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#6 Fresno State vs #13 Buffalo SEMIFINALS (PLAYOFFS 1)
11 months ago - 1/18/2025 1:59 PM GMT-3
Game Preview: #6 Fresno State (12-1) vs. #13 Buffalo (11-2)
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM EST
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The semifinals of the college football playoff kick off with a battle between the #6 Fresno State Bulldogs and the #13 Buffalo Bulls. Fresno State enters this game after a dominant 42-10 win over Western Kentucky, showcasing a well-balanced attack and a defense that can suffocate high-powered offenses. Meanwhile, Buffalo is riding high after shocking #1 seed Toledo in a 43-27 upset, relying on a punishing ground game and a defense that forced crucial turnovers.
Fresno State comes in as the favorite, but Buffalo has already proved they can topple higher-seeded opponents. With a trip to the championship game on the line, both teams will leave it all on the field.
Team Overviews
Fresno State Bulldogs (12-1)
• Head Coach: Jeff Tedford
• Offense: 41.3 points per game (6th nationally)
• Defense: 22.8 points allowed per game (30th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Mikey Keene: 4,400 passing yards, 42 TDs, 9 INTs
• RB Malik Sherrod: 1,400 rushing yards, 15 TDs
• WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper: 1,600 receiving yards, 18 TDs
• DE David Perales: 10 sacks, 16 tackles for loss
The Bulldogs have been a juggernaut all season, combining a dynamic passing game led by quarterback Mikey Keene with a strong rushing attack from Malik Sherrod. Wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper is a matchup nightmare, consistently creating explosive plays.
Defensively, Fresno State thrives on pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run. Their ability to shut down Western Kentucky’s air raid in the quarterfinals was a testament to their discipline and physicality. Against Buffalo, they’ll need to focus on containing the run and forcing the Bulls into passing situations.
Buffalo Bulls (11-2)
• Head Coach: Maurice Linguist
• Offense: 34.8 points per game (23rd nationally)
• Defense: 25.1 points allowed per game (43rd nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cole Snyder: 3,200 passing yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs
• RB Mike Washington: 1,600 rushing yards, 18 TDs
• WR Justin Marshall: 1,200 receiving yards, 11 TDs
• DE Daymond Williams: 13 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Buffalo shocked the nation by dismantling #1 Toledo in the quarterfinals, relying on their ground game and opportunistic defense. Running back Mike Washington has been the heart of the Bulls’ offense, consistently grinding out tough yards and breaking big plays. Quarterback Cole Snyder is efficient and capable of making clutch throws, particularly to wideout Justin Marshall.
Defensively, Buffalo’s front seven dominated Toledo, generating pressure and forcing turnovers. Defensive end Daymond Williams will need another monster game to disrupt Fresno’s balanced attack.
Key Matchups
1. Fresno State’s Passing Game vs. Buffalo’s Secondary
• Fresno Advantage: Mikey Keene has carved up defenses all season, and Buffalo’s secondary will have its hands full with Jalen Moreno-Cropper. If Buffalo can’t limit explosive plays, it will be a long night for the Bulls.
2. Buffalo’s Run Game vs. Fresno’s Front Seven
• Key Battle: Mike Washington is Buffalo’s workhorse, and their best chance at victory is to control the clock and wear down Fresno’s defense. Fresno’s defensive line, led by David Perales, must prevent Washington from dominating.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
• Both teams have potent offenses, but the winner will be the team that converts red zone trips into touchdowns instead of field goals.
Keys to the Game
Fresno State Bulldogs
1. Stop the Run: Containing Mike Washington is critical to shutting down Buffalo’s offense.
2. Attack Downfield: Mikey Keene must exploit Buffalo’s secondary, targeting Moreno-Cropper and creating explosive plays.
3. Avoid Turnovers: Buffalo’s defense thrives on takeaways, and Fresno must protect the ball to avoid giving the Bulls extra possessions.
