Who's To Blame?

The last two weeks have not been very good to Fresno State fans. With two close losses that could have easily been wins Fresno State is now looking at an uphill battle to turn this into a successful season. The problems that lay ahead for the Dogs is the fact that their schedule still includes Hawaii, Boise State, LSU, and La. Tech. If Fresno State does not fix their offensive woes they will lose all four of these games leaving them with a 6-6 record this season. Obviously that will not go down as a great season for a Fresno State team that has continually made it to a bowl game year after year. Over the last two weeks I have read many comments on who is to blame for this mess that we have had on the football field. Some fans blame the players, while others blame the special teams. Other fans blame the coaching or some have just pinned it on inexperience and bad luck. Here is my take on who is to blame for the past two games.

1) Inexperience - I am not sure why so many people thought the transition from one quarterback to the next would be flawless. Look around the nation and aside USC most schools struggle with this aspect in college football. You cannot take a four year starter (albeit I was never a fan of Pinegar) and replace him with someone who has thrown a total of 13 passes in his college career. Yes, Brandstater has been in the system for two years up to this point, but his game experience had been next to nothing. You cannot simulate game experience and because Brandstater has little game experience you had to feel he would struggle throughout the early games this season. I am one of those fans who is in the Norton corner, I just can't understand putting a parade All American on the bench but I trust in Pat Hill and know he does what is in the best interest for this football team. Those of you who are calling for Norton this early in the season can't be serious. If you feel like Brandstater is the reason we lost the last two games you are not watching closely. Brandstater is not given the chance to throw the ball unless you consider throwing it 21 times in a game a chance. Fresno State is a run first offense and as long as Hill is the coach they always will be. I will touch more on the qb situation a little later in this post.

2) Play Calling - Cignetti left Fresno and for most of us this wasn't something that seemed to be a bad thing for Fresno State. Cignetti's offense has been known as vanilla by so many other coaches because of the relative predictability that it entails (North Carolina is not doing too much better with Cignetti as their coordinator) . I have to say that Steve Hagen's offense is exactly the same. Everyone knows it is going to be Dwayne Wright on first down and a majority of second downs as well. Many of our fans will say that is because Brandstater cannot make the throws, but how do you know that? Do you know why Brandstater struggles on third and longs? How many chances during the course of a game is Brandstater given the chance to throw the ball 15 yards? Against Washington he probably threw the ball 15 yards four times. So of course when the game is on the line with a 3rd and 15 he is going to mis-fire. Brandstater has to have the opportunity to unleash the ball from time to time and the offensive play calling does not allow this. Case in point: Watch the film from games 1-3 and tell me how many times he has gone deep to someone else aside Williams? If your answer is none then you are correct. What kind of offense only draws up deep routes for one player? If your answer is Fresno State you are correct. Even with Cignetti we still tried to go deep to Williams and Jennings. Now defenses know they just have to cover Williams deep because the Dogs will not throw to anyone else down field aside Williams. If the Dogs are to make this a successful seaosn (which is definitely possible) they need to open up the playbook. Dinking and dunking the ball five yards here and there isn't going to get it done. If it didn't work against one of the bottom three teams from the Pac-10 it isn't going to work against anyone.

3) Special Teams - I don't understand what has happened to this facet of Bulldog football. First you have the blocked field goal that turns into a nightmare. Next you have the fake field goal that ends up being the difference in the game. The following week you have two botched snaps and a ball trickle into the end zone that should have been downed on the one yard line. Not to mention our special teams coverage has been bad this season. Against Oregon we allowed two big punt returns putting the Ducks in great field position to start drives. Stitser had every reason to be upset the past week as his holder could not get the ball down into good position for him on both missed kicks. He also pooched it beautifully on a field goal he could have easily made and I believe that is why he was so upset. Hill took a chance away from Stitser to give us three points because he wanted to pin Washington deep and our special teams could not get it done. If there is anyone area of the Bulldogs that has been a disappointment this season it has been the special teams unit.

However you look at the start of the season there are two people you cannot in any way blame for the losses: Pat Hill and Tom Brandstater. Pat Hill does not call the offensive plays, Steve Hagen does. If you have a problem with the offensive playcalling (which I definitely do) address Hagen when posting, not Hill. If you have a problem with the quarterback situation realize that Brandstater has thrown the ball 91 times in his college career. If you expected him to come in and take over right where Pinegar left off then you put unrealistic expectations on this young man and that is on you as fans. There is no way anyone should expect Brandstater to be flawless at this point in his college career. If he still makes the types of mistakes he has made this year as a senior then you have a reason to complain but right now he is learning and the play calling is not helping him one bit.

Fresno State has an opportunity to get back to 3-2 before Hawaii comes calling. It is going to be very important over the next three weeks to get Brandstater some snaps against both Colorado State and Utah State. These games are both very winnable games for the Dogs. If they can pull these out then we have our biggest rivalry coming to town on October 14th (somebody's 29th birthday by the way, yes it's me). If ever there was a time that Fresno needs our support as fans it is now. Every year is not going to have an 8-1 start with a #16 ranking. We need to support the Dogs when Colorado State comes to town. The point I always make is Tennessee did not play in a bowl game last year but still sold out every home game. Their fan support was there and look how they started out this season. They lost to a very good Florida team but are now ranked #15. If you just have faith it will work out in due time. Fresno State will be ok, just let them work out their problems. It is early in the season, and believe me it is much better to have these problems now rather than later. If we can just fix them the season will be a success. It's still Bulldog football, don't forget that.

So my question for all of you Dogs fans is who do you blame for what has happened and why? Should we blame anyone or should we just support the Dogs? I am on the latter half here. I do throw blame out there but I will be a Bulldog fan regardless and I hope most of you will as well.

Frustration Is Setting In

I am a faithful Bulldog fan and always will be. I love Fresno State football and really am happy with what Pat Hill has brought us over the last ten years. However, I am at wit's end with this offense and what they have done. Every game we have the chance to absolutely take the other team out early on (as we did against Washington) and we don't do it. Yesterday up 7-0 we get the ball back on the 45 yard line. That is the time where you start going for the kill. I realize Dwayne Wright has been a great running back for us, but you throw the ball deep on the first play when you get it back. Instead Fresno gets the ball back and does absolutely nothing with it. I mean we had series where we ran the ball all three downs. TB only threw 9 passes by halftime. We were down 14-7 and he had thrown nine passes, you cannot say that is efficent by any means. I said Fresno would not be any better than an 8-4 team this season, but I was not counting on a loss to Washington. I figured we would have a three game losing streak with Hawaii (whom I picked to win 9-10 games), Boise, and LSU.

I came away from yesterday's game with one thought: our coaching is the reason we do not win games. I talked to MDG about it last night and he and I both agree that the coaches hold the team back. I know that sounds assanine but the truth is look at the play calling. We run such a predictable offense and the amazing thing is we should be 3-0 right now. How much talent does it take to do what the Dogs do on offense? I mean you have a quarterback who completes 50% of his passes (which in our system is horrible because the passing game is so one dimensional). Yesterday TB was saved by a false start on offense, and then threw the exact same ball again for an interception. Brandstater has a problem with a couple of fundamentals that quarterbacks cannot have. Here are some of his problems:

1) More often than not Brandstater throws off of his front or back foot. He does not set and just lets the ball fly, which is why he over and under throws receivers so much. Yesterday on third and fifteen he missed Fernandez wide open. On 3rd and eight he underthrew Fernandez who was wide open again. With the game on the line he had Fairman open on a middle slant (which is always open, I don't know why we don't exploit that more) not once but twice and both times overthrew him badly. All of this can be attributed to not setting himself as he throws.

2) TB does not seem to have pocket presence yet. He doesn't know when to move up, when to step back, or when to run. He just kind of looks lost in the shuffle during plays.

3) My biggest complaint of them all, he holds on to the ball to long. He waits and waits and waits until the receivers have cut four or five times. This is so frustrating to watch because you know with our three receivers and tight end that someone is open every play.

I don't know if Sean Norton is the answer. I don't know if opening up the passing game is the answer. But when you have Ralph Wood (who literally knows next to knothing about football) commenting on how Fresno State will not be able to rely on the run for the entire season then you know something is wrong. He unfortunately is right. I have been clamoring about this since our first game. If we don't start passing the ball we will not win games and eventually we will begin to get blown out. Boise will stop the run. LSU will definitely stop the run. Boise's weakness is the vertical game deep, something we cannot take advantage of right now.

