The Bulldogs enter conference play 4-0 and ranked #25 in the nation. Fresno State is coming off a 43-point win over Kent State.
Now the Bulldogs will shift its attention to the conference play as they host the Nevada Wolf Pack on Fiesta Night.
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we’re back @AP_Top25 🤝 pic.twitter.com/00TMMrulbz
— Fresno State Football 🏆 (@FresnoStateFB) September 24, 2023
Game: Nevada vs. Fresno State
Where: Valley Children’s Stadium Fresno, California
TV: Fox Sports One
Streaming: Fubo TV with a free trial
Series Record: 31-22-1 Fresno State leads
Websites: Nevadawolfpack.com | gobulldogs.com
Game Notes: Fresno State
Odds: -24.5
Players to Watch:
LB – Levelle Bailey
The Captain of this defense Levelle Bailey will have his hands full on Saturday. Bailey has to be the spy and make sure this Bulldogs defense doesn’t let QB Brendon Lewis scramble out in the open. Lewis is the lead rusher for the Wolf pack. Bailey has to contain Lewis and keep him in the pocket and make him beat the Bulldogs with his arm.
DC Kevin Coyle said about Nevada, “The quarterback run game is something we have to prepare hard for.”
Mentioned Colorado transfer Brendon Lewis has only been sacked 7 times in four games, partly because of his legs. pic.twitter.com/vzO2y2Tbzv
— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) September 25, 2023
QB –Mikey Keene
Mikey Keene is coming off his best game of the season, throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. Now Keene will face a defense that has struggled against the pass. Nevada is ranked second to last in nation in total defense. The Wolf pack give up nearly 535 yard per game. Keys to this game for Keene will be protecting the football and attacking the Nevada secondary early in this game. Find your play makers and make this defense play on their heals. Kenne will be poised for another big game again one of the worst defenses in the country.
4-0 as a starter @FresnoStateFB, 12-3 in college, 35-3 since HS, QB @Mikey_Keene was asked today what makes him a winner: pic.twitter.com/0Ax8aume5M
— Paul Loeffler (@P356Loeffler) September 26, 2023
Keys to the Game:
Defend the Run
It’s pretty simple for the Dogs take away the run! Make them beat you through the air. Nevada has one passing touchdown all season so far and average nearly 120 yards per game on ground. The Bulldogs gave up some big runs last week early in the game but after some adjustments in the first quarter the Bulldogs shut out Kent State offense. Bulldogs defense is going to have play similar to last weeks game. If the Bulldogs can stop the run this could be a long night for Nevada.
Run the ball
Nevada defense hasn’t been good. This could be a good opportunity to see what the Dogs have in their run game and get Malik Sherrod more into the mix as he fighting back from and injury.
The Bulldogs are coming off their season high in rushing yards in a game this season with 143 yards. If the Bulldogs can get the run game more into the mix this could easy off some pressure from Mikey Keene and helps keep a struggling Nevada defense on the field. Look for Malik Sherrod to have a great game.and Gilliam get more of the third down and red-zone carries.
Bulldogs HC Jeff Tedford says being 4-0 is sometimes tougher than starting 1-4, stressing a need to temper expectations and take things week to week with conference play opening this Saturdays. @FresnoStateFB ranked No 25 this week. pic.twitter.com/tOajAoo9ny
— Alec Nolan (@AlecABC30) September 25, 2023
Predctions:
Nevada is still searching for it’s first win of the season. The Bulldogs are looking to start 5-0 and move up in the rankings. I believe Nevada defense can’t keep up with the Bulldogs offense especially the way the Dogs played against Kent State. I like the Dogs big in this game.
Fresno State 45, Nevada 13
