Welcome to Week 9 of the college football season. We’re coming off one of the zaniest weeks of the year despite the absence of a top-25 matchup. Oklahoma nearly fell to Kansas, and then Penn State lost to Illinois.
The battle of the week in the Mountain West Conference is between the 6-2 Fresno State Bulldogs and the 7-0 San Diego State Aztecs. These are two of the most fun teams in the country facing off late Saturday night.
Both teams have an interesting betting profile for us to consider as we preview how they stack up.
We have you covered from every angle of this matchup. Let’s dig in.
Saturday, October 30, 2021 – 10:30 PM EDT at Dignity Health Sports Park
Here is a look at the Week 9 NCAAF odds between San Diego State and Fresno State odds courtesy of BMR’s top-rated sportsbooks.
Here’s a look at the preview between San Diego State and Fresno State for Week 9.
Without question, one of the biggest storylines of the college football season has been the development of the Fresno State passing game. Quarterback Jake Haener has become one of the leading passers in the nation and a legitimate NFL prospect with his massive improvement. He’s accumulated a 68% completion rate, 2,582 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
Haener has serious weaponry to take advantage of with his solid accuracy and underrated arm strength. Rusher Ronnie Rivers is a great dual-threat with his blend of speed and receiving ability. Receivers Jalen Cropper, Josh Kelly, Keric Wheatfall, and Zane Pope have rounded out a deeply talented group that stretches every defense.
The Aztecs haven’t seen an offense this good thus far this year. Their seventh-ranked scoring defense, 31st-ranked passing defense, and fourth-ranked rush defense will be tested to the limit. I don’t think they have the backend athleticism to withstand the Bulldogs’ passing game.
Unlike Fresno State’s explosive offense, the Aztecs will wear defenses down with their rushing game. Star back Greg Bell has been the primary driving force for the unit. The passing game is barely completing over 55% of passes between Jordon Brookshire and Lucas Johnson, and Johnson, in particular, is the only threat to defenses with his accuracy.
Otherwise, the onus is on San Diego State’s 28th-ranked run game to win. Fresno State has the 26th-best run defense, so you can see what the key to this game is. Whoever wins that trench battle will emerge victoriously.
San Diego State has covered the spread in five of their last six games. They’ve hit the under in 13 of their last 20.
Fresno State has gone over in four of their last six. They’ve also covered six of their last nine against San Diego State in particular.
For my NCAAF pick, I don’t see how the Aztecs can score with Fresno State. We’ve seen the Bulldogs fall in two tough losses, but they’re a well-rounded team that can score quickly. I think they’ll win this one in a surprising high-scoring battle.
NCAAF Picks:
Freso State Over 44.5 (-110) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.