In the end it is going to come down to play calling and opportunities. If the coaches dont give us opportunites then this will never end and we will finish 7-5 this season and not play in a bowl game. It could become an ugly season, I just hope it doesn't get to that.

Rant..Part of this is for the Dog Talk Crew its 1 AM and I am Half-a-Sleep

The defense played good...UW only gained 297 total yards and Rankin and James combined were held to less than 30 yards. Stanback killed the defense with some good throws at inopportune times and his legs.

This game falls on the offensive playcalling and coaches. Brandstater has looked better, but give the kid a chance. The play calling is heavy Dwayne Wright and when Tommy needs to go deep, he just can't get it done. The Bulldogs are lucky Wright is so freaking good. Otherwise, FS scores maybe one touchdown on Saturday. The offense had no rhythm, Tommy had only completed 6 throws well into the 4th quarter and he only had 11 for the entire game. He should have completed 6 throws in one drive.

I see Paul Williams was finally added to the game plan, but the offensive coaches forget about the other WRs, who caught a combined 1 catch for 4 yds (thanks to Fairman). PW had 6 catches for 86 yards, but Fernandez is just as valuable.

Hill let Pinegar fling the ball all over the field, why not let Brandstater. He has the better arm, but is accuracy is suspect. Brandstater is slowly becoming a game manager and not a quarterback. At this pace it doesn't look like he will pass 200 yds passing in a game for few reasons:

1. Against really bad teams, Wright will be the offense and the passing game will not be needed per se.

2. Against good teams, Wright will largely be the only offense the team will muster. Brandstater has yet to prove he can beat teams with his arm alone.

3. Against average teams, Wright will again have a field day, and Brandstater may or may not have to make plays. Against Nevada he didn't need to, against UW he had to and didn't.

The Dogs are playing SEC football, but their opponents are hardly SEC quality. IMO, the only reason this team is and will be staying in games is because of Wright. Teams can stack the box, but Wright will still get 100 yards. Only if the vertical game would some appear. Dare I say Sean Norton?

In 2002, Grady was crap, Hill got lucky when Grady got hurt and was able to insert Pinegar. By mid-season, Pinegar became the starter, even though Grady was healthy again. Hill didn't break any of "his rules" per se, by giving Grady's job to Pinegar, because his reasoning was a health issue. Pinegar was healthy, but Grady wasn't. If Grady beat out Pinegar in fall camp in 2002, he must have been better, right? Or was it just because he knew the offense better? Also keep in mind there was also a new OC in 02 (Stagnetti). So if Grady beat out Pinegar in fall camp and knew the offense better, why didn't Hill insert him back into the lineup when he finally got healthy?

Now, why was Brandstater named the starter again...he beat out Norton in fall camp and he knew the offense better, supposedly... right?...through three games thus far in 2006, the offense doesn't look too complicated, give Wright the ball, and throw the ball on 3rd and long and hope your WR comes down with the ball.

Did that "QB controversy" hurt the team in 2002? I know Pinegar got his chance because Grady got hurt at Wisconsin, but he still got his chance and showed he could play in 2002(remember pre-chest injury).

I say give Norton was reps during the off week, prepare him for some game time action against CSU. Hill said if his QB was not playing well, he wouldn't hesitate to pull him. If Norton sucks against CSU, then Tommy is the QB and through thick or thin. But if he doesn't suck, then why not play the QB that gives the team the best chance to win...

the Dog Talk host were ranting that a QB change would break up the team because they wouldn't know who their starter is, that it would break up the flow of the offense(what flow, we're not talking about taking out Wright) and it would destroy Brandstater's confidence (I think it is a little too late for that). Hill said from day 1 of fall camp that he has two guys that could start and would be comfortable with either one playing...he wouldn't lie on TV would he???

The Dog Talk hosts were also calling out a caller to give an example when a change at the helm worked? The caller said NE with the whole Bledsoe to Brady debacle. The Dog Talk hosts said no, it has to be a college example. Okay, first, yes the NFL is different, second, it is freaking hard to just remember what you have for lunch, much less come up with an example of when a QB change worked at the college level.

Apart from injury, I can almost guarantee the 2002 team would not have won 9 games with Grady, but it did with Pinegar, that changed worked. But like I said apart from injury.

For the Dog Talk crew, last season Mike Stoops pulled his starting QB in favor of a true freshman Willie Tuitama. He was criticized but Tui led the 'Cats to a win at Oregon State, a blowout of top 10 UCLA, and a near upset of rival ASU.

Norton is the program's only Parade All-American, I would like to see him get some practice time with the first team.

I have seen both QBs evolve over the last year, Norton has always been a great passer, Brandstater has only recently become a great passer. Brandstater has the upside because of his height, but you can't measure Norton's intangibles.

Give the kid a shot, FS is 1-2 with Brandstater, Norton couldn't have done much worse. The next game is two weeks away and CSU should not be a stiff challenge. Brandstater starts, but give Norton the second and fourth series of the 1st half. And we can see how he performs under pressure in real game situations outside of high school.

What About the Athletes?

With the discovery of Reggie Bush's wrongdoings while attending USC being released today it made me think about how much of a fraud the NCAA is to their athletes. How much money do you think Peyton manning brought into Tennessee? How much money do you think Reggie Bush brought into USC? Both of these athletes put fans in the seats with their phenominal play while at the same time making money for their respective universities through jersey sales and such. How much money would these athletes receive if they did not accept money from boosters or agents? If your answer is nothing then you are correct. True, most athletes are on scholarships but the fact is that hardly covers daily life. While the universities first priority should be the health and well being of the athletes I can point to at least three reasons why the universities could care less if an athlete graduates or is injured.

1) Money - it will always come down to money. Athletics in college is about profit. Sure its great to have a team that wins the national championship in football. However, what a university president will be extremely happy about is the 17 million dollar payout that comes from making the championship game. Isn't it funny how these presidents can all get together and pretend to care about the athletes themselves but as soon as money comes up it changes everything?

2) The 12th Game - Prior to 2006 a 12th game would only be approved every other year and that was only if you made the trip to Hawaii (it's the island exception rule). University presidents who say a playoff cannot happen because it will interfere with school and cause to much of a burden for the athletes somehow think it's ok to have a game twelve. So instead of shaving the season back two games and having a playoff with the addition of one game the presidents will keep the BCS format and will now require twelve games out of each institution. But wait, isn't that more work for the athletes that the presidents care so much about?

3) Bowl Games - Bowl games purely exist to earn profit. Now there is the argument that a bowl game is a nice reward to a good season and I will not argue that. However, who is happy to play in the Silicon Valley Classic? Who is happy to play in the Humanitarian bowl? I am not saying the latter of the two is a bad bowl but you earn virtually nothing and it is a strain on the institution. If a playoff were to take place then these strains may not be nearly as tough on the student-athletes.

I am sure there are many more points that can be argued as to why the presidents in college football have screwed the game up horribly. The fact of the matter is that money is what makes college football work. Athletes are not given anything aside the sense of pride for playing their asses off. Some make it big and never have to look back, but most are not as lucky. What do you do to these players aside tell them that you are proud of their efforts? You don't pay them a penny and know they just went out and played their asses off for you and your university. The NCAA is the biggest fraud in the nation today. It's to bad that very little can be done about it aside allow these old men to keep operating under a system that sucks to say the least.

Allegations May Cost USC National Title

He won the heisman trophy in 2005. His team won back to back national championships in 2003 and 2004. He would go second in the NFL draft (and probably should have gone first). He electrified the college game with every single ball that he touched. Reggie Bush is a once in a lifetime college football player. He is one of those players that comes along once in a decade that we will not forget because of the amazing things he could do on the football field. But was Reggie Bush the football saint that the college world made him out to be? It has come to light in recent days that Reggie Bush and his family may have accepted over 100,000 dollars from sports agents who were reportedly trying to lure Bush to become a client. But I don't want to focus necessarily on what Reggie Bush did here, it isn't like he would be the first student athlete to accept money. Instead I want to focus on what this is going to do to him and his old teammates at USC.

