Fresno State vs. Boise
Time: 8 PM ET
Spread: BS -17
Total: 63
Betting odds courtesy of Bovada
The Fresno State Bulldogs had a nice hot streak going but ended its three game win streak with a 30-27 OT loss to UNLV last week. Prior to that, the Bulldogs had knocked off Southern Utah, New Mexico and San Diego State. This week, things may be pretty difficult as the Dogs take on a tough Boise State team that is a 17-point favorite in this matchup.
Fresno has been pretty capable on both the ground and in the air. The team ranks 55th in the NCAA in passing yardage (249.9 per game) and is 46th in rushing yardage (189.6 per game). Yet, despite this, the team lingers at just 28.7 points per game while the defense has not been too good either, ranking near the bottom of NCAA teams allowing 35.6 points per game. This is largely in part due to the drubbing the team received weeks 1-3, with a combined score of 167 to 59. The 52-13 loss to then- No. 15 USC was understood, but it was followed by a 59-27 loss to Utah, and then Nebraska pounded the Dogs 55-19 in Week 3.
QB Brian Burrell has thrown for 1,341 yards with a 56.9 percent completion ratio and he’s thrown 11 TDs to six INTs. His primary receiving target has been Josh Harper, who has amassed 637 yards on 47 receptions. He’s averaging 13.6 yards per reception, bested by only Da’Mari Scott’s 26.8 yard per reception average (though he has only caught eight passes this season). Scott sat out last week agains UNLV but will be ready to go this week.
Leading rusher Marteze Walker has been very impressive for the Bulldogs. He’s rushed for 661 yards on 106 carries (6.2 yards per carry) and has five TDs on the season. Burrell is the second leading rusher and the QB has carried the ball 60 times for 238 yards, but he also has two TDs on the year. The No. 2 back Josh Quezada has only rushed for 163 yards but has three TDs.
Boise State has taken care of business since its opening week loss to then- No. 18 Ole Miss. Wins over Colorado State, UConn, LA-Lafayette and Nevada have helped the Broncos to a 4-2 record, with the other loss having come to a surprising Air Force squad.
Last week the Broncos knocked off Mountain West foe Nevada 51-46. The Broncos racked up 570 yards, 346 via the pass. It also converted 10 of 16 third downs and controlled the clock very well, with a time of possession of 34 minutes. Penalties helped keep the game close, as Boise State had five for a loss of 63 yards. Avoiding turnovers should ensure that the Broncos prevail, but if the team continues to allow other teams free yardage, the point spread will not be covered.
