Nevada Wolfpack +2.5 (4-4) 3-4 ATS, 4-3 O/U at Fresno State Bulldogs -2.5 (5-3) 1-7 ATS, 5-3 O/U Friday, November 7 Bulldog Stadium (41,031) Fresno, California 9:00 p.m. EST, TV ESPN2
By Wilsonof Predictem.com
The WAC gets under way again this Friday night when Nevada travels to Fresno in what has the potential to be a shoot out at Bulldog Stadium. The Wolfpack lost a heartbreaker at Aloha Stadium last weekend 38-31. Nevada watched as Hawaii threw the game winning touchdown with just 20 seconds left on the clock.
Despite Nevada’s loss to the Warriors, they did manage to put up decent numbers offensively. Wolfpack QB Colin Kaepennick had a big game as he was 14-of-28 for 173 yards and 2 TD’s. Kaepennick also carried the ball 18 times for 139 yards with a long run of 61. Running back Vai Taua had 16 carries for 160 yards; his long was a 79-yard touchdown run. The Wolfpack had a total of 481 yards of offense with 308 on the ground and 173 through the air.
Nevada simply had the misfortune of running out of time as this game belonged to whoever had the ball in scoring position last.
Nevada will have a tough battle on their hands against Fresno State as they are a similar team as far as points per game (31.3) and points allowed (27.4). This game, on paper, is a close one as the current point spread indicates the Bulldogs by 2.5.
The Fresno State Bulldogs also lost last week at Louisiana Tech 38-35. QB Tom Brandstater was 23-of-38 for 296 yards, 4 TD’s, and 1 interception. Bulldog wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu pulled in 7 catches for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Louisiana Tech outlasted the Bulldogs in a fight to the finish. Bulldog’s QB Brandstater did all he could do but the Bulldogs running game was non-existent as they only gained a total of 63 yards rushing. Nevada’s QB rushed for more yards by himself than all of the Bulldogs rushing combined-this could be a big problem come Friday night for Fresno unless they incorporate an instant running attack before game-time. Everyone knows if you only have one piece of the puzzle it can be very difficult to win.
It’s no surprise that that the bookies have this game so close as last year Nevada lost to the Bulldogs by a TD. I wouldn’t be shocked if this game moved to a pick given the numbers on both teams. Fresno has only covered the spread once this season and are 5-3 on the O/U while Nevada is not much better for the bettor as they have only covered three times at 3-4 ATS, and 4-3 O/U. The total has yet to be released but I would imagine it around 55-57 but who knows what the boys will do.
Both of these teams are hungry for wins after losing last week. Fresno State is tooth and nails tough at home, and if they discover the running game it will be difficult for Nevada to slow them down on their own turf.
Nevada seems to be figuring out their offense more every week as it showed they can do damage both through the air and on the ground.
Wilson’s Pick: I like Fresno State at home but Nevada will be too much for them to handle. Nevada wins in a tight game 31-28.
