte Moncrief, Derrick Herman, Vince Sanders

Tight end: Ferbia Allen

Offensive line: Bradley Sowell, LT; Aaron Morris, LG; A.J. Hawkins, C; Matt Hall, RG; Bobby Massie, RT

Defensive line: Wayne Dorsey, DE; Bryon Bennett, NT; Justin Smith, DT; Gerald Rivers, DE

Linebackers: Ralph Williams, WLB; Mike Marry, MLB; Aaron Garbutt, WLB

Secondary: Marcus Temple, LCB; Damien Jackson, SS; Charles Sawyer, FS; Wesley Pendleton, RCB

Special teams: Bryson Rose, PK; Tyler Campbell, P; Andrew Ritter, KO; Chris Conley, HLD; Will Denny, LS; Jeff Scott, KR and PR