USC won an unprecendeted 34 games in row starting in 2003 and ending in 2005. USC finished as co-national champions in 2003 and won the outright championship in 2004 after blowing out Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. Reggie Bush then won the Heisman Trophy in 2005. If these allegations are true there is a chance that Reggie Bush will cost USC their title in 2004 as he played a major role in getting the Trojans to the championship game that season. Think about all of the players on the team that will lose their championship ring because Bush decided to take money. Will they understand why Bush did this, or feel betrayed that they could not trust their star player? I am willing to guess there will be a large amount of resentment towards Bush from anyone he played on the field with at the time. Matt Leinart also played at USC and came out during the same draft as Bush did. However, we do not hear any allegations of Leinart taking money. He is in the same situation now as Bush is; In the pro's making large sums of money and living a good life. What is different between the two is Leinart did not put his team in jeopardy. Leinart made sure that it wasn't only about him but also about everyone else on that playing field.

My question to all of you as readers is: Is a player like Reggie Bush worth having if he is going to put the program in jeopardy? If Fresno State had a player like Bush and won national championships but had to forfeit them in the end would you still want him on the team? For me the answer is no. I would much rather have hard working players such as Marcus McCauley, Paul Williams, and Kyle Young who play every down like it is their last in college football. All three of these men will be drafted at the end of the season but play college football the way it should be played. Reggie Bush may be a special athlete, but if the end result is forfeiting everything your team accomplished over the past two seasons, then what is the point of acquiring stars like that in the first place if what they do in the end doesn't matter?

Special Teams Preview/ Game Prediction

Special Teams - I took a lot of crap last week for putting both Fresno State and Oregon as equals with respect to special teams. However, Paul Martinez hit a 36 yard field goal, their kick return team outperformed ours, and they made the special teams plays we didn't. I know it doesn't happen often, but Oregon's special teams outplayed Fresno's last weekend. I would not look for the same thing to happen this weekend. Although Fresno has lot quite a bit in the kick return game with Joe Fernandez as opposed to Adam Jennings, Fernandez does not turn the ball over on kickoffs and that is something we should be thankful for. He holds onto the ball and will get the ball out to the 25-30 yard line on every kickoff. The punting game has taken a hit with Lingua not being able to kick as Malone just doesn't have the hang time that Lingua does. Opposing teams are returning punts at a much better rate this year than they did last year against Fresno. As usual our kicking game is fine as Clint Stitser is one of the best in the nation and will continue to get better as the season goes along.

Washington counters with a decent kick return game. Roy Lewis averages 18 yards per kick return which is acceptable in today's kick return world. However, Washington has a distinct advantage in the punting game. Their punter Sean Douglas averages over 50 yards per punt this season and actually has had one punt registered at 82 yards. If he can continue to boom the ball the Huskies are going to enjoy a field position battle that we all know is very important in the game of college football. Overall Washington's special teams are definitely capable of making big plays. Fresno State has become one of the premier special teams schools in the nation and has a slight edge over Washington here. As long as the Bulldogs can remember that teams from time to time will run a fake field goal because the Dogs block so many kicks they should be in good shape in this one.

Special Teams Advantage - Fresno State

Prediction - Washington is far improved from the last time these two teams met. At the same time Fresno State is also a much improved team overall. Everyone knows about Fresno State's problems rebounding from a tough loss, but last season they came back and drilled Toledo a week after they lost to Oregon in similar fashion to this season. Washington will give Fresno more than they wish to handle in this game. The line on the game is around two but the Bulldogs will be hungry to win this game and get another winning streak started. Overall it should be a very competitive game with Fresno State coming out on top in the end.

Fresno State 34 Washington 24

New Fresno State Blog

AOL Sports has launched a new college football site devoted to college football blogs. And Fresno State is the only non-BCS school -- besides Navy -- that has its own page. I will be contributing most of the content to the new blog.

So add one more site to your daily grind of Bulldog football info. And I want to thank NSC for contributing to the FSFB. His insight and perspective is different from mine. So when I contribute and post, it is not just repetitive information.

Should We Concentrate on Losing Streaks?

Recently I have realized that the newspapers, television, and even Fresno fans seem to have concentrated their focus of Fresno State on the losing streaks we have gone thrugh over the past 10 years. For every season Pat Hill has coahced the Bulldogs they have had at least one losing streak of two games or more every year. Yes, it is a frustrating fact for Bulldog fans to deal with, but there is much more to this losing streak problem than one may realize. For example here is the losing streaks we have endured over the last ten years:

1997: Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oregon and Colorado State, San Diego State
1998: Colorado, Texas Tech, Nevada and Texas Tech, Utah
1999: Oregon State, UCLA
2000: Ohio State, UCLA
2001: Boise State, Hawaii ***** (best shot at BCS)
2002: Oregon, Oregon State and Boise State, Hawaii
2003: Colorado State and Hawaii
2004: La. Tech, Utep, Boise State
2005: USC, Nevada, La Tech, Tulsa

If you take a look at these losing streaks you will notice one thing in common: They are all losing streaks to pretty good teams. Yes, Fresno State has lost WAC games they shouldn't have such as the La Tech, UTEP streak in 2004. However, for the most part each of these streaks have been valid losing streaks. We may have been the better team in 2001 but losing to Boise State and Hawaii is nothing to be ashamed of. Both of those teams (who we also lost to in 2002) are continually considered in the upper echelon of the WAC.

Now I know, what's my point here. My point is maybe the media, the fans, and Fresno should stop concentrating on losing streaks. The Dogs don't go out there and hand these games to other teams. They don't try to lose games, they play hard every game. The only game I have ever questioned there effort in would have been La. Tech last season. Fresno State football does not need their fans second guessing whether they are going to lose or not. It's football, just support the team. If they win great, but if they lose don't abandon them. This is coming from a Anaheim Angels fan since the age of 6. I am 28 now and in 2002 we won the world series. Do you think anyone ever thought that would be possible? Just keep hope and do not focus on the losses. The Dogs will have their year, just give them some time.

FSU-Washington Secondary/LB Preview

Linebackers - Marcus Riley will make his return this week for Fresno State. He will not be playing the entire game and will not start. However, Riley returning is one of the better things that can happen to this Bulldog defense. Riley may be a little rusty when he returns after being out for almost an entire season, but his addition to the team makes this defense that much better. Goodwin, Andrews and Riley form a three Linebacker set that is much stronger than most teams Fresno will play. Last year with both Andrews and Riley in the game the Bulldogs allowed 14 points per game. It is obvious that this team is much stronger with Riley playing than without him in the game. In the first two games the opposing teams have been able to run a Tight End down the middle of the field virtually oncovered because our Linebackers are not picking up the receivers in the middle of the field. If Washington decides to do this (which will be a surprise seeing that they throw to their Tight Ends about as much as Fresno State does) they might be able to take advantage of the Bulldogs. Washington though is dealing with the fact that their top two Tight Ends on the depth chart are out. Fresno State's Linebackers will have to make plays to keep Washington's running game in check. If they continue to miss tackles this will be another long day for the Bulldogs defense. I don't think the Bulldogs are going to get beat up again on defense but if they do something needs to be changed. Whether it be defensive coordinator Dan Brown or the players itself, something is wrong with the defense. They cannot continually allow big plays to the running backs and passes to the middle of the field. The Linebackers can do more to stop this than anyone on the field, and they will be asked to do this against Washington.

Washington does not necessarily play great defense. They have given up 29 points to San Jose (which could have easily been more) and 37 points to Oklahoma which is nothing to be ashamed of. The Linebackers for Washington will have their hands full with respect to trying to plug the holes that Dwayne Wright will be given throughout the course of the game. Oregon's Linebackers could not stop Wright as he rushed for over 150 yeards for the second game in a row. Fresno State will try to establish the run as they always do, and it will be up to the Linebackers to stop the Dogs. Washington has a tough test awaiting them in Fresno State's offense and i just don't feel like they are going to be able to stop our running game. Fresno at the same time is being given a big task in trying to stop Washington's running game. The Huskies run the ball efficiently and the Dogs will have to step up and stop the run game if they want to win this game. Fresno State will do a better job of stopping the run, giving them a better chance to win.

