These are the four players I’ll be keeping an eye on when Fresno State goes on the road to take on the University of New Mexico at University Stadium on Saturday for their first Mountain West Conference game.

Key Players to Watch for Fresno State

Offense: Senior running back Malik Sherrod, No. 2

Sherrod had a breakout performance against New Mexico State, rushing for 113 yards on 15 carries and scoring a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard game of the season. The previous week against Sacramento State, Sherrod found the end zone twice, continuing his strong start to the year.

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The preseason All-Mountain West selection has seen limited action due to rehabbing an injury. Against the Aggies he was playing at full speed, throwing stiff arms effectively and running with power. The Red Wave can expect to see him get more carries and playing time as the season progresses.

Offensive coordinator Pat McCann can’t wait to utilize his skill set now that Sherrod is at full strength. The passing game has been great, adding to the “explosiveness” the offense was proclaiming throughout the preseason. The running game has been stagnant, but with Sherrod healthy, the offense will be firing on all cylinders against the Lobos.

Defense: Redshirt junior defensive end Korey Foreman, No. 0

Foreman really came alive when he took the field against the Aggies. He got a sack, forced a fumble, and batted a ball down.

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He may not be a starter, but he’s been big on third downs and being used in certain packages and rotations for the Bulldogs this season. Against Sac State he forced a fumble. When he’s on the field he makes an impact.

Foreman came into the season with a lot of buzz having been a USC transfer and rated a five-star recruit out of high school. His productivity was silent in the beginning and left fans wondering that with his pedigree he hasn’t been on the field a lot.

The defense has been playing lights out over the last three weeks. Foreman’s big plays contributed greatly to the victory against the Aggies. With that performance he can build off that and become the defender he’s capable of being.

Key Players to Watch for the University of New Mexico

Offense: Sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier, No. 4

The Lobos are 0-3, but they’ve lost to good teams like Auburn and Arizona, and Dampier can hold his head high. He had a standout performance against Arizona, passing for 260 yards and three touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 130 yards and two touchdowns.

In the last three games, Dampier has been the focal point of New Mexico’s offense, showcasing his playmaking abilities both through the air and on the ground. He’s proven to be elusive, scrambling out of the pocket, extending plays, and notably, hasn’t been sacked this season. Dampier is poised for another big day as he prepares to take on the Bulldogs.

Honorable Mention: Head coach Bronco Mendenhall

Though he’s not on the field as a player, head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s influence can’t be underestimated. Mendenhall has built a reputation for transforming struggling programs. At BYU, he led the Cougars to Mountain West Conference championships, BCS rankings, and wins over Power 5 opponents. At Virginia, he earned respect by producing several winning seasons.

In his first season with the Lobos, Mendenhall has the potential to bring a similar turnaround to New Mexico. With some talent and a solid support system, he could build something significant in Albuquerque.

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Mountain West Football Matchups:

All games will be played on Saturday, Sept. 21 (accept San José State vs Washington State) and broadcast times are Pacific.

Portland State (0-2) at Boise State (1-1)

Game Starts: 6:45 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1. Analysts predict the Broncos will beat the Vikings. Boise State is looking for a victory in their first home game of the season.

UTEP (0-3) at Colorado State (1-2)

Game Starts: 2 p.m.; Broadcast: truTV/Max. Analysts predict the Rams will beat the Miners as Colorado State looks to redeem themselves from losing to Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes last week.

Northern Iowa (2-1) at Hawai‘i (1-2)

Game Starts: 9 p.m. Analysts predict the Rainbow Warriors will beat the Panthers. This is the second matchup between the programs with Hawai’i getting the victory in 2014.

Eastern Washington (1-2) at Nevada (1-3)

Game Starts: 12 p.m. Analysts predict the Wolf Pack will beat the Eagles. Eastern Washington is looking to beat another FBS opponent since beating UNLV in 2021.

San José State (3-0) at Washington State (3-0)

The game is on Friday. Game Starts: 7 p.m.; Broadcast: The CW Network. Analysts predict the Cougars will beat the Spartans. These teams are undefeated, and San Jose State wants to be one of two unbeaten teams in the conference beside UNLV.

Utah State (1-2) at Temple (0-3)

Game Starts: 11 a.m.; Broadcast: ESPN+. Analysts predict the Aggies will beat the Owls. This is the first-ever matchup between the teams.

Wyoming (0-3) at North Texas (2-1)

Game Starts: 4 p.m.; Broadcast: ESPN+. Analysts predict the Mean Green will beat the Cowboys. Wyoming has won three of its last four September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams while North Texas has lost each of its last three games against opponents from the MW.

Purdue (1-1) at Oregon State (2-1)

Game Starts: 5:30 p.m.; Broadcast: The CW Network. Analysts predict the Beavers will beat the Boilermakers. Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses last week with a victory.

(Analysts are from Fox Sports and ESPN.)