12.17.2009

On the Docket - New Mexico Bowl: Fresno St. (8-4) vs. Wyoming (6-6)



Synopsis: Fresno State enters the game winners of seven of its last eight games after starting 1-3.  Pat Hill has built a respectable program in Fresno, but this year’s team lacks a signature win. The biggest victory of the season for the Bulldogs was probably the 31-21 win at Idaho.

The Cowboys snuck into the bowl picture after winning their season finale against Colorado State, 17-16 to become bowl eligible. They are outscored by an average of 11 points per game, and are the fifth-place team in the Mountain West. They did hang with second-ranked Texas for one half, trailing 13-10 before allowing 28 unanswered second-half points in a Sept. 12 loss.

Player to watch: Bulldogs running back Ryan Mathews has been one of the best-kept secrets in all of college football this season. He has racked up 1664 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground this year. His best performance came against Boise State, when he ran for 234 yards and scored three touchdowns in a losing effort.

Who has the edge? The Wyoming defense has had its issues throughout the season, allowing more than 30 points in three games. Meanwhile, the offense has simply failed to produce in several losses, including three games where the Cowboys failed to score entirely.

The Bulldog offense is too powerful behind Mathews for the Cowboys to be able to keep up.

Prediction: Fresno State 38, Wyoming 17

0 comments:

Related Posts with Thumbnails