I have to say when I first heard about Fresno State taking on Texas A&M I was not the happiest of fans. I thought the Cincinatti game was a much better fit with respect to the players and the level we are on right now. However, I never thought 2007 would be the season to make a run in the first place so I guess playing this game is not going to be nearly as horrifying as I first thought it to be. I compare this game to the one David Carr went through when the Dogs traveled to play a decent Ohio State team in 2000 and were handled by the Buckeyes. If Fresno State cannot handle the atmosphere of the twelth man (pictured left) then that is fine, it will be an experience that will only help the Dogs in the years to come. I had originally thought that 2008 would be the year to make a run at the BCS but the schedule seems to be shaping up to be very tough to do so. With three out of four OOC games on the road against K-State, UCLA, and Toledo the Dogs are going to have to play their "A" game every week. Not to mention their lone home OOC game will be against the Badgers of Wisconsin. I am not going to be negative about these two games. I feel like Fresno State will not win the game at A&M however I do feel that they will gain vauable experience as a young team. By playing this game it is going to help the Dogs go on the road in 2008 and handle the crowd pressure that they have not experienced lately. Yes in 2005 they went to USC and last year they went to LSU but the LSU game was over before it started and the USC game was as much a home game as any other game has been for the Dogs. You have to continue to give the admimistration credit for scheduling games with large tier schools year after year. My only question overall is: Are we ever going to be able to acquire the status of a team who garners a one for one deal? We are going to play both of these games without a return trip from either team which bothers me. I feel like the least UCLA could do is give us a 2 for 1 by filling their 2008 OOC for them. Sometimes the price you have to pay as a mid-major is just not worth all of the problems you end up with.
In the end Fresno State will continue to schedule teams that are of BCS caliber. As long as Pat Hill is our coach we will play the toughest schedule in the WAC. I just hope that Hill does not fron-load the schedule again because if he does the Dogs are going to be worn out by the time WAC play starts and we all know what that means: two losses to teams the Dogs should beat.
9 comments:
I think we will bail from our game at Toledo in 2008 (or negoiate to reschedule it). If we do, that would open things up for an ideal 6 home games (add in a Cal Poly, Montana State, etc.) and 6 road games. It only makes sense. They just can't come out and say something like that right now...it's in the works though. Mark my word...6 and 6 road/home in 2008...not 7 and 5 road/home.
That's all nice and dandy but where do you come up with Fresno State baling on a committment with respect to a football game? Just wondering, I wont say you are wrong I just am not used to the Dogs doing something of that sort.
I think Cincy was rescheduled, rather than rejected. I don't want to see the 'Dogs acting like some other jerky schools I could name.
Steve Burnes
Yes Cincy was pushed to 2009 and 2010, the Dogs dont tend to cancel on other teams and I cannot see it happening in 2008 in favor of a home game with a d-1a school. That just isnt how the dogs do things.
I know this is off the subject,but it seems Boise is kicking our butts in recruiting,and most of the 10 3 star prospects are from CA.I wonder if these players plan on playing in the NFL,if so maybe the should look at who puts more players there.Last time I checked Boise had about 6 players in the NFL,where we have about that many DB's alone.I believe we have around 22 players right now in the NFL.I agree with the previous article about not really knowing what your getting just because of stars,it just bugs me.Before Pineagar we put 3 QB's in a row to the NFL,but Boise has the 4 star QB and the best we can do is 2.Any thoughts?
Sure plenty of thoughts, I will actually use them in my blog today, hope thats ok with you. Maybe I can address this supposed butt-kicking they are giving us in recruiting because I don't agree. I realize they have a four star qb but he is in a system that commands throwing every down. Watch tape on faulkner, the kid has a strong arm and pocket presence. We may have found a two star but he will be worth far more than that in the end.
Faulkner may be all that, IF he gets an honest opportunity.
Steve Burnes
Steve you know Brandstater wont be here anymore when its faulkners turn to play. Faulkner is tall (so he doesnt have that against him) and has a strong arm. If he can gain 10-15 pounds over his redshirt year he will be exactly where you want a QB to be. He will get a fair shot, just give it some time.
NSC...I'm good with that!
Steve Burnes
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