GameDay Breakdown

Fresno State hosts Utah State at Bulldog Stadium at 2 p.m.

Published online on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

FRESNO STATE ON OFFENSE
After two very efficient games, quarterback Ryan Colburn took a step back last week. He threw an interception in the end zone, nearly threw another, and also fumbled in the first half against New Mexico State while going 4 of 10 for 58 yards. He recovered in the second half, though, going 3 of 4 for 106 yards.

The Aggies likely will put eight and nine players near the line of scrimmage today in an attempt to persuade the Bulldogs to pass, so Colburn will have to be on the mark, and on the mark early. The Bulldogs haven't gotten out to fast starts in their past two games. They don't want that to become a habit.

They will, of course, look to Ryan Mathews once again to lead the way. He is the nation's leading running back with 1,131 yards (162 per game) and has nine touchdowns.

FRESNO STATE ON DEFENSE

The Bulldogs were caught a little off guard by New Mexico State quarterback Jeff Fleming running the option last week because they hadn't planned too much for him. But that's not the case this week. The Bulldogs know Utah State QB Diondre Borel is coming, and they know he is running the option. The Bulldogs, whom defensive end Chris Carter says have improved discipline, will need to be wary of misdirection plays.

EXTRA POINTS

The Bulldogs' special teams have been hot of late. Kevin Goessling is 9 of 10 on field goals with a long of 49. Chastin West returned a punt 88 yards for a score last week and Fresno State has blocked a kick or punt three weeks in a row.

UTAH STATE ON OFFENSE

Utah State QB Diondre Borel has improved, but Aggies RB Robert Turbin has been a bit of a head-turner himself this season. He is the second leading rusher in the WAC at 105 yards per game. That's good enough for 18th in the nation. Borel said his favorite running back gained strength and speed in the offseason and is an all-around back. Turbin said he has learned how to watch film and study opponents effectively. The Aggies average 27 points per game and are 25th in the nation in total offense (427 yards per game).

UTAH STATE ON DEFENSE

The Aggies' defense ranks 101st in the nation (allowing 414 yards per game) and things won't get better this week with three of their most experienced starters listed as "probable" for the game. Safety James Brindley (hamstring) could be the biggest loss if he doesn't play. Expect the Aggies to repeat New Mexico State's strategy from last week by stacking the box against the run and mixing coverages in the secondary to keep the Bulldogs guessing. They'll be susceptible to the pass with those players near the line, but that's the risk they have to take to keep Ryan Mathews in check.

EXTRA POINTS

Chris Ulinski is 9 of 11 on field goals with a long of 48 and 20 of 21 on PATs. Kerwynn Williams averages 23.2 yards on kick returns with a long of 41. Stanley Morrison and Kejon Murphy split punt return duties and each has averaged fewer than 6 yards per attempt.

KEY MATCHUPS

Fresno State defensive end Chris Carter vs. Utah State tackle Spencer Johnson

With his speed off the line of scrimmage, Carter has caught the eyes of fans and opponents alike.

"They have a speed team," Utah State QB Diondre Borel said. "[Carter], he's a good player, a speed rusher who tries to get to the quarterback and make plays."

This season the Aggies have given up 20 sacks, tied for the worst in the WAC and 100th in the nation.

Edge: Carter

Utah State linebackers vs. Fresno State fullback Reynard Camp

Camp is one of the many blockers making room for Ryan Mathews and the rest of the Bulldogs running backs. Camp usually meets linebackers in the hole, and a running play's success can be determined by whether he wins his block. With the Bulldogs rushing for 267 yards per game and the Aggies allowing 197, bet on Camp helping continue Fresno State's trend of success.

Edge: Camp