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#6 Fresno State vs #7 Western Kentucky Quarterfinals (PLAYOFFS 1)
11 months ago - 1/17/2025 6:36 PM GMT-3
Game Preview: #6 Fresno State (12-1) vs. #7 Western Kentucky (12-1)
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The stage is set for an offensive fireworks show tonight as the #6 Fresno State Bulldogs face the #7 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the second round of the college football playoff. Both teams feature high-powered offenses and star quarterbacks who can light up the scoreboard. Fresno State comes in as the Mountain West runner-up, while Western Kentucky dominated Conference USA on their way to a 12-1 record.
This matchup promises to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament, with both teams boasting elite offenses and aggressive play styles. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair where the winner may be determined by which defense steps up when it matters most.
Team Overviews
Fresno State Bulldogs (12-1)
• Head Coach: Jeff Tedford
• Offense: 41.3 points per game (6th nationally)
• Defense: 24.9 points allowed per game (42nd nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Mikey Keene: 4,200 passing yards, 40 TDs, 8 INTs
• RB Malik Sherrod: 1,300 rushing yards, 14 TDs
• WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper: 1,500 receiving yards, 16 TDs
• DE David Perales: 9 sacks, 15 tackles for loss
Fresno State’s offense has been a juggernaut all season, powered by quarterback Mikey Keene, who is coming off a 5-touchdown performance in their first-round victory over UNLV. The Bulldogs are at their best when they strike a balance between Keene’s aerial attack and Malik Sherrod’s ground game. Wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper is nearly unguardable, and he’ll look to exploit Western Kentucky’s secondary.
Defensively, Fresno State has been inconsistent, relying on big plays from their pass rush to cover up lapses in coverage. Their ability to pressure Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed will be a deciding factor in this game.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (12-1)
• Head Coach: Tyson Helton
• Offense: 44.1 points per game (2nd nationally)
• Defense: 28.7 points allowed per game (62nd nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Austin Reed: 4,800 passing yards, 46 TDs, 11 INTs
• WR Malachi Corley: 1,600 receiving yards, 18 TDs
• WR Daewood Davis: 1,200 receiving yards, 12 TDs
• LB Derrick Smith: 110 tackles, 3 forced fumbles
Western Kentucky’s air raid offense is among the best in the country, led by record-setting quarterback Austin Reed. The Hilltoppers boast a pair of elite wide receivers in Malachi Corley and Daewood Davis, who are matchup nightmares for any defense. They spread the field and attack deep, forcing defenses to play on their heels.
Defensively, Western Kentucky has struggled against the run, allowing over 160 rushing yards per game. If they can’t contain Fresno State’s rushing attack, it could open up the field for Mikey Keene and the Bulldogs’ passing game.
Key Matchups
1. Mikey Keene vs. Western Kentucky’s Secondary
• Fresno Advantage: Western Kentucky has struggled to contain elite quarterbacks this season, and Keene has the weapons to pick apart their secondary. If he gets time in the pocket, it could be a long night for the Hilltoppers.
2. Austin Reed vs. Fresno State’s Pass Rush
• Western Kentucky Advantage: Reed’s quick release and ability to extend plays under pressure make him a difficult quarterback to disrupt. Fresno’s defensive front, led by David Perales, must generate consistent pressure to force errant throws.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
• Both offenses are elite, but the team that can convert red zone trips into touchdowns rather than field goals will have the edge in a high-scoring game.
Keys to the Game
Fresno State Bulldogs
1. Run the Ball: Establishing Malik Sherrod early will open up the passing game for Keene and keep Western Kentucky’s offense off the field.
2. Disrupt Austin Reed: Fresno’s defense must find ways to pressure Reed and force him into quick decisions.
3. Win Third Downs: Keeping drives alive will be critical in a game where every possession matters.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
1. Attack Deep: Western Kentucky’s o
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The stage is set for an offensive fireworks show tonight as the #6 Fresno State Bulldogs face the #7 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the second round of the college football playoff. Both teams feature high-powered offenses and star quarterbacks who can light up the scoreboard. Fresno State comes in as the Mountain West runner-up, while Western Kentucky dominated Conference USA on their way to a 12-1 record.
This matchup promises to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament, with both teams boasting elite offenses and aggressive play styles. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair where the winner may be determined by which defense steps up when it matters most.
Team Overviews
Fresno State Bulldogs (12-1)
• Head Coach: Jeff Tedford
• Offense: 41.3 points per game (6th nationally)
• Defense: 24.9 points allowed per game (42nd nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Mikey Keene: 4,200 passing yards, 40 TDs, 8 INTs
• RB Malik Sherrod: 1,300 rushing yards, 14 TDs
• WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper: 1,500 receiving yards, 16 TDs
• DE David Perales: 9 sacks, 15 tackles for loss
Fresno State’s offense has been a juggernaut all season, powered by quarterback Mikey Keene, who is coming off a 5-touchdown performance in their first-round victory over UNLV. The Bulldogs are at their best when they strike a balance between Keene’s aerial attack and Malik Sherrod’s ground game. Wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper is nearly unguardable, and he’ll look to exploit Western Kentucky’s secondary.
Defensively, Fresno State has been inconsistent, relying on big plays from their pass rush to cover up lapses in coverage. Their ability to pressure Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed will be a deciding factor in this game.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (12-1)
• Head Coach: Tyson Helton
• Offense: 44.1 points per game (2nd nationally)
• Defense: 28.7 points allowed per game (62nd nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Austin Reed: 4,800 passing yards, 46 TDs, 11 INTs
• WR Malachi Corley: 1,600 receiving yards, 18 TDs
• WR Daewood Davis: 1,200 receiving yards, 12 TDs
• LB Derrick Smith: 110 tackles, 3 forced fumbles
Western Kentucky’s air raid offense is among the best in the country, led by record-setting quarterback Austin Reed. The Hilltoppers boast a pair of elite wide receivers in Malachi Corley and Daewood Davis, who are matchup nightmares for any defense. They spread the field and attack deep, forcing defenses to play on their heels.
Defensively, Western Kentucky has struggled against the run, allowing over 160 rushing yards per game. If they can’t contain Fresno State’s rushing attack, it could open up the field for Mikey Keene and the Bulldogs’ passing game.
Key Matchups
1. Mikey Keene vs. Western Kentucky’s Secondary
• Fresno Advantage: Western Kentucky has struggled to contain elite quarterbacks this season, and Keene has the weapons to pick apart their secondary. If he gets time in the pocket, it could be a long night for the Hilltoppers.
2. Austin Reed vs. Fresno State’s Pass Rush
• Western Kentucky Advantage: Reed’s quick release and ability to extend plays under pressure make him a difficult quarterback to disrupt. Fresno’s defensive front, led by David Perales, must generate consistent pressure to force errant throws.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
• Both offenses are elite, but the team that can convert red zone trips into touchdowns rather than field goals will have the edge in a high-scoring game.
Keys to the Game
Fresno State Bulldogs
1. Run the Ball: Establishing Malik Sherrod early will open up the passing game for Keene and keep Western Kentucky’s offense off the field.
2. Disrupt Austin Reed: Fresno’s defense must find ways to pressure Reed and force him into quick decisions.
3. Win Third Downs: Keeping drives alive will be critical in a game where every possession matters.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
1. Attack Deep: Western Kentucky’s o
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