A key for Fresno State is to dominate the run game. San Jose State is one of the nation's worst at both stopping the run and generating a run. Bulldogs running back Robbie Rouse could be in line for a big day with the Spartans allowing an average of 207.2 rushing yards.

One key for Fresno State is to come out with emotion. If there's one thing new defensive coordinator Tim Skipper hopes to foster, it's getting the Bulldogs to play with increased passion.

One key for the Bulldogs is to play strong defense. That's obviously a lot more complicated than identifying the general problem. But Fresno State has been downright awful of late on defense.

One key for the Bulldogs will be to start fast. The worst thing Fresno State could do is come out slow and fall behind, which will get many in the stadium frustrated quickly.

The Bulldogs will need to build off last week. Fresno State came back to beat Utah State 31-21 primarily because its defense stepped up after halftime, allowing just 149 total yards and no points in the final two quarters. The Bulldogs will want to see that for an entire game.

Forget about last week. Obsessing anymore about the 57-7 loss to Boise State will do the Bulldogs no good. Though beating a BCS program or a ranked team is pretty much out of the question now in the regular season, Fresno State can't forget there's still the WAC title to win.

Keys for Fresno State: Take away the Broncos' running game. The Bulldogs have struggled with run defense all season. So why should that suddenly change? Perhaps Fresno State can find a structural flaw in Boise State. The Broncos are 65th nationally in rushing, at an average of 143.5 yards per game.

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.

Fresno State will need to eliminate the big plays of North Dakota. This has been at the top of coach Pat Hill's list all week after big plays hurt Fresno State in its loss at Nebraska last weekend.

Gathering spot: Bulldogs fans will be lost in a sea of Nebraska red Saturday, but there's a place in downtown Lincoln where they can feel right at home. Just three blocks from Memorial Stadium sits The N Zone, a sports bar owned by Clovis native (and Clovis West High) alum Mike Figueroa. More than a dozen Fresno State fans already were getting warmed up Friday afternoon.

Fresno State will want to protect prized quarterback Derek Carr as much as possible and likely will attempt to do so by running the ball. If Robbie Rouse, Milton Knox and A.J. Ellis can break some long runs, it'll go a long way for Fresno State.