Watching Reader has been a struggle for Vandal fans this season, but there have been moments that shine a glimmer of hope for Idaho.
Player to watch on offense: WR – Mike Scott (22 receptions, 285 yards, one touchdown)
Play them like they’re A&M
Last weekend, the Vandals traveled to College Station, Texas to play the No. 9 team in the nation, Texas A&M. Although the offense only put seven points on the board, the defense played one of the best games it has in a very long time, allowing the Aggies only 37 points. In a game where Idaho could have easily lost by 50, it was the defense that kept the game interesting and gave Vandal fans hope. Led by senior linebacker, Tre’Shawn Robinson and defensive linemen Michael Cosgrove, Idaho has proved it can stop running attacks, but stopping the pass is a different story. The Bulldogs could have some luck getting after the Vandal secondary, specifically corner Aaron Grymes, who has allowed several big plays this season.
Player to watch: S – Quin Ashley (21 total tackles)
Punting is not a bad option
How many players on the Vandals’ roster can say that they are the nation’s statistical leader after three weeks of the season? Our punter Bobby Cowan can. Cowan put on an exhibition last week against A&M, punting the ball 10 times for a total of 425 yards. That game gave Cowan 25 punts on the season for a total of 1147 yards, the highest in the country. Cowan also has the nation’s fifth longest punt and is in the top 20 in yards per punt at 45.9. Although Cowan has given up one return for a touchdown this season, expect him to pin back the Bulldog offense if Idaho can get the ball moving.
Defense needs to control the game
Fresh off its first win of the season, Fresno State plans to continue winning even though the team will face a familiar opponent Saturday against Idaho.
Provide balance
Fresno State’s offense was balanced in the game against Nebraska, but the Bulldogs got away from being balanced against North Dakota Sept. 17. The offense is at its best when it is balanced. Sophomore quarterback Derek Carr has thrown more than 90 passes so far this season and will probably throw a lot against Idaho. Carr has plenty of weapons on the outside to help, including senior Devon Wylie, junior Rashad Evans and sophomores Jalen Saunders andIsaiah Burse. The way Fresno State will be balanced on offense will be with workhorse Robbie Rouse at running back. He is one of the best rushers in the country and has come up with big runs in key moments.
Player to watch on offense: Running back Robbie Rouse (80 carries, 377 yards, 3 touchdowns)
Limit the ‘big’ play
The defense is coming off a game in which it gave up a lot of yardage to North Dakota. They will need to make some improvements without starting strong safety Derron Smith who left the game with a broken arm and is now out for the season. Fresno State will be getting some help after junior safety Terrance Dennis comes back from suspension this week. The front seven will have to control the run game and provide some pressure on passing downs to help the safeties have more time to cover in the defensive backfield. Senior Logan Harrell will have to continue to be dominant on the defensive line if they want to contain Idaho’s offense.
Player to watch: Defensive line Logan Harrell (2.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and 22 tackles)
Play with
killer instinct
Last week against North Dakota, the ‘Dogs didn’t treat the Fighting Sioux like they were Nebraska — they treated them like they were North Dakota. With that mindset, Fresno State played down to its opponent. After nearly defeating Nebraska, they almost got upset by North Dakota. Going into this week, the ‘Dogs need to think of Idaho as if it were Nebraska. The ‘Dogs have to put Idaho away if they get an early lead because the more chances given to a team the better chance it has to come back and get the win. So the ‘Dogs needs to play with the killer instinct to put Idaho away when they have the chance.