No. 10 Wisconsin at No. 21 Fresno State (plus 1.5)

The series is tied 1-1. The away team is undefeated. In 2001 Fresno State won 23-19 in Madison. The following year Wisconsin won 23-21 in Fresno.

Fresno State’s coach Pat Hill had to be pleased with the play of quarterback Tom Brandstater, running back Ryan Mathews (163 yards) and wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (3 receptions, 116 yards) against Rutgers two weeks ago. Brandstater, Mathews and Ajirotutu will need strong games this week because the Bulldogs defense should face a tough challenge from Wisconsin’s offense.

To the delight of first year starting quarterback Allen Evridge, Wisconsin’s P.J. Hill (267 yards, four touchdowns) has shouldered much of the Badgers offense. If Hill and John Clay can find lanes to run the ball Wisconsin can win what might turn into Saturday night’s most exciting game.

Wisconsin 23, Fresno State 20

Players

Quarterback
Fresno State- Tom Brandstater 11/24 (.458) 216 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

Wisconsin- Allan Evridge 24/36 (.667) 383 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Running Back
Fresno State- Ryan Mathews 163 yards, 6.3 ypc, 3 TD

Wisconsin- P.J. Hill 267 yards, 6.1 ypc, 4 TD
Wisconsin- John Clay 125 yards, 5.4 ypc, 3 TD

Wide Receiver
Fresno State- Seyi Ajirotutu 116 yards, 3 rec., 38.7

Wisconsin- Lance Kendricks 102 yards, 4 rec., 25.5 ypc
Wisconsin- Garrett Graham 96 yards, 6 rec., 16.0 ypc

Defense
Wisconsin- Jaevery McFadden 20 tackles

Fresno State- Kyle Knox 7 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles for loss

Team
Fresno State
Rushing- 206
Passing- 216
Total- 422
PF- 24
PA- 7

Wisconsin
Rushing- 281
Passing- 202
Total- 483
PF- 44.5