When Wyoming football travels to Fresno, California to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs they will be facing a 4-1 overall, 1-0 in conference, team that looks extremely solid once again.
Fresno State is off to a hot start this year, their best conference start since 2013 according to Michael Ford, the sports editor for The Collegian, their student ran newspaper.
“They are building off of what they did last year when the finished 10-4,” said Ford. “It really has not been a surprise though, because of what Jeff Tedford (Fresno State’s head coach) brings to the table for this team and this community.”
The only game Fresno State has lost this year was against Minnesota 21-14, a game Ford thinks the bulldogs could have won if not for a few plays.
Fresno State is once again having a solid year thanks to the play of their quarterback Marcus McMaryion. He has thrown 1,291 yards this season and completed 108 out of 150 passes for a 72 percent completion rating. He has thrown 9 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions.
McMaryion’s number one target this year has been KeeSean Johnson who has 33 receptions for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns. Johnson has caught a pass in the last 41 strait games according to Ford and on his way to setting team records.
“Johnson is a stud receiver,” said Ford. “He is big and physical. He also has downfield speed. He has great hands and he will be an NFL receiver.”
Fresno State has averaged 267.6 yards per game this year according to ESPN.com, but you also need to watch out for their run game that averages 138.4 per game on the year.
Their top running back would be Jordan Mims who has 232 yards on the season so far and 4 TD. What makes him so dangerous though is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
“He had a 55-yard touchdown reception last week,” said Ford. “I was setting in the press box watching it and he was just blazing past any defender.”
Fresno State also has a solid third and short back in Josh Hokit, who also wrestles at Fresno State.
While Fresno State has a good offense they once again have a solid defense this year. Their main strength is the secondary. Tank Kelly and Mike Bell are two very solid corners for Fresno State that make it hard for teams to pass against them.
The quarterback of the defense is though Jeff Allison. He is leading the team in tackles this season just like he did last season. Ford describe as a sure tackler with good lateral movement.
One area Wyoming may have a chance to exploit on the defense is the defensive line. Fresno State has had trouble getting to the quarterback this year so Wyoming might have a chance to keep Vander Waal upright and comfortable.
The game is schedule to kickoff at 8:30 p.m. mountain time and will be aire one ESPNU.