Buffalo Bulls
1. Dominate Time of Possession: Long, sustained drives will keep Fresno’s high-powered offense on the sidelines.
2. Generate Pressure: Daymond Williams an
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM EST
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The semifinals of the college football playoff kick off with a battle between the #6 Fresno State Bulldogs and the #13 Buffalo Bulls. Fresno State enters this game after a dominant 42-10 win over Western Kentucky, showcasing a well-balanced attack and a defense that can suffocate high-powered offenses. Meanwhile, Buffalo is riding high after shocking #1 seed Toledo in a 43-27 upset, relying on a punishing ground game and a defense that forced crucial turnovers.
Fresno State comes in as the favorite, but Buffalo has already proved they can topple higher-seeded opponents. With a trip to the championship game on the line, both teams will leave it all on the field.
Team Overviews
Fresno State Bulldogs (12-1)
• Head Coach: Jeff Tedford
• Offense: 41.3 points per game (6th nationally)
• Defense: 22.8 points allowed per game (30th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Mikey Keene: 4,400 passing yards, 42 TDs, 9 INTs
• RB Malik Sherrod: 1,400 rushing yards, 15 TDs
• WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper: 1,600 receiving yards, 18 TDs
• DE David Perales: 10 sacks, 16 tackles for loss
The Bulldogs have been a juggernaut all season, combining a dynamic passing game led by quarterback Mikey Keene with a strong rushing attack from Malik Sherrod. Wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper is a matchup nightmare, consistently creating explosive plays.
Defensively, Fresno State thrives on pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run. Their ability to shut down Western Kentucky’s air raid in the quarterfinals was a testament to their discipline and physicality. Against Buffalo, they’ll need to focus on containing the run and forcing the Bulls into passing situations.
Buffalo Bulls (11-2)
• Head Coach: Maurice Linguist
• Offense: 34.8 points per game (23rd nationally)
• Defense: 25.1 points allowed per game (43rd nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cole Snyder: 3,200 passing yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs
• RB Mike Washington: 1,600 rushing yards, 18 TDs
• WR Justin Marshall: 1,200 receiving yards, 11 TDs
• DE Daymond Williams: 13 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Buffalo shocked the nation by dismantling #1 Toledo in the quarterfinals, relying on their ground game and opportunistic defense. Running back Mike Washington has been the heart of the Bulls’ offense, consistently grinding out tough yards and breaking big plays. Quarterback Cole Snyder is efficient and capable of making clutch throws, particularly to wideout Justin Marshall.
Defensively, Buffalo’s front seven dominated Toledo, generating pressure and forcing turnovers. Defensive end Daymond Williams will need another monster game to disrupt Fresno’s balanced attack.
Key Matchups
1. Fresno State’s Passing Game vs. Buffalo’s Secondary
• Fresno Advantage: Mikey Keene has carved up defenses all season, and Buffalo’s secondary will have its hands full with Jalen Moreno-Cropper. If Buffalo can’t limit explosive plays, it will be a long night for the Bulls.
2. Buffalo’s Run Game vs. Fresno’s Front Seven
• Key Battle: Mike Washington is Buffalo’s workhorse, and their best chance at victory is to control the clock and wear down Fresno’s defense. Fresno’s defensive line, led by David Perales, must prevent Washington from dominating.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
• Both teams have potent offenses, but the winner will be the team that converts red zone trips into touchdowns instead of field goals.
Keys to the Game
Fresno State Bulldogs
1. Stop the Run: Containing Mike Washington is critical to shutting down Buffalo’s offense.
2. Attack Downfield: Mikey Keene must exploit Buffalo’s secondary, targeting Moreno-Cropper and creating explosive plays.
3. Avoid Turnovers: Buffalo’s defense thrives on takeaways, and Fresno must protect the ball to avoid giving the Bulls extra possessions.
Buffalo Bulls
1. Dominate Time of Possession: Long, sustained drives will keep Fresno’s high-powered offense on the sidelines.
2. Generate Pressure: Daymond Williams an
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