2.5: Fresno State’s margin over Utah State puts bowl spot within reach
A Saturday evening matchup in the Pac-12 could give the Bulldogs the final win needed for eligibility, while Boise State and Oregon State also hunt for victories.
By Takeshi Faure ·
Fresno State travels to Utah State on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. PT, looking to secure a fourth conference win that would grant them a berth in a post-season bowl game. The Bulldogs enter the contest with a 5-3 overall record and a 2-2 mark within the Pac-12. A victory would place them alongside Boise State as the only two bowl-eligible teams in the conference this season. Oregon State also holds a similar position, needing a win to reach that threshold.
The odds favor Fresno State by 2 1/2 points. The Bulldogs recently defeated Oregon State 38-22 on the previous Saturday. In that game, Fresno State defensive lineman Dylan Hampsten earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. He recorded two of the team’s five sacks and forced a fumble. The Beavers committed two turnovers in that loss, marking the most giveaways they have allowed in a single game this season.
Utah State presents a different profile on the field. The Aggies, also 3-5 overall, have struggled offensively but rely on a stout defense. They lead the Pac-12 in total defense, allowing an average of 333.9 yards per game. Offensively, the team scored more than 21 points for the first time last week when they beat Colorado State 31-14. That victory snapped a recent slump in scoring output.
Elsewhere in the conference, Boise State, currently 7-1, hosts Colorado State on Saturday at 3 p.m. PT. The Broncos are the only Group of Six team ranked in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, sitting at No. 25. Quarterback Maddux Madsen is listed as day-to-day after injuring his left knee against Texas State. If he cannot play, backup Max Cutforth will start. Cutforth threw three touchdown passes in the final seven minutes of the previous game to secure a 46-45 win.
Colorado State coach Jim Mora indicated changes are coming for his 3-5 team. During a postgame press conference after the loss to Utah State, Mora said, “I’ll tell you right now, the hammer is coming down.” He added that he intended to be demanding in practice, telling players, “If they don’t like it, there’s a door and they can walk their (expletive) right out.” The Rams are currently last in the nation in scoring defense and total defense.
Oregon State, 5-3 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-12, faces Texas State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT. This marks the first meeting between the two programs. Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson leads the nation with 2,977 passing yards. He has thrown for at least 300 yards in eight consecutive games. His previous opponent, Fresno State, held him to 373 yards in their last meeting.
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson enters the game with 1,933 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Jackson threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns last week against Boise State. The Bobcats trailed 28-3 in that contest but scored 36 unanswered points before losing by a single point. San Diego State sits out this week, with senior quarterback Jayden Denegal practicing with a heavily taped right ankle. Redshirt freshman Stone Saunders has started the last two games and is expected to start the Aztecs’ return to action on Nov. 14 against Utah State.
