Fresno State defensive back Camryn Bracha, left, and wide receiver Jalen Moss at practice on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)
- Bulldogs seek redemption after close loss to Michigan, while Hornets look to build on strong offensive start.
- Jalen Moss emerges as top receiver for Fresno State, aiming to showcase explosiveness against Sac State.
- Defensive standouts Camryn Bracha and Kaleb Higgins expected to make significant impacts for their teams.
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Steven Sanchez
Sports
These are the four players I’ll be keeping an eye on when Fresno State hosts Sacramento State for their home opener at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday.
Key Players to Watch for Fresno State
Offense: Sophomore wide receiver Jalen Moss, No. 18
Moss made a name for himself against the Wolverines, leading the Bulldogs in receptions with six catches for 97 yards. In front of a national television audience, he got open against a solid Michigan defensive backfield featuring pre-season All-American cornerback Will Johnson.
Related Story: Wolverines Insist They’re Not Looking Past ‘Dogs, Who Say They ...
The pre-season All-Mountain West selection showed his playmaking abilities last season with 55 catches for 706 yards and six touchdowns. This can be a breakout year for Moss by showing he can be a main target for quarterback Mikey Keene and a big contributor.
The Bulldogs are looking to bring “explosiveness” against the Hornets based on what they talked about throughout spring and fall camp. Moss will be a main factor in getting positive yards and making big plays to put the offense in position to score.
“Our offense is going to take a high number of shots downfield against Sac State. We’re not taking them lightly. We’ll bounce back from week one,” said Moss.
Time/Date: 7 p.m. Saturday
Location: Valley Children’s Stadium
Records: Fresno State 0-1, 0-0 MW; Sacramento State 0-1, 0-0 Big Sky
Watch Live: CBS 47/Mountain West Network
Listen Live: 1340 AM and other Bulldog Sports Network stations
Betting Odds: Fresno State favored by 22.5 points
Series History: Fresno State (4-0)
Defense: Senior defensive back Camryn Bracha, No. 22
Bracha came to play against the Wolverines leading the team with 10 tackles. He battled a leg injury that limited him to just four starts last season. The pre-season All-Mountain West honorable mention safety plays for his name to be mentioned with the same prestige as other veteran players on defense like Devo Bridges, Dean Clark, Malachi Langley, and Cam Lockridge.
The Hornets will spread them out and look to exploit the edges to get an advantage. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are looking to back up the stout defensive they had against Michigan.
“We’re going to have to tackle in space. Make plays on the outside. It starts with stopping the run and we’ll generate opportunities from there. It’s going to be a great day, ” said Bracha.
Related Story: QB Mikey Keene on Fresno State Offense: ‘We’re Executing at a ...
Sacramento State Players to Watch
Offense: Junior running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver, No. 4
Tau-Tolliver carried the ball 22 times for 110 yards with two touchdowns against San Jose, the Bulldogs’ Mountain West rival. He’s a veteran who played in all 13 games last season as a running back and kick returner. The Hornets will rely on him heavily.
Defense: Junior defensive back Kaleb Higgins, No. 16
Higgins put up good numbers against the Spartans leading the team with five tackles. He also played in all 13 games last season for the Hornets. Higgins transferred to Sac State from Cal. He’s looking to use experience and skills to stop Fresno State playmakers like Moss and running back Malik Sherrod.
Related Story: Winning Is the Name of the Game as Bulldogs Prepare for Home Football Opener
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