Linebacker Advantage - Fresno State (Riley is back)

Secondary - If Fresno had four Marcus McCauley's there would be no problems. Unfortunately our secondary is made up of Simmons and Jenkins, Mays, and Shirley who all seem to arrive a second to late on every play. I honestly feel like our secondary is one of our biggest weaknesses on the team. McCauley will take the lead receiver out of the game, he has already done it twice. However, it will be up to the rest of the team to force bad throws from Stanback. Will Washington turn the ball over? Fresno is yet to force an interception on the season and with the play of our safeties and corner I don't foresee it happening anytime soon. McCauley may pick one off, but the rest of the secondary is definitely light years behind this season. Mays needs to pick his game up, he has been in the program for four years now and should know the system by now. Jenkins and Simmons continually make mistakes on the corner and if this continues to occur I feel like A.J. Jefferson should be given a chance. I realize he is a Freshman but at least he showed he can stay with receivers against Nevada. I am sure I will take a lot of heat for this, but our secondary just doesn't leave me with a lot of faith to stop passing plays unless they throw #17's way and we all know that just isn't going to happen.

Washington obviously has had a terrible time stopping the passing game. The only reason Fresno has an edge here is because Washington's pass defense has been so bad, not because Fresno State's has been very good. Brandstater should be able to throw on Washington often, but there is no guarantee that Fresno State will even push the issue as they tend to fall back on their running game more so than most teams in division one. But what will the Dogs do if the running game is rendered unsuccessful because of a stout defensive line? Hopefully then can find some type of passing game against Washington because if they don't the Dogs will be in deep trouble when LSU comes calling.

Secondary Edge - Fresno, and believe me this is very close

Other WAC games this week and my picks for them:

1) Boise State @ Wyoming - Boise State, I can't pick against this team

2) Idaho St. @ Idaho - Look for Idaho to get their first win here

3) Nichols St. @ La. Tech - La. Tech, it will be ugly

4) Utah @ Utah State - Utah, but closer than most expect

5) Texas Southern @ NMSU - NMSU, 2 wins in one season simply amazing

6) Colorado State @ Nevada - Nevada gets thir first win at home

7) UNLV @ Hawaii - Hawaii and Hawaii big

It should be a good week overall for the WAC as Fresno is the only team playing a BCS opponent. The rest of the WAC should do well and win most of their games.

FSU-Washington O-Line/D-Line Preview

Offensive Line - Fresno State possesses one of the top offensive lines in the nation. To see this you have to look no further than to Dwayne Wright's run production. Wright has rushed for over 150 yards in each of the first two games of the season and there is no reason he cannot keep that torrid pace up with Roshon Vercher leading the way. Kyle Young is arguably the best center in all of college football. With Young anchoring the offensive line Fresno's run game and quarterback protection tend to be better than most other teams could hope for. Fresno State will have an advantage comapred to most other teams with respect to the offensive line. Oregon had a good offensive line but Fresno's played so well against Oregon that they were able to post a plus ten minute differential in the time of possession department. If Fresno can operate with the same gameplan they did against Oregon they should control the ball and win this game.

Washington's offensive line has done a very good job early in the year. They have continually opened up holes for their running backs to gain yard after yard. Kenny James and Louis Rankin have combined for over 380 yards rushing in their first two games. If you throw quarterback Isaiah Stanbacks rushing yards in Washington has rushed for over 500 yards in their first two games this season. The offensive line will continue to open holes as Fresno State not only has had a hard time putting pressure on the qb, but this time they will have to do it without Tyler Clutts (pictured above). Overall these two offensive lines will allow both running games to flourish on Saturday. This game will come down to which quarterback has better protection and time to throw. Because of that I feel that Fresno State has the advantage on the offensive line.

Offensive Line Advantage - Fresno State

Defensive Line - If there is a weakness for Fresno State this has been it. Not only do the Bulldogs give up large sums of yards both on the ground and through the air, they also get very little pressure on the quarterback. The picture above of Clutts sacking the quarterback in the only sack this season that the defense has registered. For a short period against Oregon (the second quarter) Fresno mixed up their defensive formations well and put pressure on Dixon, one of the main reasons the Ducks only put up three points in the quarter. If the Dogs can find a way to confuse Washington's offense they may be able to force them into making mistakes. However, if Fresno State's defensive line continues to allow the opponents offensive line to control them we may be in for another wild game.

Washington also has the same weakness as Fresno, as they give up large amounts of yards throught the air and ground. Washington allowed San Jose to throw for over 330 yards against them showing that the way to beat Washington is to run and open up the passing game through play action. Whether the Bulldogs will do that or not is yet to be seen mainly because our offensive threats have not shown theirselves aside Dwayne Wright. Washington will also need to find a way to put pressure on our quarterback. Oregon hit Brandstater countless times but only sacked him once. Brandstater showed he is tough and can take hits and keep on playing. I don't believe Washington is a better team than Oregon therefore I don't see their defensive line doing much to stop the Bulldogs. Since the Bulldogs defensive line is so suspect and although I think they might be a bit better than Washington I am going to say these two units up front are close to even. It will be the secondaries that decide how the offenses will succeed in this one.

Defensive Line Advantage - Fresno State, but very close

FSU-Washington WR/TE Preview

Wide Receivers - Unfortunately Fresno State has not used it's three returning wide receivers to it's advantage this year. At the starting of the season the Bulldogs returned Paul Williams, Jaron Fairman, and Joe Fernandez. However, these three returning receivers have not spelled an answer to a passing game that seems to have disappeared since the days of David Carr. Fresno State has predominantly become a running team and these receivers have all suffered due to this. All three receivers have amazing talent, with Williams having the highest ceiling of the three. Fernandez and Fairman run outstanding routes and are where they should be each time the ball is thrown. Fresno State has the edge with respect to receiving only because these three have absolutely great hands and have dropped very few passes this year. I am not 100% sure but I can only remember one dropped pass between the three and that was Fairman in the fourth quarter last week. Fresno should take advantage of a Washinton defense that has been torched by the passing game. San Jose threw for over 300 yards against Washington two weeks ago as their pass defense seems to be soft this season. Pat Hill should give Brandstater more freedom to throw in this game, but if he doesn't then the passing game will not be as advantageous as Bulldog fans might hope it to be.

Washington's passing game is almost non-existant at this time. Their leading receiver has only eight receptions and this is largely due to the fact that Stanabck is not consistant at quarterback. He has outstanding athleticism yes, but his accuracy and decision making skills are terrible at times. One pass he looks like an all american quarterback, the next pass you wonder how he made it into the college ranks in the first place. If Stanback plays with his normal inconsistancy look for Wasington to insert Carl Bonnell into the game just as they did a week ago against Oklahoma. Washington has the talent to pass the ball and Fresno's pass defense has not been anything to write home about. However, I do not see Stanback taking advantage of the Freshman corner opposite McCauley often enough to make a difference in this game. Fresno should enjoy a big advantage in the passing game overall.

Wide Receiver Advantage - Fresno State

Tight Ends - Fresno State still has not used the Tight End to their advantage. Bear Pascoe is one of the bigger Tight Ends in college football and has great hands. last week Oregon ran countless plays to their Tight End over the middle of the field continually burning the Bulldogs as no Linebacker picked up the Tight End. Fresno should try and run similar plays with Pascoe as it is becoming frustrating to watch such a talented receiver go unnoticed throughout the course of an entire game. Throwing the ball to the Tight End once a game is not the answer to improving the passing offense. Washington will either see a Fresno State team that relies heavily on the run and does not allow it's quarterback to make plays or they will see a Bulldog team that realizes they need to get the passing game going if they want to win consistantly this season. Eventually the running game is going to be shut down and when that happens the Bulldogs are going to need to fall back on the passing game which they cannot do at this time.

Washington's leading receiver at Tight End has a total of three catches through two games. The Huskies have also had problems getting the ball to their receivers and Tight Ends. I would venture to say this is a game that may pass by quite fast due to the fact both teams will try to control the clock with the running game. Fresno may be more inclined to try and throw the ball than Washington will, but both teams have very good running games and passing games that suffer from lack of experience and lack of imagination on the Offensive Coordinator's part. With respect to the Tight End situation neither team truly has an advantage because neither team adequately uses their Tight Ends as they should. If this game turns into a run fest for both teams look for it to be very close in the end. If the Bulldogs can find a way to get their Tight Ends and Receivers involved the Bulldogs will have a chance to pull away in the second half. Whether they do or not will be up to gameplan and execution. Brandstater needed to make plays last week to keep us in the game against Oregon and this week he will need to make plays to keep us ahead of Washington. If Brandstater cannot make the plays against Washington look for a game that wll be much closer than any Bulldog wants to see.

