Record: 1-0, +2.40 units
Why to watch: Is Wisconsin any better after having so many problems last season? Is there life after David Carr for Fresno State? A win for the Badgers will exorcise the demons of the poor performance against the Bulldogs last season while Fresno State can prove that last year's early upset wins weren't a fluke.
One reason why Fresno State might win: This is a very fast Bulldog team that can match Wisconsin athlete for athlete. When it comes to starting the season, the Badgers are notoriously slow at jelling and they could be ripe for the picking if FSU can jump on top early. The veteran Fresno State offensive line is big and good and could run over the untested Badger front four.
One reason why Wisconsin might win: Yes the Badger offensive attack might only be able to run the ball, but Fresno State won't be able to stop them. There's no way Wisconsin takes this game lightly after the loss last year.
Matchup to watch: Fresno State WR/KR Bernard Berrian vs. the Badger special teams and secondary. Wisconsin controlled David Carr and the first half of last year's game, then Berrian returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown and the Badgers never bothered to show up after it. Wisconsin has to keep Berrian's returns to minimum yards while up-and-coming CB Scott Starks needs to keep him in check.
What will happen: Don't be the least bit surprised if Fresno State pulls off the upset again this year. Wisconsin has several hundred kinks to work out and even the Rose Bowl teams of the late 1990s struggled a bit out of the gate. The Badger offensive line wins the game by wearing down the Fresno State defensive line, but if this gets into a shootout then look for Fresno State to come out on top.
PLAY: WIS- FR ST OVER 53 -107 1 unit
GL
Why to watch: Is Wisconsin any better after having so many problems last season? Is there life after David Carr for Fresno State? A win for the Badgers will exorcise the demons of the poor performance against the Bulldogs last season while Fresno State can prove that last year's early upset wins weren't a fluke.
One reason why Fresno State might win: This is a very fast Bulldog team that can match Wisconsin athlete for athlete. When it comes to starting the season, the Badgers are notoriously slow at jelling and they could be ripe for the picking if FSU can jump on top early. The veteran Fresno State offensive line is big and good and could run over the untested Badger front four.
One reason why Wisconsin might win: Yes the Badger offensive attack might only be able to run the ball, but Fresno State won't be able to stop them. There's no way Wisconsin takes this game lightly after the loss last year.
Matchup to watch: Fresno State WR/KR Bernard Berrian vs. the Badger special teams and secondary. Wisconsin controlled David Carr and the first half of last year's game, then Berrian returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown and the Badgers never bothered to show up after it. Wisconsin has to keep Berrian's returns to minimum yards while up-and-coming CB Scott Starks needs to keep him in check.
What will happen: Don't be the least bit surprised if Fresno State pulls off the upset again this year. Wisconsin has several hundred kinks to work out and even the Rose Bowl teams of the late 1990s struggled a bit out of the gate. The Badger offensive line wins the game by wearing down the Fresno State defensive line, but if this gets into a shootout then look for Fresno State to come out on top.
PLAY: WIS- FR ST OVER 53 -107 1 unit
GL
