E-Mail
Print
tool name
close
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009
New Mexico Bowl showcase game: Fresno State vs. Wyoming
RB Mathews looks to atone for Heisman disappointment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews led the nation in rushing yards per game but wasn't invited to the Heisman Trophy award ceremony in New York City.
He'll have to settle for the New Mexico Bowl instead.
Mathews and the Bulldogs (8-4) are going first on the bowl lineup, playing against Wyoming (6-6) on Saturday.
Merced Sun-Star - Photo by CRAIG KOHLRUSS THE FRESNO BEE
If today's New Mexico Bowl is running back Ryan Mathews' final game with Fresno State, the Bulldogs' junior wants it to be a spectacular one.
Merced Sun-Star - Photo by DARRELL WONG/THE FRESNO BEE
Quarterback Ryan Colburn and Fresno State will play in the New Mexico Bowl today.
-
New Mexico Bowl
RECORDS: Fresno State 8-4 vs. Wyoming (6-6)
KICKOFF: Today, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)
LINE: Fresno State by 11.
SERIES: Tied 3-3.
LAST MEETING: 1997, Fresno State 24-7.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: Fresno State is playing in the New Mexico Bowl for the second straight year and would would like to erase memories of a 40-35 loss to Colorado State last year.
"He's a very good football player and I think a lot of people will be watching this game just to watch him," said Fresno State coach Pat Hill, whose team started 1-3 but won seven of its last eight to reach a bowl game for the 10th time in
11 seasons.
Mathews averaged 151.3 yards per game -- almost 7 yards better than Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart of Stanford. He runs over defenders as easily as he zips around them. Hill said Mathews typically gets the ball on
40 percent of Fresno State's snaps.
"He's the horse we ride," Hill said Friday.
Mathews had a season-high 235 yards rushing against Boise State and logged at least
150 yards in games against Illinois, Wisconsin and Cincinnati. He's always a big-play threat, leading the nation with seven runs of at least
50 yards.
He had touchdown runs of 69, 68 and 60 yards in a loss to Boise State.
"You won't shut him down, but you can't give up the 60- or 70-yard runs that he's been having," said Wyoming defensive tackle John Fletcher. "He's a real patient back, but he's also a big guy that runs hard. You're going to have to hit him in the legs, not take him out up top."
A few rules are needed to help foster a feeling of community. We encourage a free, CIVIL and open exchange of ideas in a climate of mutual respect, but any post that violates someone's right to use and enjoy mercedsunstar.com is prohibited. Before you post, please read the terms of use and obey these simple guidelines. Here are the ground rules:
1. Be yourself. A nickname will be used for posts, but if an editor finds a user without a verifiable name , that user will be warned or banned.
2. Keep it clean. Foul language (defined by prime-time standards) will not be tolerated. Neither will the intentional misspelling of foul language or the use of non-English curse words.
3. Be truthful. Do not lie or link to sites that may be considered libelous, defamatory or false.
4. Be nice. Don't harass anyone. Don't threaten anyone. Don't use racial slurs. Don't post anything sexually explicit.
5. Be an individual. Do not advertise or solicit. Do not harvest any information for business use.
6. Be original. Do not post copyrighted material.
7. Follow the law. Don't do anything or post anything considered illegal by city, county, state or federal regulations and laws.
On most news stories, the commenting period is closed after three days. If you wish to continue a discussion, please use The Sunspot forum.
@Nyx.CommentBody@