Keys to the game:
Find your Playmakers:
The Bulldogs might be one of the most smallest football teams this season. So how can the Dogs use that to their advantage? Getting the ball to their playmakers. The Bulldogs won’t have Jordan Mims, Jalen Cropper, Nikko Remigio, or even Zane Pope.
So who will fill those voids? Are Malik Sherrod and Erik Brooks ready to take on a more significant role? Can WR’s Jalen Moss, Josiah Freeman and WR Jaelen Gill transfer from Boston College be game changers for this offense?
Update from FS football practice:
I’ll call them the ‘Jumpin J’s’ – Jaelen Gill, Jalen Moss, and Josiah Freeman “all making plays” at WR, according to the DB defending them @carlton_ceejaayComing from Boston College, Gill is displaying “poise.” He played 35 games at P5 level. pic.twitter.com/2ZTBzUlBPv
— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) August 23, 2023
Fresno State QB Jake Haener put everyone on notice that WR Josiah Freeman is NEXT at Fresno State📈
Maryland WR Rakim Jarrett raves about WR Ty Felton’s work ethic and thinks he’s the Maryland 2023 WR1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/e0xfAyzNAe
— Eric Froton (@CFFroton) March 3, 2023
Defensive Line:
The Bulldogs are returning eight out of 11 starters on defense from last season but also have to replace two of their top sack leaders from the 2022 season. The Bulldogs are going to have a physical battle on their hand and have to watch out for RB Devin Mockobee who nearly rushed for 1k yards and nine touchdowns. Mockobee had five games where he rushed for 100 yards or more. The Bulldog’s defense allowed a 100 rusher in five games but didn’t allow one in their last eight out of nine games which helped the Bulldogs to a nine-game winning streak. The Dogs have to take Mockobee out of the picture and make Card tested a strong Bulldogs secondary.
Easy Keene:
Mikey Keene played in a lot of tough environments when he was at Central Florida and he will be in another rowdy environment at Purdue. The Bulldogs have to ease Keene into the game. Get the ball out of his hands quickly and let your playmakers make a play. Mikey did split reps all spring and fall camp and needs to find his rhyme early with this new and inexperienced Bulldogs WR’s group. Have to get Keene going quickly and early to open up this offense.
Prediction:
This game will be very physical and will be neck to neck all game. Can the Bulldogs defense pick up where they left off? Who will be the playmakers for Fresno State’s offense? Which Quarterback can get into a rhythm and be efficient?
I believe this game will be very close but the experience of the Bulldog’s defense helps them make a game-changing play late in this game.
Fresno State 27, 23 Purdue
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