Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State boasted the best special teams in the WAC and in large part that is why they are headed to the Las Vegas Bowl. The Bulldogs blocked four punts and returned two for scores. Their coverage of punts was ranked 17th nationally, yielding only 4.2 yards a return. And their kickoff return unit provided QB Billy Volek and the offense with great field position throughout the year. The Bulldogs' average start was at the 29-yard line. The State offense featured an incredibly efficient passing game. Volek completed over 65 percent of his passes this year, a school record. His accuracy led to only three interceptions, 30 TD passes and a QB rating of 153. The Bulldog defense was of concern, however giving up an average of 23 points a game. This unit struggled because of injuries to key members. DL Allen Harper was the leader in tackles (76) and had six sacks.

Utah Utes
Utah rebounded late in the season after almost missing out on a bowl completely. The Utes had an interesting season that saw backup QB T.D. Crowshaw take over the reigns for the injured Darnell Arceneaux and play well filling in. Coach Ron McBride has indicated that both players will see time in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Utes are at their peak offensively when the passing and running games are both clicking. Mike Anderson led the running attack, averaging just less than 100 yards per outing. The Utah defense boasts the best defensive player in the conference in end John Frank. Frank spearheaded a pass rush that had opposing signal callers looking over their shoulders for most of the season.

Keys to the game
1. Billy Volek's accuracy. Volek is an incredibly accurate passer, who is skilled at checking off receivers and capable of making sound decisions in the pocket. The key to the Utah defensive gameplan is what measures they will take to keep Volek from establishing a tempo with his throws. The Utes already have a substantial pass rush, so expect to see the secondary change looks often, in order to keep Volek from becoming comfortable with a particular look. If Volek can beat the Utah secondary by identifying coverages and placing the ball where it belongs, the Bulldogs will be in the driver's seat.

2. Utah's QBs. Fresno State's defense is a talented one, but had trouble making adjustments this season to stop opponents while the game was in progress. That being said, the Utah quarterbacking scenario is a scary one for the Bulldog defense. Look for Utah to switch its quarterbacks often, to keep the already unstable Fresno State defense on its heels.

3. Fresno State's offensive line play. Registering 37 sacks, Utah's defensive front is the best the Fresno offensive line will see all year. The Bulldogs' line has been decimated by injuries this season and will need to exercise good communication and footwork to keep the Utes' front out of Volek's face. If they can't protect Volek, Fresno State's offense will have to restructure its entire attack.

War Room Edge: Fresno State Bulldogs
This will prove to be one of the most exciting games of bowl season, as both teams match up well with one another. While Utah has a great defense, Fresno State's offense is potent. On the other side you have Fresno's weak defense going up against an unestablished, but dangerous Utah attack. However, Volek is too much; he's too smart and has the perfect game for a college passer. It'll be close but Fresno State will prevail. Look for some serious fireworks in this game.

Material from The War Room. Visit their web site at http://www.nflwarroom.com