Boise State @ Fresno State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2010 ) Fresno State 0, Boise State 51

THE STORY: Boise State isn’t currently in the same conference as Fresno State but looks to continue its recent one-sided mastery of the Bulldogs when the two teams meet in Fresno on Friday night. The No. 6 Broncos have defeated Fresno State five straight times and have averaged 48.4 points during the streak, including scoring 51 or more points each of the past three seasons. Fresno State is still part of the Western Athletic Conference this season but joins Boise State in the Mountain West next season.

TV: ESPN. LINE: Boise State -20.5

ABOUT FRESNO STATE (2-3): The Bulldogs are averaging 30.6 points but are allowing even more at 32.4. Fresno State allowed 42 points to Nebraska, 36 to California and gave up 38 last Saturday to a Mississippi squad that entered the contest as one of the worst offensive teams in the nation. Quarterback Derek Carr has a strong arm and has passed for 1,291 yards and 10 touchdowns. Running back Robbie Rouse (600 yards) has topped 100 yards in four straight games. Big-play receiver Jalen Saunders had 127 yards receiving and 57 yards rushing against Ole Miss. Defensive tackle Logan Harrell (8.5 tackles for loss) is Fresno State’s top defender.

ABOUT BOISE STATE (4-0): Quarterback Kellen Moore is coming off a shaky game in which he passed for a career-low 142 yards and was intercepted twice in a victory over Nevada. Moore (12,004) did become the 16th player in college history to top 12,000 career yards. He ranks eighth in career passing touchdowns with 113. Running back Doug Martin (328 yards) had a season-best 126 rushing yards for his 11th career 100-yard performance. Receiver Geraldo Boldewijn will play for the first time since this season after missing the first four games due to an eligibility situation. Cornerback Jerrell Gavins (knee) is likely done for the season. He has three of Boise State’s seven interceptions. Defensive end Tyrone Crawford has a team-best five tackles for losses.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Boise State leads the series 9-4 and won last year’s meeting 51-0.

2. Bulldogs coach Pat Hill is just 1-9 against Boise State with the victory coming in 2005.

3. Saunders is the first Fresno State player with three consecutive 100-yard receiving games since Bernard Berrian in 2001.

PREDICTION: Boise State 49, Fresno State 23 – The Broncos should find scoring against Fresno State to be an easy proposition while cruising to another victory.