Utah State vs Fresno State Football 2009
National Rushing Leader Ryan Mathews Faces Another Shaky Run Defense
Oct 29, 2009
Mathews leads the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing with an average of 161.57 yards per game. He's topped the century mark against everybody he's faced this season, including No. 6 Boise State, No. 5 Cincinnati and Wisconsin. The junior even managed his career high of 234 yards vs. Boise.
But lately, Mathews has been tacking on some big yards against some shaky defenses. The Bulldogs' last three games were against New Mexico State, San Jose State and Hawaii — which rank 103rd, 118th and 110th, respectively, in FBS rushing defense.
And on Saturday, Mathews will take on a Utah State team that is 109th in that category. The Aggies are giving up an average of 216.1 yards per game on the ground, and are 101st in total defense at 413.6 yards per game.
But the Aggies are effective offensively, and like Fresno, they have a standout running back. Utah State's Robert Turbin averages 104.86 yards per game to rank 18th in the FBS, and he's also a dangerous pass receiver.
Saturday's game is scheduled for 2 p.m. PST at Fresno, Calif. It will not be televised.
Bulldogs Seek 4th Consecutive Victory
Coach Pat Hill's Bulldogs (4-3 overall, 3-1 WAC) are seeking their fourth straight win. After starting 1-3, they pounded Hawaii, San Jose State and New Mexico State, all by at least 20 points. Their lone conference loss was to Boise State on Sept. 18.
Utah State (2-5 overall, 1-2 WAC) has struggled to gain victories in its first season under head coach Gary Andersen. But the Aggies have been competitive against every team they've played, including No. 19 Utah, Texas A&M and Brigham Young. Last week, they beat Louisiana Tech 23-21.
Fresno State leads the series 13-10-1, and has won five of the last six meetings. Utah State's last win was a 13-12 triumph in 2006. Fresno won 30-28 last season.
Mathews Has Shot at 2,000-Yard Season
The junior has run 156 times for 1,131 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. He's scored on seven rushes of 50 yards or more, including a 68-yarder vs. New Mexico State last week.
If Mathews averages 174 yards over his last five regular season games, he'll become the first back in school history to gain 2,000 yards in a season. His chances will improve tremendously if Fresno State gains a bowl berth.
It will also help if Fresno State can maintain an effective passing attack to prevent teams from repeatedly stacking the box against the running back.
Fresno State 9th in Total Offense
Fresno State is seventh in the FBS in scoring offense (36.14 points per game), ninth in total offense (453.86 yards per game) and fifth in rushing offense (266.71 yards per game).
The Bulldogs definitely prefer to pound away with the ground game. In addition to Mathews, Fresno State has talented backs like Robbie Rouse (344 yards, 4 TDs) and Lonyae Miller (213 yard, 2 TDs).
The Fresno passing game has been less steady, although QB Ryan Colburn has played superbly at times. The junior has completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 1,191 yards and 11 touchdowns. But he's been intercepted eight times.
Seyi Ajirotutu leads Fresno State receivers with 24 catches for 356 yards, including two touchdowns. Devon Wylie has 15 receptions or 242 yards and a team-high four TD receptions.
Bulldogs Defense Buckles Down
The Fresno State defense, which seemed so vulnerable vs. rugged competition early in the season, has steadied considerably over its last three games. The Bulldogs are giving up 22 points and 353.9 yards per game.
Middle linebacker Ben Jacobs continues to be the anchor, making a team-high 53 tackles and ranking second n the squad with five tackles for loss. The junior has also blocked two kicks.
Moses Harris (33 tackles) and Desia Dunn (30 tackles, 6 pass breakups) lead the secondary, and defensive end Chris Carter (6 tackles for loss) has half of his team's eight sacks.
The Bulldogs have forced only seven turnovers, but Lorne Bell did turn one into a TD last week, scoring on an interception return.
Turbin, Borel Power Aggies Offense
Utah State is putting up healthy offensive numbers, averaging 27 points and 427 yards per game. Turbin has helped dramatically by providing 1,000 yards of offense. In addition to rushing 113 times for 734 yards and four touchdowns, he’s caught 18 passes for 270 yards and three TDs.
Quarterback Diondre Borel can also carry an offense. He’s completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 1,671 yards and 10 TDs, with just one interception. The athletic senior has also rushed for 237 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But he’s been under frequent pressure, as Utah State’s allowed 20 sacks.
Stanley Morrison (26 receptions, 434 yards, 2 TDs) and Omar Sawyer (19 catches, 204 yards, 2 TDs) are the leading receivers.
Utah State Defense Is Battle Tested
Utah State surely hasn’t been a Rock of Gibraltar, giving up 31.1 points per game. But the Aggies have two of the FBS’ top three offenses (Nevada and Texas A&M) in addition to Brigham Young and Utah.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner has piled up 70 tackles to lead the Aggies, and strong safety James Brindley has come up with 59 tackles, three interceptions and six pass breakups.
Other leaders include free safety Rajiric Coleman (45 tackles), defensive end Junior Keiaho (2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and linebacker Paul Igboeli (3 tackles for loss). Igboeli missed last week’s game because of an ankle injury.
