Fresno State vs Utah State Preview: Bulldogs Favored

The Fresno State Bulldogs visit the Utah State Aggies for a Friday night showdown in Logan, Utah. Fresno State (5-1) is seeking a sixth victory this college football season, which will give the Bulldogs bowl eligibility. Utah State is 3-3 on the season, but has a few very winnable games remaining on the NCAAF schedule.

A win here would be huge for the Aggies’ post-season aspirations. The Fresno State vs Utah State preview shows the Bulldogs are favored by six points, and the total on the game is 57.

Fresno State Schedule Leaves Lots to Be Desired

The Bulldogs bring a 5-1 record into Friday night’s game, but there’s one big problem. Fresno State hasn’t played many quality teams. The Jeff Sagarin college football rankings have the Bulldogs with the No. 114 schedule in the country. Fresno State has been favored by 25.5 points or more three times, covering just one of those games. The Bulldogs are 3-3 against the NCAAF point spreads this season and 4-2 in totals.

Fresno State averages 33.5 points per NCAAF matchup, doing most of its damage through the air. The Bulldogs average 300 passing yards per game and 108 on the ground. Fresno State averages 3.5 yards per carry against teams that allow 4.4 yards, so the running game isn’t working well. But that hasn’t stopped the Bulldogs from trying to run. Fresno State averages 30.5 runs and 41.2 passes per game.

On the defensive side, the Bulldogs are allowing 18.2 points to teams averaging 21.7 points per game. Fresno State’s rush defense is solid, allowing 3.0 yards per carry to teams that average 3.5 yards per rush. Against the pass, the Bulldogs are better than average, holding teams to 190.5 passing yards per game. The Bulldogs hold teams to 289.8 total yards, 40 fewer yards than average.

Utah State Defense Needs to Step Up

Scoring is the least of problems for Utah State. The Aggies are averaging 38.2 points per game against teams that allow 29.9 points on average. Utah State runs the ball for 166.8 yards per game and throws for 296 yards per game. The Aggies haven’t played the toughest schedule around, with the Sagarin ratings ranking Utah State’s slate No. 88.

The Aggies mix up the run and the pass pretty well. Utah State runs the ball 34.8 times per game and throws 35.5 times. The Aggies’ offensive stats are misleading due to a 78-28 victory over Idaho State early in the season.

The NCAAF scores and odds show the Aggies are allowing 32.2 points per game, which has helped Utah State to a 5-1 over record. The Aggies are 3-3 against the spread. Utah State is slightly worse than average against the run and the pass. But it isn’t terrible against either one. The 32.2 points allowed may seem like a lot, but the Aggies’ opponents are averaging 28.3, so Utah State allows 3.9 more points than it should.

What to Expect

Fresno State is going to throw the ball first and foremost. Nothing in the film suggests Utah State can’t be passed against, so Fresno State should look to do what it does best. The Bulldogs will run some to keep the defense guessing. But the Bulldogs are primarily a passing team.

The Fresno State vs Utah State preview expects the Aggies to come out and mix things up offensively. And then stick with whatever is working the best. Utah State isn’t dominant in any one aspect offensively, but are pretty decent in both. Utah State has thrown for more than 300 yards in its last three games.

Who to Bet On?

This could be one of the most entertaining games on the NCAA football schedule this week. Both college football teams are capable of moving the football, while Fresno State is a bit better at stopping the opposition.

The Fresno State vs Utah State preview notes the Bulldogs are coming off their first loss of the season against Wyoming. The Bulldogs are a decent road favorite, going 6-3 straight-up and 5-4 against the spread since the start of the 2021 season. Fresno State is 1-1 as an away favorite this season.

Utah State is 3-4 straight-up and against the spread as a home underdog since 2021, going 1-1 this season.

The two teams have played a combined three games with a total of at least 57, and the over has come through in each game. The over 57 is the way to play this game.

For NCAAF betting news, odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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