GameDay: Fresno State @ Rutgers

1 p.m. today at Rutgers Stadium (42,500 capacity).

Published online on Tuesday, Sep. 02, 2008

Game day analysis for the season opener as the Bulldogs take on the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers:

WHEN FRESNO STATE RUNS

Fresno State returns three running backs with good experience from last season and four of five starting offensive linemen. Ryan Mathews, Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding combined for nine starts and 1,924 yards last season and should be ready to roll this season in the Bulldogs' bread and butter role.

ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE

WHEN RUTGERS RUNS

This one was close, but the edge may go to Fresno State. Rutgers lost Ray Rice -- its leading rusher and the only Scarlet Knights running back to do any real damage to defenses last season -- and also lost three starting offensive linemen. Fresno State's defensive line has question marks, too, so it's tight.

ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE

WHEN FRESNO STATE PASSES

Fifth-year starters certainly count for something. Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater could be rusty since it's the first game of the season, but he should be able to click through his reads like a veteran and make the throws necessary to lift Fresno State when it needs it. His receivers have plenty of experience as well.

ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE

WHEN RUTGERS PASSES

Another fifth-year senior leads the Rutgers offense. Quarterback Mike Teel passed for 3,147 yards last season and added 20 touchdowns (but had 13 interceptions). He should be plenty wise and with two receivers who each had at least 1,100 yards last season, his targets should be reliable as well. It's a big test for the Bulldogs' secondary.

ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

WHEN FRESNO STATE KICKS

Rutgers didn't have any dynamic return men last season like Fresno State. Redshirt freshman Kevin Goessling will be getting his first start kicking field goals. As of Sunday, the name of the kicker who would be kicking off (Goessling or Andrew Shapiro) had not been released.

ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

WHEN RUTGERS KICKS

Fresno State's A.J. Jefferson held the highest average for kick returners in the nation last season, and with Marlon Moore, Chastin West and Devon Wylie available to assist in punt and kick returns, the Bulldogs should be more than solid once again. The Bulldogs also blocked five PATs or field goals last season.

ADVANTAGE: FRESNO STATE

INTANGIBLES

Rutgers will have the home-field advantage with its 42,500-seat stadium sold out. Rutgers might have a chip on its shoulder, too. A Fresno State win would not be seen as an upset by many, if not most, since the mid-major team is ranked and Big East member Rutgers is not.

ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

KEY MATCHUPS

Rutgers offensive line vs. Fresno State defensive line

Both groups lost key players from last year. Rutgers lost three starters: tackles Jeremy Zuttah and Pedro Sosa, and left guard Mike Fladell. Fresno State lost starting end Tyler Clutts and tackle Charles Tolbert (not to mention tackle Jason Shirley).

San San Te vs. Kevin Goessling

Both teams are breaking in redshirt freshman kickers. Rutgers' San San Te was the No. 5 -kicking prospect in the nation by scout.com and No. 7 by rivals.com out of high school in 2006. Goessling was named to the Register's All-Orange County first team. Will one choke? Will one rise? Who will pull a hammy?

Rutgers wide receivers vs. Fresno State cornerbacks

Strength against strength. The Bulldogs return three of four starters and A.J. Jefferson, but he played in 10 games last season, so he's no rookie. Rutgers receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood each tallied at least 1,100 yards last season.

KEYS TO VICTORY

Rutgers wins if ...

Fifth-year quarterback Mike Teel has plenty of time to throw because Fresno State can't pressure him in the pocket.

Fresno State's young linebackers forget their assignments.

Fresno State wins if ...

It establishes the run. This will give offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier the ability to open the passing game for quarterback Tom Brandstater and his deep receiving corps.

Its shorter defensive backs shut down Rutgers' tall, standout wide receivers Kenny Britt (6-foot-4) and Tiquan Underwood (6-2).

The Bulldogs establish a big lead early. The offense could be potent and hard to catch.