Fresno State vs. Boise State

GAME PREVIEW

Staff Reports
The Collegian

BULLDOGS

Quarterbacks
The Broncos will face the WAC’s offensive player of the week in Paul Pinegar, who threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

Running Backs
Matt Rivera proved he can be a viable option behind Wendell Mathis and Bryson Sumlin. Last week, Rivera had 25 yards on four carries, including a 16-yard TD reception.

Receivers
The Broncos will have many players to worry about as nine different players were on the receiving end of Pinegar’s passes.

Offensive Line
The O-line is a big reason why Pinegar has been having a career season but the line did give up two sacks against San Jose State last week.

Defensive Line
The defense has only allowed two offensive TDs in the past two games, keeping Hawaii and San Jose State to a combined 20 points.

Linebackers
The linebackers were a big reason why the Spartans stuck to their running game but this week, they will face a Bronco team that is ranked No. 8 in the NCAA in scoring.

Defensive Backs
Zabransky will have much to worry about with the likes of Tyrone Culver and Richard Marshall in this position. Both have two interceptions.

Special Teams
Kyle Zimmerman is taking care of business in place of an injured Clint Stitser as he has hit all his 10 extra point kicks in the past two games.

Intangibles
Pat Hill says he can’t remember a bigger game during his nine-year tenure and believes his team is ready. The Bulldogs are looking for their first win against the Broncos in five years.

BRONCOS

Quarterbacks
Even though Jared Zabransky completes 63 percent of his passes and 15 toudchdowns, he is also dangerous on the ground. He has rushed for 259 yards so far for the season. Edge: Broncos

Running backs
The biggest threats here are Lee Marks and Ian Johnson. Marks had 112 yards on 18 carries last week against New Mexico State and Johnson has 544 rushing yards for the season. Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Zabransky connected the most with Legedu Naanee last week as he finished with three receptions for 83 yards but Drisan James is the biggest receiver here. Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive line
Broncos have three returning full-time starters including senior all-America candidate Daryn Colledge. Edge: Even

Defensive line
Andrew Browning and Alex Guerrero anchor the defense. Both have combined for 41 total tackles. Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Korey Hall has already 64 tackles on the season and Chris Barrios leads the team defensively with 69 tackles. Edge: Broncos

Defensive backs
Backup safety Ashlie Nyong-Dunham had two interceptions in the fourth quarter and Marty Tadman had one for a season total of four. Edge: Broncos

Special Teams
Quinton Jones averages 26.8 yards on every kick return and Austin Smith leads the team with 4.8 yards per punt return. Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles:
Sole possession of first place in the WAC is on the line between these two unbeatens. The Broncos did get tested by Hawaii in a 44-41 victory but they are the owners of a 31-conference game winning streak. Edge: Bulldogs

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