Game of the Week

Fresno State (1-2) at Cincinnati (3-0)

12:00pm Big East Network

When Cincinnati has the ball:

QB Tony Pike; Doug Benc Getty Images

When Fresno State has the ball:

If you’re the type of person which picks game based on team record and rankings, then you risk the chance of getting this game wrong. Fresno State may be 1-2 overall, but their offensive production has been nothing short of impressive generating nearly 500 yards total offense per game. QB Ryan Colburn has thrown 55% of his passes for completions for 637 yards and 6TDs. While these numbers are solid, he struggles with interceptions (6 INTs). First and Third downs are troublesome for the Bulldog quarterback as there is a significant reduction in his completion percentage and an increase in picks in those situations. Down field, will 4 wide receivers that have more than 100 yards each on the season. The Bulldogs utilize the spread offense and get the ball around to enough players that defenses can have a hard time keeping up. If Colburn starts to struggle, look for the ball to be given to RB Ryan Matthews who has exploded in three games; averaging 9 yards per carry for a total of 447 yards and 4 TDs. When Fresno State is winning by a TD or less, he gets the job done on the ground.

Cincinnati will have to pressure the quarterback enough to eliminate one aspect of Fresno State’s high octane offense. Luckily, the defense has 11 sacks which show they are capable of taking down the passer often. Fr. LB Walter Stewart will be the biggest threat to quarterback and Colburn will have to know where he is before calling the snap.

Prediction:

Cincinnati’s offense is very similar to that of Boise State, and Fresno State showed they couldn’t keep pace. Any team that gives the Bearcats enough room to breathe easy has been left in the dust.

Pick: Cincinnati

The Little Guy with a Rock to look out for….

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Dion Lewis

RB, Pittsburgh

With 398 yards and 5 TDs already this season, plenty of Pitt fans have quickly forgotten LeSean McCoy. I’m expecting a 150 yard rushing performance by the Panther’s running back as Pitt squeaks by N.C. State.

Upset Alert

Pittsburgh (3-0) at North Carolina State (2-1)

Both teams can score points as well as move the ball up and down the field which means the winner will be decided by the defenses.

N.C. State Defense

6.5 Sacks by the Defensive Line, 9 Sacks overall, 8 QB Hurries, 8 Pass Break Ups, 2 FF, 2 INTs

Pittsburgh Defense

5 Sacks by LB Adam Gunn, 14 Sacks overall, 15 QB Hurries, 7 Pass Break Ups, 5 FF, 3 INTs

This game will be close, but Pitt gets better when the game is on the line and N.C. State seems to fall apart. This game will follow the same trend.

Prediction: Pittsburgh

The Undercards

Rhode Island @ Connecticut

Rhode Island’s defense is atrocious. They allow opponents 475 yards per game total offense while only gaining 361 yards per game.

Pick: Connecticut

South Florida @ Florida State

QB Matt Grothe is responsible for 46.3% of South Florida’s offense. With him out, Fr. QB B.J. Daniels will have to pick up the slack, and he doesn’t have the experience to compete with Florida State.

Pick: Florida State

Rutgers @ Maryland

The Scarletknights’ offense still seems to be in shambles. They struggled against FIU in both the passing and rushing games. Maryland may be 1-2 overall, the Terps’ running and passing games keep getting better with each game. I think the MTSU loss is just what they need to wake up.

Pick: Maryland

Maine @ Syracuse

QB Greg Paulus hit his stride against Northwestern. He went 24 of 35 for 346 yards, 2TDs and an INT.

Pick: Syracuse

Louisville @ Utah

U of L is full of surprises. Their defense is better than expected, but they have struggled with turnovers and 3rd down conversions. Not a recipe for a win.

Pick: Utah