Tight End Advantage - Even Due to Lack of Use of Tight Ends

Note - Due to the off week between Washington and Colorado State I am going to be taking suggestions for blogs next week. If anyone has anything they would like me to write about let me know via the Blogboard email. I won't be doing the Colorado State preview until the week of the game so all suggestions are definitely welcome. I am here to provide you Bulldog fans with a preview of everything that we will see in each game. If there are other ideas you might want to discuss let me know because it is about each and every one of us Bulldog fans coming together to root for the same team every Saturday.

Who in the **** is Red, and Who in the **** Gave Him a Mic?

NSC has been contributing to this blog and given his great insight to the games, and I hate to break up his flow of UW-FS previews, but I need to rant on that fat guy with the mic at Saturday's game name Red.

Oregon plays in Fresno for the first time in 10 years. It is the first time in five years a ranked BCS team plays in Fresno. It is the first time one of ABC/ESPN's top play-by-play crews -- Dan Fouts, Tim Brandt and Jack Arute -- call a game in Fresno. And FS decides to have some guy named Red run wild with a mic.

If I was a Duck fan, I would have been embarrassed for Bulldog fans, thinking they have to deal with Red for every home game. Well, it was Red's first appearance at Bulldog Stadium, I believe, he might have been at some other games, but wasn't as annoying as he was Saturday night.

It just makes me think the athletic department is trying too hard to develop some freakin traditions. Let Red go, and try something else, please.

FSU-Washington QB/RB Preview

Quarterbacks - For the first time this season the QB edge may go to Tom Brandstater. Although Brandstater's completion percentage may be low up to this point in the season he has only started two games, one of those against PAC-10 powerhouse Oregon. Brandstater may have only gone 16-33 last weekend but his scrambling ability and mental tougness kept Fresno State close. It is hard to say that a quarterback has come a long way in such a short time, but Brandstater has shown that he can lead the Bulldogs and has the intangibles to make the smart plays at QB. he does not throw the ball into coverage often nor does he force passes he shouldn't. Look for Brandstater to have more freedom to throw in this game as Washington does not have a strong pass defense and will have a hard time shutting down the passing offense of the Bulldogs. Isaiah Stanback started last week against Oklahoma and had the Huskies in the game deep into the third quarter. Whether he starts this week or not is unknown as he was replaced midway through the third quarter by Carl Bonnell. However, it doesn't matter who steps in for the Huskies, their passing game is not their strength. They are better suited to run the ball giving the quarterback edge to Fresno State.

Quarterback Advantage - Fresno State

Running Backs - Fresno State will have the advantage in the running game due to their massive front line. Oregon has one of the better defensive lines that Fresno State will face, yet Dwayne Wright was still able to rush for over 150 yards. The Bulldogs overall rushed for over 200 yards for the second straight game and there is no reason to think that is going to stop. Oregon knew Fresno State loves to run the ball and stack nine men the box time and time again only to see Dwayne Wright run right through them. Washington will not be able to stop the run game, they will have to focus on limiting the Bulldogs to 4 yards a carry in order to have a chance in this game. Although Washington is a much improved team from two years ago when the Bulldogs last played them I still don't seem them stopping Fresno's running game. As long as Fresno has Roshon Vercher blocking for Dwayne Wright there is very little any other team will be able to do to stop the Bulldogs running game as Vercher is one of the better fullbacks in the nation. Rarely does Vercher miss blocks and for the most part he will take out the leading defensive player on every run play.

Washington counters with Louis Rankin and a valley product - Kenny James at running back. The running game is Washington's strong point as they were also able to gain over 200 yards rushing this past week against #15 Oklahoma. Fresno State's defensive line did a decent job of holding Oregon's running game down but is still susceptable to giving up the big run play from time to time. If Fresno cannot fill the running lanes they are going to spend a long day allowing long run after long run to the speedy Washington running backs (this will depend on the availability of Marcus Riley who could return this week). Fresno has to be careful of having a letdown after last weekend's contest with Oregon. However, because they are playing another PAC-10 school I don't foresee a letdown in the cards. Fresno's defense will improve from last week and do a decent job against the Washington running game.

Running Back Advantage - Fresno State

Schedule for the week:

9/12 Wide Receiver/Tight End Preview

9/13 O-Line/D-Line Preview

9/14 Secondary/Linebacker Preview

9/15 Special Teams Preview/Prediction

9/16 Gameday

Disappointment Again

It seems that every year Fresno State cannot get over the hump that is known as the Oregon Ducks. Last night time and time again Fresno State had a chance to take a game from the Ducks. Unfortunately as fate would have it the Bulldogs were not going to end up the victors on this beautiful night of football.

Most people are going to look back on this game as the game that our special teams lost. However, I do not percieve this game that way at all. Fresno State had many chances to stop Oregon on defense far before the special teams even came into play. Countless times third and long turned into a first down as Oregon smartly threw to Jenkins and Simmons side continuously. From time to time Oregon tried to go to MCauley's side only to fail. Last night Marcus McCauley played one of the better games in his Fresno State career. If McCauley weren't knocking down passes he would be drilling Oregon Ducks play after play and this all happened after he endured a helmet to helmet hit from a Duck in the first quarter. McCauley's absence was noticeable as Oregon drove down the field easily without him in the game and scored a touchdown.

One thing that should come from this game is the promise of Tom Brandstater. Brandstater played with poise and toughness that we haven't seen in a Fresno State quarterback since the days of Trent Dilfer. Brandstater was punished play after play by the blitzing Oregon defense, but would get up and take Fresno State down field giving them a chance to win. I know most people in Fresno are going to take this loss hard because the Bulldogs had a chance to win, but do realize we are a young team. Our skilled positions are young (with most of them being sophomores or younger) and full of promise. Lonyae Miller filled in admirably for Dwayne Wright at running back. Although both Jenkins and Simmons were continually picked on at the corner opposite McCauley, they are gaining valuable experience while out there. Brandstater is a sophomore, and we have four freshman receivers with Chastin West already making an impact.

Overall I was very pleased with the Bulldogs effort last night. Most believe that the season is now lost but I feel that is far from true. Although the road is tough Fresno can rebound next week against a much improved Washington team. Look for Fresno to come out firing on all cylinders next week after a loss like this. I will say it now, the Bulldogs will begin a four game winning streak next weekend at Washington leading into our game at LSU. The fan support last night was unreal. Keep up the great fan support and hopefully down the line the Bulldogs will repay the fans for the great support they are giving them this season.

Other WAC Games

1) San Jose State 35 Stanford 34 - In an upset San Jose State came back to beat the Cardinal after trailing 34-14. Give the Spartans credit. They are much improved and will give many teams in the WAC much more of a game than they are ready for.

2) Arizona State 52 Nevada 21

3) Washington State 56 Idaho 10

4) Arkansas 20 Utah State 0

5) New Mexico 34 New Mexico State 28

What a Day for Football in Fresno

Tonight Oregon will step into Bulldog stadium to take on our Fresno State Bulldogs. Anyone who truly pays attention to the Oregon-Fresno State series knows these games tend to come down to whomever has the ball last. The last four times these two teams have played Oregon has come away the winner, but not once has it been by more than four points. Fresno State tends to have a team that matches up well against Oregon and tonight's team is no different. After reviewing each teams offenses, defenses, and special teams I found Oregon to hold a slight edge overall. However, many Fresno fans do not agree that Oregon's special teams are on the same level as ours. If I gave the special teams edge to Fresno then I would have said that both Fresno and Oregon are technically equal.

Tonight's game is going to be played in absolutely perfect football weather. In a city where 100 degrees has been the norm for over two months tonight's forecast is for clear skies with a temperature of 80 degrees at kickoff. By halftime the temperature should be down in the mid 70's. As Fresno State football fans we could not ask for more in one of our most important home games to date. Oregon comes in ranked #20, something the Bulldogs do not get to experience often. Teams from BCS conferences do not come into Fresno ranked to play the Bulldogs. Just ask those who have tried to win in Fresno from BCS conferences. Oregon State and Cal will tell you first hand how hard it is to win in Bulldog stadium. Tonight will be no different as Oregon will have to play a great game to beat the Bulldogs. However, don't get me wrong because Fresno will have to play near flawless to win the game as well.

