Nebraska takes on Fresno State

Tonight Nebraska hosts the Fresno State Bulldogs in game number two of the 2011 college football season. The 1-0 Huskers meet the 0-1 Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln for a 6:05 p.m. (CDT) kickoff. The game is set to be telecast on the Big 10 Network.

Fresno State lost their opener last week by a score of 36-21 against the Golden Bears of California. The Bulldogs are coached by Pat Hill, with a record of 108-72 in 15 seasons as the head coach of Fresno State. The Bulldogs are aptly named because of their scrappy style of play. They will take on any team anywhere and show up ready to play. Coach Hill instills a never give up attitude in his teams. Often they may not be the biggest dog in the fight, but they will battle any opponent until the final whistle.

Derek Carr (6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Sophomore) is the quarterback for Fresno State. His older brother David was a standout for the Bulldogs at quarterback as well. David Carr became the overall top pick in the National Football League draft by the Houston Texans after his collegiate career. Derek has some physical skills, but has very little game experience. Last week, Derek was 21 of 33 with one interception (63.6 percent) against Cal. He threw for 142 yards and one touchdown. He needs to play very well for the Bulldogs to make this a game in the second half.

The Bulldogs have a good running back in junior Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185). He led the team with 86 yards rushing and one touchdown last week. Rouse is a small back that the defense must be ready for. No other backs appear to pose a threat to the Husker Blackshirts.

The receivers are paced by Devon Wylie (5-9, 185, Sr.). He is a slot receiver that has good hands and some quickness. Rashad Evans (5-9, 190, Jr.) is also a favorite target of Derek Carr. The receivers must create space against the Nebraska secondary to make plays. This group was not overly impressive last week in the opener against Cal.

The offensive line is the strength of the Bulldogs. From tackle to tackle, Fresno State averages over 6-4 and 310 pounds. The right side is young, but the left side is anchored by senior tackle Bryce Harris (6-6, 300) with 26 career starts and junior guard Matt Hunt (6-2, 315). Center Leslie Cooper (6-4, 320, Sr.) also provides good leadership up front.

Defensively Fresno State can give up some yards. Cal gained 413 yards against the Bulldogs, including 266 yards through the air. Defensive tackle Logan Harrell (6-2, 275, Sr.) is the key for Fresno State to stop the Husker running game. The linebackers are a solid group for the Bulldogs. Kyle Knox (61, 220, Sr.) has a great deal of experience, while junior Travis Brown (6-2, 235) is a play-maker for the Bulldogs. The secondary played poorly last week and could be exploited if the Huskers open up the passing game. Isaiah Green (5-10, 180, Sr.) is the most consistent man in the Fresno State defensive backfield.

The Bulldogs are very good kicking the football. Kevin Goessling (6-0, 210, Sr.) may be the best kicker the Huskers face all season. Punter Andrew Shapiro (6-0, 190, Jr.) also performed well last week. The return men did not look consistent last week in the loss to Cal.

Nebraska needs to play better on the offensive line than they did last week. The Huskers are playing a team that is a major step up compared to last week's big victory. Fresno State may have some problems putting up points and the Big Red offense should be able to attack the Bulldog defense through the air. Nebraska needs to find a better rhythm offensively to put this game away. I think they will play well. Look for Nebraska to defeat Fresno State by a score of 34-13 Saturday night in Lincoln.

As always, thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze. Check back on Sunday for post game analysis.