Fresno State (1-2) 1-1 ATS, 2-0 O/U at No. 15 Cincinnati Bearcats (3-0) 2-0 ATS, 1-1 O/U Saturday, September 26, 2009 12:00 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Fresno State +14.5/Cincinnati -14.5
Over/Under: Off
Fresno State has had a tough couple of weeks to start out this college football season. The Bulldogs have suffered back to back losses after opening their campaign with a 51-0 blowout over UC Davis. The Dogs lost a heartbreaker two weeks ago at Wisconsin 34-31 in a game that they probably should have stolen on the road from the Badgers.
This past Friday night was another set back for the Bulldogs at home when Boise State came to town for a showdown of WAC powerhouses. Fresno State had their share of big plays in a game that was no stranger to break-away runs of 60 and 70 yards and everything else in between.
In a game that looked as if it were going to be a Boise State blowout suddenly the Fresno State Bulldogs showed up to play. The Bulldogs gave up 10 unanswered points early in the first quarter and another TD in the second before scoring 17 of their own to make it a 24-17 halftime score.
But Boise would prove to be too much for the dogs as they went on to beat
Fresno State 51-34. Bulldogs QB Ryan Colburn was 14 of
29 for 187 yards and 1 TD and 2 interceptions. The Bulldogs actually had
more total offensive yards (507) than the Broncos (480).
The Bulldogs rushing attack was awesome. Bulldog running back Ryan
Mathews carried the ball 19 times for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Dogs also had 6 other backs carry the ball- talk about variety. If the
Bulldogs can stick to their game plan and perhaps establish more in the
passing game they will be a threat to most teams.
Fresno States defense has to be concerned about giving up so many big plays that ultimately cost them the ballgame. The Bulldogs need to stop the running game more effeciently or they will not beat good programs who can establish a ground attack.
The Cincinnati Bearcats are currently undefeated and looking to stay that way after the Bulldogs visit. Bearcats QB Tony Pike is the leader on the field. Pikes numbers are already impressive as he has 8 touchdowns, 922 yards, and a 71 percent completion rate through Cincinnatis first three games. He is averaging about 9 yards per pass play with only 2 interceptions. Pike is a senior who stands 66 and 210 lbs. He finished last season with 2,407 yards and 19 TDs, and he may be on track to similar numbers this year.
The Bearcats are coming off a quality win over a tough Oregon State Beavers team 28-18 at Reese Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon.
Frseno States QB Ryan Colburn might have his toughest matchup of the year as he goes against Pike and the Bearcats. Colburn is a 63 junior from California who has a 55 percent completion rate. He has 6 TDs this season and 637 yards, but the dark cloud hanging over Colburns game is his 6 interceptions. The Bearcat defense has certainly picked apart this game film session looking for clues that will help them read Colburn.
Fresno State is averaging 38 points per game while allowing 28 to their opponents. Cincinnati is putting up 48.3 ppg and only giving up 12 to the opposition. The Bearcats have nearly twice the amount of yards in passing as they on the ground, so the Bulldogs secondary must be ready to play. Fresno State trys to balance out their attack like most teams but sometimes you have to go with what works. Ryan Mathews may get a lot of touches in this game if the O-line can open the lanes.
Wilsons Pick: The Bulldogs bring their A game to WKRP in Cincinnati and grab a cover. Luck to ya.
