Tulsa vs. Fresno State Prediction, Game Preview
Tulsa vs. Fresno State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Golden Hurricane vs. Bulldogs.
Tulsa vs. Fresno State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Golden Hurricane vs. Bulldogs.
Tulsa vs. Fresno State Game Preview
When: Saturday, September 24 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, CA
TV Broadcast: Campus Insiders
Besides being shut down by Ohio State in its Week 2 meeting with the Buckeyes, the Tulsa offense has been as explosive as usual, putting up point totals of 45 against San Jose State and 58 against North Carolina A&T to earn a 2-1 record on the year.
Fresno State, on the other hand, has struggled in its two games against FBS opponents. A 43-10 loss to Nebraska and a 52-17 defeat to Toledo sandwiched a 31-3 win over Sacramento.
What To Know About Tulsa
Forget the four interceptions quarterback Dane Evans threw against Ohio State because a lot of teams will struggle against that defense (just ask Oklahoma). In the two other games, Evans has thrown for 480 yards and four touchdowns with just one pick. The running game of D’Angelo Brewer and James Flanders has also been steady, combining for 439 yards on the ground and five touchdowns.
Linebacker Trent Martin is the leading tackler for the Golden Hurricane defense with 23 total tackles with 2.5 for a loss. The defense has given up just 31 points in the two wins this season.
What to Know About Fresno State
Quarterback Chason Virgil has been okay this season, completing over 50% of his passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns with just two interceptions. The rushing attack has sputtered, though, getting into the end zone just twice so far.
Can the defense shut down a FBS offense? It didn’t look that way in the losses to Nebraska and Toledo, giving up a combined 95 points. Linebacker Jeff Camilli has made 17 total tackles while defensive back Stratton Brown leads the way with 18, including 10 solo tackles.
Advantages
Offense: Tulsa. Evans should be able to throw the ball against the Bulldogs secondary.
Defense: Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane defense has been solid in the two wins.
Special Teams: Tulsa. Kicker Redford Jones is 13-for-13 on extra points and 5-for-6 on field goal attempts.
Coaching: Tulsa. Philip Montgomery was mentored by Art Briles during his time at Baylor.
Intangibles: Fresno State. A big home game with a shot for an upset should have the Bulldogs faithful riled up.
Matchup To Watch
Dane Evans vs. Fresno State secondary
If he starts to pick apart the defense, the Bulldogs could be in for a long day against this fast-paced offense.
Tulsa vs. Fresno State Betting Odds
Spread: Tulsa -14.5
Over/Under: 66.5
Tulsa vs. Fresno State Prediction
Traveling halfway across the country is never easy, but the Golden Hurricane will be up for the challenge. Fresno State will keep the game close at first, and might even take a lead, but the Tulsa offense will take control in the second half and they will return to Oklahoma with a win.
Tulsa vs. Fresno State Score Prediction: Tulsa 45, Fresno State 24
