GameDay Breakdown

Published online on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

FRESNO STATE ON OFFENSE
No secret here: The Bulldogs will lead with the run and look for the pass to open up off play action just like last week against San Jose State.

Quarterback Ryan Colburn was 7 for 12 last week with two touchdowns and no interceptions - the second game in a row that he was turnover-free. His job has been easier the past two games, as Ryan Mathews and gang have been incredibly successful running the ball. Both of Colburn's touchdown throws last week came on play-action plays. While Mathews has gotten most of the attention because of his gaudy statistics, Colburn is 19 for 26 with four touchdowns and 237 yards the past two games.

FRESNO STATE ON DEFENSE

The Bulldogs allowed just 73 yards rushing and 136 yards passing through three quarters last week before the reserves went into the game in the fourth quarter. The two scores San Jose State tallied in the first three quarters were aided by a turnover in Bulldogs territory and two Bulldogs defensive penalties. If the Bulldogs play the same type of defense this week, they should have no problem getting the victory.

EXTRA POINTS

Kevin Goessling hit two field goals last week (40 yards and 46) and is now 7 of 8 on the season. His only miss came five games ago against Wisconsin, a 45-yarder that could have made a difference in Madison. Punter Robert Malone is coming off a WAC award-winning week after averaging 54 yards per punt. The Bulldogs will likely continue to see skied kickoffs in an attempt to neutralize their return abilities.

NEW MEXICO STATE ON OFFENSE

First-year Aggies coach DeWayne Walker ditched the team's "Air Raid" spread passing offense before the season, preferring to go with a more run-based offense. Neither of New Mexico State's quarterbacks have FBS playing experience. Jeff Fleming (a junior college transfer) and redshirt freshman Trevor Walls have completion percentages in the low 50s and more interceptions than touchdowns. The Aggies' passing game has flip-flopped from 10th in the nation in 2008 (301 yards per game) to 117th (112 yards per game). The Aggies, meanwhile, are up to 68th out of 120 teams in the country in rushing offense (138 yards per game), a improvement from 118th (54 yards per game) in 2008.

NEW MEXICO STATE ON DEFENSE

The Aggies were dominated last week in a 45-7 loss to Louisiana Tech, which ran for 315 yards and passed for 225. The Aggies are ranked 105th nationally in run defense -- which surely has Fresno State salivating for a third straight week. The Aggies rank 25th nationally in pass defense and 66th in total defense.

EXTRA POINTS

Kicker/punter Kyle Hughes is 5 of 8, including a game-winner against Utah State. He's 2 of 5 on field goals longer than 40 yards. On kickoffs, he has nine touchbacks. He's punted three touchbacks and placed nine balls inside the 20. The Aggies rank third in the conference in punt return average (12.4), second in kickoff coverage and third in punt coverage.

KEY MATCHUPS

Fresno State receiver Jamel Hamler vs. New Mexico State safeties/linebackers

Hamler, a redshirt sophomore, might get a chance to truly shine today. Despite bright moments, his opportunities have been limited this season because of the depth in the receiving corps. But with Devon Wylie out because of a hamstring injury, Hamler will be able to show whether he can be the same matchup problem for safeties and linebackers from the slot receiver position as Wylie. Hamler has nine catches for 99 yards and a touchdown this season.

Edge: Hamler

New Mexico State defensive front vs. Fresno State offensive line

This matchup is an oldie but a goodie. The Bulldogs like to run -- a lot. The Aggies need desperately to stop the run. Thing is, no one has been able to this season. And the Aggies won't be able to either. They sure couldn't handle the Louisiana Tech running game last week as those Bulldogs ran for 315 yards.

Edge: Fresno State