Husker Football: Fresno State Bulldogs Report Card

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line B+

Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins both showed up big time in this weekend’s game with Valentine being especially disruptive in the backfield.

On more than one occasion, he took the offensive lineman blocking him directly back into the quarterback.

Fresno State really struggled to establish any running game, with starting back Josh Quezada carrying the ball 10 times for 28 yards. Quarterback Brian Burrell helped up the Bulldogs’ total with his 66-yard touchdown run on a zone read keeper.

In pass rush situations, Marcus Newby flourished, collecting a sack to go along with three others from his teammates.

Randy Gregory had some troubles early on, but seemed to be fine as the game progressed.

Speaking of No. 4, his crushing hit in the third quarter of the game on a poor Fresno State wide receiver certainly was impressive.

If the NFL calls upon Gregory to stand up and play some linebacker, I think he’ll fit in just fine.

Linebackers B+

It was a better performance from the linebackers this week, who aided the front four in keeping Fresno to just 105 yards rushing.

It didn’t seem that Fresno was interested in putting the linebackers in to space like McNeese State was last week, so neither Santos or Banderas weren’t put in pass coverage situations often. Miami should provide more of a test.