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Fresno State at San Jose State Football Betting Odds & Picks

Written by Jimmy Boyd on November 17, 2008

It’s been a disappointing season for the Fresno State Bulldogs, a team many felt was capable of challenging Boise State for the WAC title. Fresno State enters this Friday night contest at 6-4 on the season and 3-3 in the WAC. It was able to end a two-game skid with a win over New Mexico State last week but it was not easy as the 3-7 Aggies gave the Bulldogs all they wanted and more. San Jose State is 6-5 on the season and one game better than the Bulldogs in the WAC. The Spartans have hit the skids, losing two straight and three of their last four after a strong start in conference play. That’s why odds makers have San Jose State listed as the 2.5-point home underdog this week.

Injuries have been piling up for the Bulldogs so they are trying to win games anyway they can. Last week’s tough win against New Mexico State was key as it made the Bulldogs Bowl eligible for the ninth time in 10 seasons. While they are eligible, it will likely take a win over San Jose state this week or Boise State next week to clinch a spot in a bowl game. The Bulldogs were without starting tailback Ryan Matthews again last game and backup Lonyae Miller fumbled on his second rushing attempt and did not return. That opened the door for Anthony Harding who did not disappoint with 101 yards on 23 carries. Fresno State’s defense stepped up in its last game with defensive tackle Jon Monga excelling. The Dogs have had trouble mounting much of a pass rush all season, but he stepped up with three big sacks. He has missed four games with injury this year and now that he’s healthy, I expect him to drop the QB a few more times over the next couple games.

Coach Pat Hill has taken some heat for Fresno State’s inconsistent play because hopes were so high heading into the season. It’s easy to see that he’ll try anything to get his guys going at this point. He called a full pads practice, full contact practice last Tuesday to spark his boys and it paid off. If you think the Bulldogs will take it to the slumping Spartans, bet Fresno State at -2.5 at Bookmaker.

San Jose State is know for putting a stingy defense on the field but all its been lately is stinky. The Spartans gave up 41 points in last Saturday’s loss at Nevada. The Pack enjoyed a play of 30-plus yards on each of their first five scoring drives, including two big plays that converted third-and-long. The Spartans are going to have to do a much better job at limiting the ground attack this week because that is what the Bulldogs have been relying on. The good news is that QB Kyle Reed my be rounding into form again at just the right time. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 215 yards and two scores. Wide receiver David Richmond had nine catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns and figures to be a handful for Fresno State. Defensively, the Spartans line needs to stand its ground. They have allowed 149, 220, 217 and 333 rushing yards in the past four games which means that they need to find defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert some help. He has set the San Jose State record for tackles for loss in a career (41.5). He has 21.5 this season and is chasing the school record (24.5) and WAC record (22.0). Bet San Jose State at +2.5 if you like the Spartans to end their skid at home this week.

Beat the college football odds in Week 13 action with Jimmy Boyd’s college football picks. Why leave your football betting to chance when you can play with a world champion handicapper with endless resources at his fingertips?

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