New Mexico Bowl: Colorado St. vs. Fresno St.

By ANDREW GARDA

December 20 * 2:30 PM * ESPN

These two teams match up very well and are similar in many areas of play. Both quarterbacks work out of the pocket and have thrown for more than 2,000 yards. Fresno State’s Tom Brandstater and Colorado State’s Billy Farris also have ball protection issues in common – Brandstater with 11 interceptions to Farris’ even dozen. Each quarterback has been able to get the ball into the end zone plenty of times though, and can move the chains effectively. Both teams also have potentially NFL-worthy players at the tight end position. The Rams have Kory Sperry, who has 470 yards and five touchdowns, while the Bulldogs feature Bear Pascoe, who is actually second overall on his team in receiving yards with 361 and four touchdowns. The biggest difference between the teams comes at the running back position. Although Colorado State has a 1,000 runner in Gartrell Johnson, they don’t have anyone behind him who is very effective rushing the ball. If Johnson is stopped or hurt, there isn’t anyone to can fill in. While Fresno State lacks a thousand-yard back, they have three players with more than 500 yards and over 100 carries on the season. That depth should come in handy against the Rams and may be the difference in the outcome of this game.

Inside the Numbers – Pass, Run & Catch:

Colorado St. Rams (6-6, 4-4)
Pass: Billy Farris – 2,677 yards, 17 TDs
Run: Gartrell Johnson – 1,191 yards, 10 TDs
Catch: Rashaun Greer – 62-1,045-2 TDs

Fresno State Bulldogs (7-5, 4-4)
Pass: Tom Brandstater – 2,478 yards, 17 TDs
Run: Anthony Harding – 702 yards, 4 TDs
Catch: Seyi Ajirotutu – 44-714-5 TDs