Fresno State at Minnesota 9/8/18 - College Football Picks & Predictions

Fresno State took advantage of seven turnovers and two blocked punts to blow out Idaho 79-13 in the season opener. The road gets harder when the Bulldogs play at Minnesota this week, but Fresno State made a statement by getting that many points. Minnesota handled New Mexico State 48-10 in its opener with a true freshman walk on at quarterback. Fresno State was 10-4 a year ago and won its bowl game and hopes to continue that success. Minnesota struggled in the Big Ten and finished 5-7 last season.

Fresno State had five interceptions, recovered two fumbles, and the same player returned two blocked punts for scores. Fresno State also had seven rushing touchdowns, and Jordan Mims had three of those. Even with the score, Fresno didn't put up gaudy stats. Marcus McMaryion passed for 207 yards while completing 73 percent of his passes. The Bulldogs had 247 yards passing and 239 rushing. Four players had about 30 yards each rushing. KeeSean Johnson has 118 yards receiving. Minnesota freshman Zach Annexstad passed for 220 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 48 percent of his passes. Rodney Smith ran for 153 yards on 23 carries. Mohamed Ibrahim had 101 yards don nine carries, with a 74-yard touchdown run. Minnesota averaged 6.3 yards rushing. Tyler Johnson caught both touchdown passes, and had 100 yards on five receptions.

The teams play a very different style of football. Fresno State is a typical west coast team that will air it out and be flashy at times. Minnesota is a more physical Big Ten team that will try to wear teams down with its offensive and defensive lines. It will be the first ever game between these schools.