Overall regardless of what happens Bulldog fans are in for a treat as overflow tickets have been sold out as well as all stadium tickets for tonights game. Tonight's game has actually been sold out since Wednesday, something we dont see in Fresno too often. The only thing I can say is Go Dogs, give it your all and you will have 43,000 fans behind you tonight at Bulldog Stadium.

Boise beats Oregon State - On a side note we should all be happy that Boise spanked Oregon State. Not only did this game expose Oregon State for the fraud of a PAC-10 school that it is, but it showed Boise can play and rip into a BCS school just as any other big name school can. This weekend is a big weekend for WAC schools. Here is hoping we can hold our own against the PAC-10. Other games between WAC and PAC-10 schools today are:

Nevada @ Arizona State

Idaho @ Washington State

Stanford @ San Jose State

Keep your fingers crossed that another school aside Boise can knock off a PAC-10 school. We don't want to be the doormats for these BCS conferences forever. The only way to knock that generalization about our conference is to win these important OOC games.

The FSFB Celebrates One Year!

The Fresno State Football Blog turns a year-old today. And what a way to celebrate the occasion by watching the 'Dogs and Ducks battle it out tonight.

This was the very first post on the FSFB.

Thanks to NSC for taking over a majority of the posts, I will still try to post when I get the chance, but if anyone else would like to contribute, please drop us a line.

FSU-Oregon Special Teams/Game Prediction

Special Teams - Fresno State tends to have the edge when it comes to special teams regardless of who they are being compared to. However, when being compared to Oregon that is not the case. While Clint Stitser has one of the better legs in college football, Paul Martinez of Oregon should not be overlooked. In 2005 Martinez went 8 for 9 on kicks from 40 yards or longer, an impressive stat for any college kicker. Overall Martinez hit 19 of 24 kicks last year for Oregon and returns even better than before. Fresno fans know they can count on Stitser to hit the long field goal but the same seems to be true for Oregon and Martinez. Last week Robert Malone did a great job of punting for the Dogs as he showed the hang time that we are used to seeing from Mike Lingua. It looks as if Lingua will be out and Malone will be punting once again, which doesn't seem to be such a bad thing. Oregon's punter Matt Dragich is also impressive as he averages 37-38 yards a punt. With respect to the kicking game there is no clear cut edge for either team.

Kick returning is something Fresno State takes pride in doing year in and year out. Unfortunately with Clifton Smith out the Bulldogs are not nearly as strong in the return game as they would be with him playing. Fernandez does a good job in the return game as he has great hands and will get us out to the 30 on a large percentage of kickoffs. Jaron Fairman and Chastin West can also be seen returning kicks for the Bulldogs. Oregon on the other hand uses both of their running backs to return kicks which has worked well for them. Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson are both speedy running backs with great ability to evade the defense on every play. Fresno State will have their work cut for them trying to keep these two from returing kicks efficiently. As long as Stitser can keep the ball in the end zone on his kickoffs and Malone can continue to maintain a great hangtime the Dogs will be fine with respect to special teams.

Special Teams Advanatage - Once Again Even

Prediction - The last time I checked the line for the game was Oregon by 4 1/2. To me that says the oddsmakers think this is going to be a close, hard fought game between these two teams and why shouldn't they? The last four times these two teams have played have been decided by four points or less. We all know Oregon has come away with a win each time and I am inclined to pick them once again because of Brandstater's lack of big game experience and Oregon's team speed. In the end I feel like it is going to come down to how well Tom makes the throws when Oregon forces the Dogs to throw the ball by loading up with 8-9 men in the box. The game will be close and will go down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The new clock rules might play a big role in ths game tomorrow as the team with the ball last may very well win this game. I don't pick against Fresno State often, and I do hope I am wrong but I just don't know if the Dogs have what it takes to come out on top in this one.

Oregon 31 Fresno State 28

I hope to see everyone out at the game. I know it is going to be packed and one of the better games of the season for both teams. Go Dogs, prove me wrong.

FSU-Oregon LB/Secondary Preview

Linebackers - If my sources are correct (and I could be wrong) Marcus Riley will be back against Oregon. He won't be 100%, but instead closer to 90%. However, Riley is the most productive Linebacker in our unit. Riley is the reason the opponents running game last season had been non-existant until week nine against USC. However, after Riley went down Fresno's run defense fell apart. They no longer had that weakside linebacker to stop the run to the outside. Case in point: Riley went down at halftime against USC, does anyone remember how many yards Bush had after the half as compared to the first half? Do I really have to say more than that? Andrews played outstanding last week against Nevada as he seemed to be everywhere throughout the game. Fresno will need an all out effort from Andrews once again if they are to stop the Oregon run. It does not matter if Oregon uses Stewart or a backup, their running backs have speed. Goodwin will have to do a better job in this game or Fresno will be in trouble against the Ducks. Ahijah Lane has also filled in at Linebacker, but with Quaadir Brown out with an injury the Bulldogs will need Trevor Shambley to continue to play as well as he has. Overall the Bulldogs have a strong Linebacker core and if Riley indeed does play Oregon's run game will not be nearly as productive as it would without Riley in the game.

I watched the highlights from the Oregon game against Stanford yesteday to get a better idea of how good Oregon is overall and all I can say is one thing: Oregon has an amazing amount of speed on defense. Every time Stanford ran left Oregon's Linebackers were all over the Stanford running backs. The Oregon Linebackers disrupted the passing lanes, caused fumbles, and gave Stanford little to no running room the entire game. One thing I did notice is Oregon sometimes overpursues plays (kind of similar to the Bulldogs defense in 2001). Now Fresno does not run many trick plays but if they were to run any kind of halfback option it would be open because of the amazing pursuit Oregon has during games. Overall Oregon's Linebackers are going to be tough to handle.

Linebacker Advantage - Fresno State, but not by much


Secondary - Fresno's secondary looked good for the most part against Nevada. Aside one play (the first one of the game) McCauley locked up his receiver as expected. On the other side of the field Bulldog fans were given a treat as A.J. Jefferson played out of his mind. Jefferson was all over the receivers on every play and seemed to have absolutely perfect timing. Unfortunately our safety spot struggled once again. I understand that Mays is a four star recruit but he just doesn't seem to play smart at times. Nevada's second touchdown was a result of Mays trying to jump a play when there was no need to. Rowe had been scrambling to the sideline and if Mays had stayed with his receiver Rowe would have gained three yards and run out of bounds. Instead Mays tried to intercept a fake and ended up giving up a touchdown. If Fresno is going to stop Oregon they cannot gamble as Mays did. This will kill the Bulldogs as Oregon is far too good to stop every time they have the ball.

I do not not exactly know Oregon's secondary as good as Oregon fans do, but I can say they have an amazing amount of speed. Stanford had no one to throw to literally the entire game. Last year Pinegar was able to tear a hole into the Oregon defense but that was while playing from behind the entire second half. If Oregon can take the lead early on Fresno may not have the throwing success that they did last year purely because Brandstater is not as experienced as we would like him to be in a big game such as this. The corners for Oregon will challenge Brandstater to beat them with man coverage as the safeties will tend to blitz early and often. If Brandstater cannot make these plays look for Oregon's secondary to completely control the game as it will be a long night for the Bulldogs.

Secondary Adavantage - Oregon, but once again not by much

'Dogs, Ducks Does It Get Any Better?

The Fresno State-Oregon series has become a heated battle, but until the 'Dogs beat the Ducks this decade, it is not a rivalry.

Fresno State has not won since 1982, 10-4 in Eugene. Since, Oregon was won four straight, 30-27(ot) in 1996, 43-40(ot) in 1997, 28-24 in 2002, and 37-34 last year. All the games, except for the 1996 game, have been at Autzen Stadium.

Unlike the 1996 game, Bulldog Stadium will be loud and full in 2006. And this year's team is actually good and matches up well with Oregon. I am expecting a close game, and the team that can run the ball effectively and commit the least amount of mistakes will win the game.

