Fresno State @ Boise State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 7, 2011 ) Boise State 57, Fresno State 7

Fresno State has lost 10 of its last 11 matchups against Boise State while being outscored 108-7 over the past two games, but none of that matters to Tim DeRuyter. The first-year coach has re-energized the Bulldogs with a spread offense that’s averaging 39.5 points and a 3-4 defense that leads the nation with 18 takeaways and ranks ninth with 20 sacks. Saturday's critical Mountain West game in Idaho will be the last between the teams before Boise State leaves for the Big East next season. After an opening-game loss to Michigan State, the Broncos have won four straight. Boise State forced five turnovers in a 40-14 victory at Southern Miss last week, giving them 17 for the season. Junior quarterback Joe Southwick has put his early season struggles behind him to throw for six touchdown passes over the last two weeks.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network. LINE: Boise State - 7

ABOUT FRESNO STATE (4-2, 2-0 Mountain West): The balanced Bulldogs’ offense is led by quarterback Derek Carr, who owns an 18-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio while completing 68.5 percent of his passes. The Bulldogs rank 14th in the nation in passing yards at 315.5 per game, and tailback Robbie Rouse ranks 14th in rushing at 118.5 yards per game. Fresno State held Colorado State to 55 total rushing yards in last Saturday’s 28-7 victory, marking the second time this season the Bulldogs have held an opponent to less than 100 yards on the ground. Defensive back Phillip Thomas has recorded interceptions in back-to-back games, and his six picks lead the nation.

ABOUT NO. 22 BOISE STATE (4-1, 1-0 Mountain West): The Broncos are 77-7 over the past six-plus seasons under coach Chris Petersen, but this year’s squad is still developing its identity after losing several key players to the NFL. The Broncos have allowed one touchdown pass through five games, and they rank sixth nationally in pass defense, allowing 154.8 yards per game. Boise State will be without wide receiver Mitch Burroughs, who is out indefinitely with a right wrist injury. Burroughs also served as the team’s primary kick returner and was the Mountain West Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. Running back D.J. Harper scored two rushing touchdowns against Southern Miss, moving into a tie for eighth on Boise State’s all-time list with 29.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Boise State has not lost a game in October since 2001, winning 45 straight.

2. Fresno State K Quentin Breshears has missed five of his 30 extra-point attempts and two of his eight field-goal opportunities.

3. Boise State has the best home winning percentage in the country since the start of the 2000 season with a record of 76-3 (.962).

PREDICTION: Boise State 24, Fresno State 22