The Bulldogs are going for their 13th straight win as they face Kent State for the first time in program history
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The Bulldogs are back home for a two-game home stand. As the Dogs host the Kent State Golden Flashes from the MAC on Boots and Buckles Night.
Grab your boots & buckles, we’ve got a showdown at home this weekend 🤠 pic.twitter.com/UHkpf7dbfA
— Fresno State Football 🏆 (@FresnoStateFB) September 18, 2023
Game: Kent State vs. Fresno State
Where: Valley Children’s Stadium Fresno, California
TV: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: Fubo TV with a free trial
Series Record: First meeting between both programs
Websites: gobulldogs.com
Game Notes: Kent State | Fresno State
Odds: -28
Players to Watch:
Dean Clark
The former Golden Flash is set to face his former team on Saturday night. Before becoming a Bulldog, Dean spent four seasons at Kent State. Now Clark will get a chance to be on the other side of the sideline. Dean is second on the team in tackles which the Bulldogs will need all of Saturday night.
Dean Clark faces his former school Kent State but likes his new defense at Fresno State, which he described as “poetry in motion.” pic.twitter.com/ynZdXO96Tw
— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) September 19, 2023
Simply, the Dogs have to run the ball. With Malik Sherrod back in the mix last week Gilliam was still the workhorse and should be this week as well. Gilliam is still looking for his first 100-yard rushing game this season and it could come this Saturday as Kent State gives up nearly 221 yards ppg which ranks near the bottom out of all the FBS programs. If Gilliam can have an efficient day on the ground the Bulldogs will find a lot of success on offensively.
Talked to RBs coach Aaron Prier about walk-on Elijah Gilliam. When will he earn a scholarship?
Prier: “it’s really up to Coach [Tedford] and numbers… I’m just giving him the opportunities and he’s making the most of them, so whatever happens after that is kinda up to them.”
— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) September 13, 2023
Keys to the game:
Finishing red-zone drives
The Bulldogs have to find ways to finshs with six points. Last week at Arizona State the Bulldogs had four drives that started in ASU territory and they all ended in field goal attempts, leaving 19 points on the board. The Dogs are 7 for 16 in red-zone touchdowns this season. Fresno State has to get the ball out of Mikey Keene‘s hands or lean more into the running closer to the end zone. Simply, you can’t leave that many points on the board.
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐬 💰@jalen_moss | 📺FS1 pic.twitter.com/1UKwqbAGeQ
— Fresno State Football 🏆 (@FresnoStateFB) September 17, 2023
Fast Start
Last time the Bulldogs were home the Dogs survived an upset bid from Eastern Washington. Now the Dogs are back for their second home game and look to start the season off 4-0. Kent State is a program that is rebuilding after losing a lot of talent and experience in the transfer portal. This game seems like the Bulldogs should roll through on paper, anything can happen in college football. So to avoid having a scare or upset bid the Bulldogs must start fast. Last time out the Bulldogs did jump into a 14-3 lead but both of their scoring drives start in the opponent territory. The offense looked sluggish and the defense eventually got tired. Fresno State has to come out locked in and put this game to bed early!
Fresno State threw the ball 49 times, its most pass attempts since 10/2/21. OC Pat McCann said Keene opted to throw on RPO’s more often than not.
“If [ASU] gives us free access, we’re gonna take it… I thought he made some really good decisions taking those.” pic.twitter.com/r1Ox8l2mU4
— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) September 18, 2023
Predictions
The Bulldogs know they can’t overlook Kent State or they might find themselves in a hole like the last home game. Kent State is still trying to find their identity as they are going through their rebuild. The Bulldogs offense should find its rhythm early, the defense should have another big night. The Bulldogs will control this game from the first whistle to the last whistle.
Fresno State 40, Kent State 10
