4* Fresno State +6
Youth movement is the working phrase as Fresno State has limped out to a 2-3 start to the season. Decimated by injuries, Hill has pressed 20 true freshmen and redshirt freshmen into their college debuts this season. Call it baptism by fire, we call it getting ready for division play. Bulldogs got the confidence building win last week against a scrappy Rice team and now can look forward to another running oriented attack in the Rams of Colorado State. Led by Cecil Sapp, the Rams present a host of problems for the Bulldogs (Doak Walker candidate ranks 13th nationally in rushing with a 123.6-yard average to lead the MWC). Bulldogs need to improve, and must do so in a hurry, on their rush defense as they gave up 329 yds on the ground last week to Rice. But, then again that was on 71 attempts.
Bulldogs get to play at home for what has seem like to be an eternity. They last played a homegame in late August. Pinegar's progress is coming along . There is an outside chance that Grady might get the start, but Pinegar should be able to fill in well for another week. Berrian not expected to return, but they do have capable receivers. The injury bug has actually hit the Rams' squad harder as of late in a crucial spot. Offensive line is banged up. Senior OT Aaron Green is out for the season, C Mark Dreyer may miss the game with a dislocated shoulder and Green's replacement Mike Brisiel, has a sprained knee. The Rams have ample depth on the line but experience is lacking as CSU reaches deeper down the depth chart.
Rams HC Lubbick hasn't been pleased with his team's consistency as they have managed to give up big plays in all of their games. Against an offense gaining confidence playing at home, that could be big. CSU's defense gives up over 29 points per game on the road and more importantly, the Rams have been outscored by their opponents (difference of over 30 ppgs) in the fourth quarter.
Last meeting, a Carr-led Bulldog team eeked out a win in overtime against the Rams and of course, the Rams have been talking up of revenge. Bulldog team certainly a dropoff from year's past editions, but they still hold a 3-1 edge at Bulldog stadium and are 3-1 ATS as well against the Rams. Also note, that the Bulldogs are 25-4 @ home and average over 40,000+ attendance per game. Our computer simulations have the Bulldogs staying close. We actually think that they can win this game outright in front of a national audience. Take the points!
Final Score: Fresno State 34 Colorado State 31
Youth movement is the working phrase as Fresno State has limped out to a 2-3 start to the season. Decimated by injuries, Hill has pressed 20 true freshmen and redshirt freshmen into their college debuts this season. Call it baptism by fire, we call it getting ready for division play. Bulldogs got the confidence building win last week against a scrappy Rice team and now can look forward to another running oriented attack in the Rams of Colorado State. Led by Cecil Sapp, the Rams present a host of problems for the Bulldogs (Doak Walker candidate ranks 13th nationally in rushing with a 123.6-yard average to lead the MWC). Bulldogs need to improve, and must do so in a hurry, on their rush defense as they gave up 329 yds on the ground last week to Rice. But, then again that was on 71 attempts.
Bulldogs get to play at home for what has seem like to be an eternity. They last played a homegame in late August. Pinegar's progress is coming along . There is an outside chance that Grady might get the start, but Pinegar should be able to fill in well for another week. Berrian not expected to return, but they do have capable receivers. The injury bug has actually hit the Rams' squad harder as of late in a crucial spot. Offensive line is banged up. Senior OT Aaron Green is out for the season, C Mark Dreyer may miss the game with a dislocated shoulder and Green's replacement Mike Brisiel, has a sprained knee. The Rams have ample depth on the line but experience is lacking as CSU reaches deeper down the depth chart.
Rams HC Lubbick hasn't been pleased with his team's consistency as they have managed to give up big plays in all of their games. Against an offense gaining confidence playing at home, that could be big. CSU's defense gives up over 29 points per game on the road and more importantly, the Rams have been outscored by their opponents (difference of over 30 ppgs) in the fourth quarter.
Last meeting, a Carr-led Bulldog team eeked out a win in overtime against the Rams and of course, the Rams have been talking up of revenge. Bulldog team certainly a dropoff from year's past editions, but they still hold a 3-1 edge at Bulldog stadium and are 3-1 ATS as well against the Rams. Also note, that the Bulldogs are 25-4 @ home and average over 40,000+ attendance per game. Our computer simulations have the Bulldogs staying close. We actually think that they can win this game outright in front of a national audience. Take the points!
Final Score: Fresno State 34 Colorado State 31
