The Bulldogs Take on the Rebels

Posted on November 8, 2020 by TJ Nijhar Leave a comment

Playing in a home game is a huge advantage even with the looming coronavirus pandemic. Players still are accustomed to playing on their home field regardless if there are fans present or not. The mental game is still at play when a player steps on to his home turf. Although our Bulldogs were victorious last week, this will be a true test. Both teams being led by first year head coaches, eager to leave their mark on the NCAA world.

The Fresno State Bulldogs are traveling to Las Vegas today for their first road game of the season to take on the UNLV Rebels. The Bulldogs are coming off their first win last week against the Colorado State Rams. The Dogs looked like a much better team last week then they did in week 1. QB Jake Haener had a great game Throwing for 311 yards and 3 Touchdowns passes with no turnovers. Potential NFL prospect: running back Ronnie Rivers had a statement game showing us he can do it all, and then some. Rushing for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns and also had a team tying high 5 receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. All of these were factors that led to the first win of the 2020 season and led to Kalen Deboer’s first win as the Fresno State Bulldogs head coach.

The Bulldogs will look to go 2-1 today against a struggling UNLV team. The Rebels are led by first year head coach Marcus Arroyo who is still looking for his first win as a Rebel. Unlv lost to San Diego State in week 1, then lost to Nevada in week 2, and now they hope week 3 will be a different outcome.

Keys to the game

UNLV has struggled in the first 2 weeks especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Rebels have put a total of 25 points the first two weeks and have already used 3 different quarterbacks this season. UNLV is without their star receiver Randall Grim who is dealing with a season long suspension. If the Rebels want to pull off the upset today they can not afford to play from behind and must find some offensive rhythm early. This will be hard as they have not a lead at any point during this season. UNLV must find some rhythm in the passing game becasue the Bulldogs defense will have its eye on Charles Williams, the valley star from Bullard high school who has 179 rushing yards in its first two games (an impressive feat for a team who has been playing from behind all season). The rebels defense has struggled against the run this season and gave 287 rushing yards in week 1 against San Diego State. The UNLV rebels know that Ronnie Rivers will be a problem, and will have spent the entire week watching tape on the red hot tailback.

The Bulldogs will have packed heavy bags as this will be the start of a 2 week road trip. Fresno State is coming off a great win last week against Colorado State and now look to build off the win against UNLV. For Fresno State the running game led by Ronnie Rivers, will be the key to a Bulldog victory. The Rebels have allowed a total 434 rushing yards in its first two games and the Dogs have rushed for 472 yards in its first two games. Look for Ronnie Rivers to have another big game. In week 1 things did not look great for Jake Haener but last week Haener looked like a totally different Quarterback extending plays with his legs, taking care of the ball, and finding the endzone three times. The Dogs might have found a gem in Josh Kelly: a local talent from Bullard high school, the impressive sophomore had 4 catches for 60 yards. Defensively, the Dogs could make it a long day for the Rebels offense. For Fresno state taking away the run game from Unlv will be the biggest key. The Dogs have to make the rebels throw the ball which is something UNLV has struggled to do in its first two games. If Fresno State can start off fast and build a lead early this will be a long game for UNLV.

Red Wave: the Dogs need you as they take on the Unlv Rebels at 12:30 on Cbs Sports Network and on ESPN 940. Can Unlv pull off the upset and get its first win under Marcus Arroyo, or will the Dogs take care of business in Vegas and get its second win of the season? Tune in to find out!