For the first time this season, Utah is on the road when it heads to California to play Fresno State. In preparation for the game, The Utah Chronicle sat down with The Collegian’s football beat writer, Tom Kassahun, to see what the Bulldogs are preparing for this upcoming weekend.
Fresno State is 1-1 on the season but took a beating from No. 15 Ole Miss in its 73-21 loss. How does it bounce back from this?
The team is eager to get back out on the field after the loss against Ole Miss. I think they will be ready for the Utes because they want to show they’re better than they played last week. I’d be surprised if they come out flat on Saturday.
They know it will be another tough game against the Utes, but they’ve talked about the significance of these tough games. They feel like they’ve grown after a difficult schedule last year and another challenging game last week. This week’s game is another challenge for the Bulldogs, and they’re looking forward to do it.
How does playing at home play to Fresno State’s advantage, if there is one at all?
The Bulldogs will actually wear their black jerseys at home this week. They’ve had a lot of success with those black jerseys at home. For whatever reason, the team feels confident in those black jerseys. Plus, the Fresno State fans are still curious about this young … team, so I expect them to come out with a lot of energy and see what this team can do. Also, the air quality has been terrible in the Valley. We’ll see if that takes the Utes by surprise. But the ‘Dogs should be used to it.
What are other advantages and disadvantages this team has when facing Utah?
The biggest advantage for Fresno State is running back Marteze Waller. When he gets going, the Bulldogs are a pretty good team. He takes the pressure off the young Fresno State quarterbacks. He’s not a loud guy, but he’s also proven himself as a leader on the team. The disadvantage is that Fresno State comes in with a new group of guys who still need to grow together. It’s not easy to develop communication and chemistry right away with a young team, but the ‘Dogs are hoping to get better each day.
What is Fresno State going to struggle with the most on Saturday night?
Utah is known for playing physical and bringing pressure on the quarterback. The Bulldogs will work all week to prepare for that pressure. The young Fresno State quarterbacks will need good protection to have success against the Utah defense.
Who should the Utes be most concerned about?
As I said, Waller is vital for the ‘Dogs. Quarterback Chason Virgil can also have a big impact on the game. It’s not clear who will start for the ‘Dogs at quarterback, but Virgil saw a significant amount of time against Ole Miss. He had a few turnovers, but he also gave Fresno State a spark. I talked to him today, and he said he’s feeling more comfortable with the offense. He feels like he’s developing chemistry with a young group of wide receivers.
What will be the Bulldogs’ key to winning the game?
The Bulldogs’ key is to protect the ball. They’re not happy with the turnovers they committed last week and they know they have to correct that against Utah. The Utes can cause turnovers like the Rebels, so the ‘Dogs must be ready.
What is your final prediction/score and why?
35-31, Fresno. I think Fresno State pulls out a close one. The home field should be big for Fresno State. The crowd will be loud, and the air might not help the Utes.
@kbrenneisen