Southern Utah (0-3) at Fresno State (0-3) Sept. 20, 10:00, Mountain West 

Here’s The Deal: Both teams have been a disaster so far, but for Fresno State, this is when it should all start to turn around. The Bulldogs were rocked by USC, Utah and Nebraska to start the year, giving up a ridiculous 166 points in the first three games, but now things start to ease up with a winless USU team this week before diving into Mountain West play against New Mexico. The Thunderbirds battled with Nevada to start the season, but struggled ever since with an offense that can’t put up points. 
Why Southern Utah Might Win: Fresno State is the cure for the offense that can’t put up points. The secondary has been a hot mess, giving up 14 touchdown passes without a pick, getting ripped apart by even the slightest bit of effort. The offense is a shadow of its last year self – it’s sputtering just to get the chains moving. If USU was ever going to get its attack doing, it would be this week as long as it can mix it up a bit. 
Why Fresno State Might Win: The Bulldog defense isn’t that bad – really. Okay, it is, but the stats will start to come down to earth a bit over the next several weeks. USU has a really, really hard time scoring and isn’t taking advantage of the chances it’s getting. The Thunderbirds don’t hold on to the ball, mostly because they can’t – they’re awful at moving the chains and keeping drives alive. As a result, they’re keeping the ball for under 24 minutes a game. 
Who To Watch Out For: It’s time for some big plays from the Fresno State defense, and they have to start coming from Derron Smith. The ball-hawker who picked off seven passes last season is tied for the team lead with 26 stops, and he has two broken up plays, but he’s not doing enough to help out a secondary that’s getting roasted down the middle way too easily. He’s an NFL talent, and now he has to start being the best player on the field. 
What’s Going To Happen: Fresno State will take out its frustrations with a dominant performance and an easy win. For at least this week, everything will start to click. 
Prediction: Fresno State 45 … Southern Utah 20 
Line: No Line o/u: No Line