Pinned
Link copied
The Fresno State Bulldogs watched the action from their couches last weekend, but are set to take to the field. The Bulldogs and the Wyoming Cowboys will face off in a Mountain West battle at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.
It was close but no cigar for Fresno State as they fell 27-24 to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors two weeks ago. Fresno State was up 24-10 at the end of the third quarter but couldn't hold on to the lead. Despite the defeat, they got a solid performance out of WR Zane Pope, who caught five passes for two TDs and 113 yards. Pope had some trouble finding his footing against the UNLV Rebels three weeks ago, so this was a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, it was all tied up 14-14 at halftime, but Wyoming was not quite the Air Force Falcons' equal in the second half when they met last week. Wyoming fell to Air Force 24-14. A silver lining for the Cowboys was the play of RB Xazavian Valladay, who picked up 96 yards on the ground on eight carries. Valladay's longest run was for 74 yards in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs are the favorite in this one, with an expected 3.5-point margin of victory. They have failed bettors playing the spread in their past two games, so buyers beware.
The losses put Fresno State at 4-2 and Wyoming at 4-1. Two defensive stats to keep an eye on: Fresno State is 183rd worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with nine on the season. Wyoming has experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the game with the 203rd most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up ten on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