Jonathan Stewart is expected to practice Wednesday -- after missing Monday and Tuesday with his sprained ankle -- and should share time with backup Jeremiah Johnson. Johnson is not as powerful, but is faster and a better receiver out of the backfield. The run game will be the key, and Oregon could put anyone at tailback and gain yards with their great offensive line.

Oregon Team Overview

New Timing Rules: Pro or Con?

BS, that is exactly what I think of the new timing rules in college football. I don't see the need to shorten the games at all, but if that is what they want to do so badly there are much better ways to go about it then the new rules that have been put into play this season. The new rules are as follows:

1) The clock will now start when the kicker kickes the ball as opposed to when the returner catches the ball.

2) the clock will now being on change of possessions when the ball is marked and ready for play. This is a terrible rule, one that not even the NFL has.

3) The last rule continues off of the second one as the clock will begin after a first down is made as soon as the ball is marked and ready for play.

I don't necessarily have a problem with the first or third rule, I almost agree with them. The second rule however is horrible. The fact you are forcing the offense and defense onto the field so quickly after a change of possession is ridiculous. If the college game is so worried about time why don't they just adapt the same rule the NFL uses. When a ball carrier runs out of bounds in the NFL the clock begins as soon as the ball is marked and ready to go. This changes at the end of each half though as the clock remains stopped until a play is ran. I do not know if this occurs under 2 or 5 minutes left in the half, but that is a great rule to go by. Why do they have to force the offense on the field to rush their first play? I just don't think the rules are good for the game. This week Bellotti will be here with his Oregon Ducks and he absolutely hates the new clock rules. We will see what he thinks if the game goes down to the final minutes and the clock begins to play a factor. Let me know what you guys think about these new clock rules. Yes against Nevada they worked in our favor but it won't always be like this.

FSU-Oregon Offensive/Defensive Line Preview

Offensive Line - Both Fresno and Oregon are very similar with respect to Offensive and Defensive lines. In fact it is very hard to compare the two because they are so much alike. Both offensive lines give their quarterbacks plenty of time to throw the ball. Neither quarterback was sacked in week one and truthfully Brandstater was pressured maybe twice the entire game. Oregon's qb Dixon can avoid the pass rush because of his speed but that isn't necessarily an advantage to the offensive line. Both offensive lines tend to open gigantic holes for their runnin backs to run through as was obvious in week one when both teams rushed for over 200 yards a piece. Fresno is going to have to find a way to pressure Dixon into making bad throws, something they could not do against Nevada. Oregon is also going to have to find a way to make Brandstater throw the ball on the run or before he wants to. That is something Nevada could not do either. Overall I expect both teams to have good stats with respect to running and passing. The Offensive lines are just to good to allow anything else to happen.

Offensive Line Advantage - Even


Defensive Line - Fresno State has struggled with the run outside for as long as I can remember and last week was no different against Nevada. While our line was made up of second teamers during the third quarter that is still no excuse to allow Nevada to run all but five plays the entire quarter. If Fresno allows Oregon to control the ball for that much of any quarter their defensive line will be decimated by the end of this game. Fresno's defense is made up of speed which can be a great thing at times. Clutts is fast and furious on the line but many times the opposing teams qb is given far too much time to throw. If Oregon is given this much time Dixon will tear our defensive secondary apart. At the same time our defense is going to have to do a better job of pursuing the rb during the game. We cannot allow Stewart to have a big game as he did against Stanford.

Oregon from what I understand is very similar to Fresno on defense. From time to time they have defensive lapses and allow huge chunks of yards on the ground. It comes as no surprise that they can allow passing yards because of the fact they like to go man to man on the receivers. Fresno will be able to open holes for Wright to run through but to expect six yards a carry against Oregon would be crazy. At the same time if Brandstater can make the throws to his receivers the Bulldogs will be in good shape. Oregon will get more pressure on Fresno than Nevada did, Oregon is just a better team all around. Fresno should expect blitzes from the safety and corner position at times because of Brandstater's relative inexperience. Overall Oregon's defensive line may have a small advantage due to the fact they are better at stopping the run, something Fresno has had trouble doing for quite a while now.

Defensive Line Advantage - Oregon

FSU-Oregon WR/TE Preview

Wide Receivers - Joe Fernandez showed why he is one of the best posession receivers in college football this past Friday against Nevada. Fernandez caught everything that went his way as did Fairman and Williams. Although none of these three had amazing numbers they caught the ball when it was thrown their way. This Saturday against Oregon the passing game is going to play a much more important role than it did against Nevada. Because Nevada would drop more men back in coverage daring the Dogs to run, the running game became Nevada's weakness. Let's just say Oregon is the exact opposite. Oregon will beg Brandstater to beat them by playing man to man on our best receivers. Look for Fernandez, Williams, and Fairman to be active in this game early and often. Hill knows he will have to throw the ball to be successful in beating Oregon. With three returning receivers Fresno should have a positive day with respect to the receiving game.



In 2005 Oregon was known for it's high flying aerial attack. However, with the defection of Clemons to the pros this team takes on a whole new persona. Dennis Dixon leads a run oriented team that can throw the ball if they have to. Oregon lost it's top three receivers to graduation, however that does not change the fact that Oregon's receivers have speed and good hands. Dixon will look for Strong and Williams to keep the Bulldogs guessing. As before Oregon's #1 receiver (I am guessing that it is Strong) will be bottled up by McCauley. If that is the case Oregon will work to the other side of the field constantly just as Nevada did. If Oregon is successful passing the ball in this game look for the running game to open up as well which will only spell bad news for the Fresno State defense.

Wide Receiver Edge - Fresno State, but close.

Tight Ends - As we saw in the opener Fresno State does not live or die by the tight end. Bear Pascoe is a huge target that acts as a safety valve if everyone else on the field is covered. In my opinion the Dogs really should use Pascoe more as he has great hands and is open often during the course of a game. However, because Fresno State does not tend to utilize the Tight End position there really is no way to say our Tight End game is truly an advantage at all. Pascoe does run good routes and is a decent blocker.

Dante Rosario is the leading tight end for Oregon. He may have only had two catches last weekend against Stanford but they went for forty yards. In other words Rosario can be considered a mid to deep threat out of the tight end position. Rosario like Pascoe is a big target as he stands at 6'4 and weighs in at 250 pounds. He will be tough to keep from getting his hands on the ball if only because of his amazing size. Goodwin, Andrews, Lane, and Riley (if he plays, however doubtful) will have to do their best to keep Rosario from getting the ball. Because Oregon also tends to concentrate on the run they will use their tight end to block inside and out. Overall the Tight End position is very similar for both teams.

Tight End Advantage - Even

FSU-Oregon Quarterback/Running Back Preview

Quarterbacks - Dennis Dixon is one of the more explosive running quarterbacks in the nation. While he does not have the greatest of arms and is not nearly as accurate as Clemons was last year for Oregon, his speed will cause fits for Fresno State. If Dixon is pressured, he can easily avoid pressure and turn a loss into a big gain. Dixon only rushed for 17 yards last weekend against Stanford, but they did not need a big running game out of him as the running game overall was powerful. Oregon's offensive line will give Dixon time to throw as they will also open up holes for their running backs to get through. While Fresno beat a good team in Nevada they are no where near the talent level that Oregon is. Oregon should come into Fresno ranked somewhere between 17-19. Dixon is the team leader and will run a powerful offense. Fresno will have to figure out how to put pressure on a man who can make mistakes, but only if he is forced
into undesirable situations.

Tom Brandstater Showed he can play qb for the Bulldogs last weekend, but will have much more of a challenge this time around against a far superior Oregon defense. Fresno will have to open up the passing game much more than the week prior because Oregon will dare them to throw the ball downfield. Brandstater has the arm to make great throws but the question is will he be ready to step up in such a big game this early in his career? Yes he made the good smart passes against Nevada but Fresno will nee more out of him this time around. Brandstater will have to take advantage of the one on one matchups that Oregon will give him with respect to Fernandez and Williams. If he cannot this will turn into a long game for the Bulldogs.

