Despite the undefeated record, the Fresno State Bulldogs are vulnerable, having played both Nevada and San Diego State closer than expected in the last two weeks. With Saturday’s game being at War Memorial, Wyoming has as good a chance as any to do what no one has done -- knock off Fresno State. To do so, they’ll have to tighten up significantly on defense -- the Cowboys have allowed an average of 51.5 points over their last two games, gashed both on the ground and through the air.
How to watch Fresno State vs. Wyoming: Preview, TV time, odds and more
Is this the weekend Fresno State slips up?
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
It figures to be another late game filled with Mountain West Madness.
The numbers
Rankings and records: The No. 16 Bulldogs have won four out of the eight matchups between these two teams, including last season’s 42-14 victory.
Weather: Sunny skies in Laramie, with a high of 45.
Three names to know
Josh Quezada and Marteze Waller (Fresno State running backs) -- The Bulldogs are a two-headed beast in the running game, with Quezada and Waller alternating duties to an eerily similar degree. Both have more than 90 carries on the year, with near identical 5.0 and 5.1 yards-per-carry averages, and equally near identical totals of 488 and 475 yards on the season.
Brett Smith (Wyoming quarterback) -- Wyoming’s offense is led by Smith, who has a 19:7 TD:INT ratio on the year, and a 63.6 completion percentage to boot. Those aren’t Derek Carr numbers, but they’re still plenty good.
Derron Smith (Fresno State free safety) -- One of the Bulldogs who Brett Smith will attack is Derron, who leads Fresno State with four interceptions and eight passes defensed on the year. The junior has helped do it all on defense, and he has two sacks and three tackles for loss, as well.
Two things at stake
With a one-game lead in the West Division, Fresno State needs to keep winning to keep its slim BCS hopes alive. The Bulldogs’ only remaining games are all winnable, although San Jose State could provide a scare.
Wyoming is two wins short of bowl qualification, although only one upcoming game appears to be a likely win -- besides the Bulldogs, the Cowboys play winless Hawaii, Boise State and Utah State to close the season. Upsetting Fresno State would go a long way toward getting them to six.
How to witness
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN; XFINITY subscribers can watch the game here.
Further reading
Your home for all things Mountain West is at MWC Connection. This week, there’s reading on Fresno State’s win over Nevada.
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