Fresno State @ Mississippi preview
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Fresno State has never beaten a Southeastern Conference team. That could change on the Bulldogs' fourth attempt.
To say Mississippi (1-2) is off to a disappointing start is something of an understatement. Though picked to finish at or near the bottom of the SEC West, the Rebels expected to be unbeaten at this point with a great chance to reach 5-0 during a soft early schedule.
Then came home losses to FCS team Jacksonville State (49-48) and perennial SEC doormat Vanderbilt (28-14), sandwiched around a tepid win at Tulane (27-13).
While Fresno State (2-0) is deemed a slight underdog, it is clearly better than Jacksonville State and Vandy. The Bulldogs received votes this week in the coaches poll after victories over Cincinnati (28-24) and Utah State 41-24.
Moving the ball hasn't been Ole Miss' problem. The Rebels have gotten 413 yards a game, but have been hurt by mistakes (seven turnovers) and by a veteran defense that hasn't lived up to its billing.
Ole Miss ranks last in the SEC in scoring defense, yielding 30 points a game. The Rebels' minus-5 turnover margin is also worst in the league.
Behind an inexperienced offensive line, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is third in the SEC in total offense, averaging 247 yards a game.
Against Vandy, he passed for 190 yards and led the team with 104 yards rushing. But the senior transfer who led Oregon to the Rose Bowl last year also tried to force some plays and threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown that put Ole Miss in a 14-0 hole.
Fresno State quarterback Ryan Colburn leads an explosive offense that is averaging 338 yards and 34.5 points a game. He is 33 of 47 for 396 yards and five touchdowns and will be throwing against a defense that hasn't intercepted a pass.
The Bulldogs could be missing as many as five injured starters, including receiver Devon Wylie (foot) and guard Andrew Jackson (ankle), who are definitely out this week. In the absence of regular starter Robbie Rouse (shoulder) last week, sophomore running back A.J. Ellis filled in well with 165 yards and three touchdowns.
Fresno State leads the nation in sacks, averaging five a game, led by linemen Logan Harrell (3.5 total sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss) and Chris Carter (3 sacks, 3.5 TFL).