Prediction: Can Fresno State remain unbeaten against Sacramento State?

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

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• Fresno State lost 39-0 at USC and turns again to quarterback Jayden Mandal.
• Sacramento State enters after a 52-0 win over Mississippi State.
• The prediction picks Fresno State 34-13 for its first win of the season.

Fresno State was embarrassed in its season opener, losing 39-0 to No. 14 USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The Bulldogs’ offense could never get going under quarterback Jayden Mandal.

He will get another start for Fresno State, and coach Matt Entz has plenty of confidence in the former Buchanan High star.

This time around, the Bulldogs’ offense needs to be productive, especially in front of the home crowd at Valley Children’s Stadium.

Fresno State’s lack of a passing and running game was evident against the Trojans.

Both aspects need to get going against Sacramento State, which is coming off a 52-0 victory over Mississippi State. The Hornets will be no pushover.

History will be on Fresno State’s side. The Bulldogs are 5-0 against Sacramento State, with the last meeting coming in 2024 when Fresno State won 46-30.

DraftKings favors the Bulldogs by 17.5 points, with the over/under set at 45.5 points.

Prediction

Fresno State cannot afford to come out of the gates struggling as it did against USC. Otherwise, the boo birds will be heard inside the stadium.

The Bulldogs’ offense needs to come to life and avoid costly mistakes. Perhaps Fresno State learned a lesson against the stronger Trojans.

The Hornets will come into this game with plenty of confidence, but Fresno State should come out on top, especially with a strong defense. The Bulldogs will be without safety Ryan Wilson, who is out for the season, but they should still have enough defensively to contain Sacramento State.

Fresno State needs a fast start, and if its offense can find a rhythm, the Bulldogs should have little trouble securing their first victory of the season.

Prediction: Fresno State 34, Sacramento State 13