What happens when a potential high draft pick of a quarterback meets a 114th ranked pass defense allowing 6.77 yards per play and 7.6 yards per completion? That's what the world will find out Saturday afternoon when Derek Carr faces off against the Idaho Vandals -- Carr has led the Bulldogs to an average of 44 points per game and boasts a 14:3 TD:INT ratio this season. He'll certainly sling it around in hopes of improving that ratio, and Carr is actually averaging 53 pass attempts per game, with an astounding high of 73 passes in the opener against Rutgers.
How to watch Fresno State vs. Idaho 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Who and what do you need to know before this one? Keep reading.
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As for Idaho, they’ll hope to get their run game on track against the Bulldogs, which will help them control the clock. Just as importantly, it will allow them to keep the ball firmly out of Carr’s hands. Unfortunately, they’ll have work to do in that area, as the Vandals are averaging a scant 3.2 yards per carry that ranks 111th in the country.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Fresno State is 10-4 in this series all-time, and the No. 23 Bulldogs have won the last nine matchups.
Weather: The Vandals play in Moscow, Idaho, where the weather forecast calls for sunny skies with no chance of rain.
Three names to know
Isaiah Burse and Devante Adams (Fresno State wide receivers) - Burse and Adams are the prime beneficiaries of Carr's passing prowess, and their 2013 numbers look nearly identical. Burse has 318 recieving yards to lead the team over Adams, who trails just behind at 311 yards. Idaho will have their hands full with both these guys.
Chad Chalich (Idaho quarterback) - How bad is the Idaho rushing situation? Well, freshman quarterback Chalich leads the Vandals on the ground, with 194 yards on 75 carries, earning him a 2.5 yards per carry average. He is a fairly effective passer, though -- Chalich has yet to throw an interception this season, and is completing 65% of his passes on the year.
Ejiro Ederane (Fresno State outside linebacker) - The sophomore has been a pass rushing terror, leading the Bulldogs with 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Two things at stake
With Boise State now out of the way, the path is clear for Fresno State to sneak into a BCS bowl game if they can finish undefeated. Nevada could prove a stiff test later on, but Idaho should not -- Fresno State is the Mountain West favorite at this point in time.
Idaho won its homecoming game last week and will be looking to continue that positive momentum going forward.
How to witness
TV: Local television, Bulldog Sports Network on KSEE 24, 5PM ET (2PM PT)
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio & 1600 AM ESPN Deportes. Fresno State radio affiliates are here; Idaho radio affiliates are here.
Further reading
Head to the Mountain West Connection for more on Fresno State.
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