Fresno State @ Boise State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2009 ) Boise State 51, Fresno State 34

Third-ranked Boise State has three games left in its chase for a BCS national title game appearance.

That’s three more contests to leave an impression, beginning with Friday’s Western Athletic Conference matchup against visiting Fresno State.

The Broncos (9-0, 5-0) can’t afford any stumbles if they hope to crash the championship contest. They also need strong performances to overtake TCU (11-0) in the BCS standings, while hoping that either Oregon (10-0) or Auburn (11-0) loses. Or possibly both teams, if Boise State doesn’t pass the Horned Frogs.

First on the list is Fresno State, as Boise State seeks its 24th consecutive victory.

The Bulldogs (6-3, 4-2) are one of four WAC teams that are already bowl-eligible. Fresno State puts points on the scoreboard but often gives them up just as quick.

Fresno State lost 35-34 to Nevada last Saturday and its other two defeats were by scores of 55-38 to Mississippi and 49-27 to Hawaii.

Boise State ranks second nationally in scoring offense at 47.6 points per game. The Broncos also rank second in scoring defense at 12.8 points per game.

Fresno State’s upset hopes hinge on a top-notch defensive performance and a third consecutive huge game by diminutive running back Robbie Rouse.

Defensive linemen Chris Carter and Logan Harrell each have nine sacks, which ties for sixth-most in the country. Overall, Fresno State has recorded 27 sacks.

The 5-foot-7 Rouse has topped 200 yards in back-to-back games, marking the first time in Fresno State history that has occurred. Rouse had 286 yards against Louisiana Tech two Saturdays ago and then posted 217 yards against Nevada.

Rouse, a sophomore, has 944 yards after a slow start due to ankle and shoulder injuries. He has four straight 100-yard performances and a fifth in a row would be impressive considering Boise State ranks second in rushing defense (74.9 yards per game).

Last season, Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews ran wild against Boise State, gaining 234 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Mathews was a first-round NFL pick by the San Diego Chargers.

Bulldogs quarterback Ryan Colburn has passed for 1,930 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has been intercepted seven times.

Colburn’s statistics pale in comparison to Boise State’s Kellen Moore, the Heisman Trophy candidate who has thrown for 2,588 yards, 24 touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Broncos are fourth nationally in total offense (530.2) and have scored 42 or more points in six consecutive games.

Receiver Austin Pettis is two receptions away from becoming the first player in Boise State history with 200 career receptions. Pettis has 40 catches this season, second on the squad behind Titus Young’s 47.

Running back Doug Martin has rushed for 866 yards.

Boise State’s defense is third nationally in total defense (240.8) but lost middle linebacker Byron Hout to a season-ending foot injury.

The Broncos have recorded 35 sacks, led by Shea McClellin with 6.5. Cornerback Brandyn Thompson has a team-best three interceptions.