The Fresno State Bulldogs will look to get back on track when they host the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday in a game that has major conference championship implications. Game time is at 12:30 PT, 3:30 ET on FS1 and the Fresno State Sports Radio Network

The Bulldogs are coming off a loss two weeks ago when Colorado State beat them 49-21. That loss dropped the Bulldogs to 5-2 overall, but more importantly, dropped them to 2-1 in the MWC. While Fresno State will need some help to climb back into the mix, a win over the Aztecs will go a long way to helping matters.

Speaking of San Diego State, the Aztecs are sitting at 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference. They are one of two undefeated teams in conference play, with Boise State being the other. The Aztecs have won four games in a row, with the average margin of victory being 20 points in those wins.

The Bulldogs are of course very good at running the football. It is something they love to lean on throughout the game, especially if they are playing with the lead. Take the lead away and it becomes apparent that the Bulldogs might struggle a bit to run their offense. What does San Diego State’s defense do really well? Stop the running game. The Aztecs are allowing just 95 yards on the ground per game this season. Something has got to give. Expect the Bulldogs to try early, but it might come down to EJ Warner and the passing game to get them the win. Defensively the Bulldogs have played well. Three turnovers by the offense against Colorado State did not help. However, they are still allowing just under 200 yards passing per game and under 150 yards rushing per game. That doesn’t bode well for San Diego State who is averaging under 200 yards per game in both passing and rushing.

This game is shaping up to be a defensive battle. The total is at 47.5 as of this writing. That makes sense because of what we talked about above with both defenses being strong.

However, one thing that I have yet to bring up is the fact that Fresno State is undefeated at home, and the last time the Aztecs played a defense this good was against Washington State, and they were blown out 36-13.

I don’t think it will be that bad, but I like Fresno State in this one. Bulldogs-27 San Diego State-20.