WAC Preview: Ryan Mathews and Fresno State Face San Jose State

Fresno State (2-3, 1-1) will continue their WAC regular season schedule as they welcome in the Spartans of San Jose State (1-4, 0-1) on Saturday.

The Bulldogs boast the nation's second leading rusher in junior running back Ryan Mathews who trails Stanford's Toby Gerhart by just five yards and 29 fewer carries.

Mathews, averaging 148.2 yards per game, rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown last Saturday in Fresno State's 42-17 victory over Hawaii. Those numbers could get significantly higher against San Jose State, who is the worst in the conference in rushing defense giving up 251.4 yards per game.

Fresno State will win if...

They take the momentum from their blowout win over Hawaii into this game. Jump out quickly and don't let up. Don't let San Jose State think they have a chance to win this game.

The Bulldogs pound San Jose State with Ryan Mathews, Robbie Rouse and Lonyae Miller. San Jose State has the conferences worst rushing defense, exploit that early and often. Give Ryan Mathews the ball and let him put up big numbers.

Ryan Colburn continues his passing efficiency. He didn't throw a single interception last weekend against Hawaii, breaking a streak of four straight games with at least one interception. Allowing Ryan Mathews to make his presence known against the Spartans will set up Colburn to get deep passes to wide receivers Seyi Ajirotutu, Chastin West and Devon Wylie.

The defense keeps the San Jose State offense off the field, allowing their offense to wear out San Jose State and put the game away early.

Fresno State will lose if...

They do not establish their running game. If Colburn decides to throw the ball more than he has all season, the Bulldogs will risk getting themselves out of rhythm.

Penalties keep San Jose State drives alive. The Bulldogs have had their problems with penalties in the past, especially against Boise State. Make those same mistakes against San Jose State, allowing the Spartans to take advantage, it could spell trouble for Fresno State.

The Bulldogs can't protect the football. They fumbled twice against Hawaii last weekend and they need to do a better job protecting the football. Giving San Jose State good field position could allow them more points than they should be getting.

Prediction: Fresno State 51 San Jose State 21