Quarterback Advantage - Oregon

Running Backs - Oregon ran the ball against Stanford at will. Oregon ran for 300 yards on the ground because their offensive line is disciplined and opened up gaping holes for the running backs all day. The running attack is led by Jonathan Stewart, a sophomore who is 5'11 but weighs 230. He is a bullish runner and is much like Dwayne Wright with respect to breaking tackles. Oregon will try to establish the run first and foremost and a bulk of the carries will go to Stewart who ran for 168 yards against Stanford. If Fresno cannot close the holes in the middle they are going to give up large amounts of yards. Nevada exposed the Bulldogs weaknesses on the line but with Shirley and Leonard in the middle the Dogs should be able to limit Oregon with respect to the running game. Oregon will not be completely stopped, they are far too talented to have that done to them. However, Fresno needs to focus on keeping the Ducks from gaining five yards a carry. If they can do so the Dogs will have a chance in this one.

Fresno obviously runs with Dwayne Wright and Lonyae Miller. Against Nevada Fresno State racked up 212 total yards rushing and will look to establish their running game from the start. However, Oregon will challenge Fresno State by putting eight-nine men in the box at times. They will beg the Bulldogs to beat them with their passing game just as they coaxed them into doing last year. It is important for Fresno State to establish a great time of possession advantage in order for the Bulldogs to come out on top in this game. Fresno has a running game that equals Oregon's, however the Bulldogs offensive line must continue to open holes like they did against Nevada. This game will come down to execution in the trenches. If Fresno can provide running room they may be able to control the clock and come out on top. If they can't then the game will be placed squarely on Brandstater's shoulders, something that can't be too comfortable this early into his career.

Running Back Advantage - Even

Remaining Posts This Week:

9/5 - Wide Receivers/Tight End

9/6 - Offensive Line/Defensive Line

9/7 - LineBackers/Secondary

9/8 - Game Prediction

9/9 - GameDay

Was That Near Perfect?

As all of you already know Fresno State and Nevada played an exciting football game Friday with the Bulldogs coming out on top 28-19. I have to say I was very surprised by how well Fresno State played. I said the Bulldogs would win by seven when in fact they won by nine, but it could have been a much different game if one play here or there were to be changed. If Dwayne Wright did not fumble on the first drive the Bulldogs would have had seven more points. If Paul Williams catch in the fourth quarter had been ruled a catch Fresno would have had at least three more points. If Nevada did not miss an extra point early in the game they would have scored at least two more points. I can say if, but, or and but the fact is Fresno State played a near perfect first game with their new quarerback at the helm. Here are the things that impressed me the most about the Bulldogs this past weekend.

1) Brandstater's decision making: I questioned Tom Brandstater more than anyone from Bulldog nation. I did not think he would be ready to play for us, and I was wrong. He made one questionable throw the entire game. Each deep ball he put up could only be caught by a Fresno State player. When he would make a bad throw it was too deep for anyone to catch. If he rolled out and could not find anyone he did not throw the ball into coverage but instead ran with it. Brandstater has good mobility and a cannon arm to the outside. He hit Fernandez countless times right in the chest on balls he had to throw 25 yards to the hashes. Overall Tom stayed away from making mistakes, and as a Fresno fan what more could you ask for out of a qb?

2) Dwayne Wright: Everything about this man was phenominal. On two different plays he carried five-six players on his back while acquiring key first downs in the game. There is no question Wright is back and ready to assume the role of starting running back. I was also impressed with Lonyae Miller in his debut. He looked confident and ran through holes with explosive speed. He is going to be a great back in the near future.

3) The Offensive Line: If no one noticed Brandstater was touched maybe three times the entire game. There were plays were Brandstate sat back and waited for seconds upon seconds to throw the ball. Our offensive line also opened up massive holes for Wright and Miller to run through. Without these guys our run game would not have been nearly as effective as it ended up being.

4) Clint Stitser/Robert Malone: Many will say why Clint Stitser? He didn't even attempt a field goal. While that may be true, Stitser kicked the ball through the end zone each time except two, with one of those leading to a Nevada player being tackeld at the eleven yard line. Robert Malone boomed punt after punt and because of these two men we won the field position battle which is always important in college football.

Of course being as analytical as I am I did find one thing that continually will piss me off if it isn't fixed. Our third quarter defense was attrocious. Now I am aware some of our d-line starters were not in but that is no excuse to allow Nevada to run every play in the third quarter aside five. We were beaten up in the third quarter and if Nevada had not fumbled we would have been outscored by at least two touchdowns. Next weekend we will not be able to go through our game with Oregon and have a down quarter. Oregon destroyed Stanford 48-10 and will be ready for all we have to offer. Overall the Bulldogs played amazingly well for their first game together. Jefferson (#28 on defense) was amazing in the corner spot, as was Chastin West (#6) as a receiver. The Bulldogs have a great team this year and high hopes should be in our minds as fans. Here is hoping they can bring the intensity next weekend against a very good Oregon team. By the way, 40,000 fans on a Friday night at 5pm, awesome turnout. The game would have been sold out had it started at 7. The student section was loud as was the stadium. Hope to see everyone next weekend. I will start my Oregon preview tomorrow, Go Dogs.

'Dogs Take Care of Wolf Pack, 28-19

Read the recap and watch the highlights.

Gameday Analysis

FACTS & STATS:
Site: Bulldog Stadium (41,031) Fresno, California.
Television: ESPN.
Series Record: Fresno State leads, 22-13-1.

Complete Release on gobulldogs.com

Bulldog Offense vs. Wolf Pack Defense

New Offensive Coordinator Steve Hagen has shortened the playbook for new QB Tom Brandstater, but that doesn’t change the fact that Pat Hill loves to run the ball down his opponent’s throat. RB Dwayne Wright will carry the ball early and often. He has looked great in fall camp and will be running behind an amazing offensive line. C Kyle Young and RT Chris Denman anchor an offensive line that returns four starters. The lone new starter is LT Bobby Lepori – who originally signed at Nevada but walked on at Fresno State in 2004. Lepori took hold of the starting spot in spring and had a very good fall camp.

Expect Wright to carry the ball at least 20-25 times. FB Roshon Vercher is healthy after missing the last three games last season, and is one of the better lead blockers in the nation. A strong running game will ease the pressure off of Brandstater, and open up at Hill staple – the play-action pass.

NT Matt Hines (6-1 285) is the anchor of the Wolf Pack 3-4 defense, but he will be matched up against Young (6-5 330) most of the game. Nevada’s ends were not great pass rushers last season, and will have a hard time getting to Brandstater. However, DE J.J. Milan – who missed last season – has emerged and he had 4.5 sacks in 2004. The Wolf Pack’s best passer rusher is Bandit LB Ezra Butler – 20% of his tackles last year came behind the line of scrimmage. ILBs Joshua Mauga and Jason Demars will have the task of plugging the holes in the 3-4 defense– Roosevelt Cooks did an excellent job in last year’s game. Nevada will more than likely bring up both its safeties to help shore up the run defense.

Brandstater will have a plethora of wide receivers, tight ends and backs to get the ball to. But don’t expect Fresno State to throw the long ball, but instead focusing on quick hitch routes and screens, so the Bulldogs can take advantage of their speed on the outside. WR Paul Williams – arguably the WAC’s best – will match up against 1st team All-WAC CB Joe Garcia. Garcia and Williams will be an exciting match-up to watch all game. However, CB De’Angelo Wilson will be making his first start and his assignment will be the Bulldog’s top WR – the last two years – Joe Fernandez.

Tight end Bear Pascoe could create match-up problems for the Wolf Pack, with his size and speed, over the middle. Nevada’s strong-side LB Jeremy Engstrom will be making his first start since 2004 and SS Uche Anyanwu has never started.

Bulldog Defense vs. Wolf Pack Offense

Defensive Coordinator Dan Brown has said Fresno State has never had this much depth at defensive line and linebacker in his 10 years with the program. The Bulldogs will have speed on the ends that was non-existent in years past.

The 4-3 Bulldog defense starts in the middle with a pair of 300 pound DTs – Jason Shirley and Louis Leonard – and stout MLB Dwayne Andrews. Nevada will be hard pressed to run up the middle against the Fresno State defense. Despite the loss of its two top WLBs – Marcus Riley and Quaadir Brown – Ahijah Lane had a great fall camp and will fill in perfectly on the weak side. Alan Goodwin is not a speedster at SLB, but is like Andrews – a big tough run-stuffing LB.

Tyler Clutts and Marlon Brisco combined for 24 starts last year at DE. Both will share time with Pac-10 transfers, Jason Roberts and Mike Stuart, and Ikenna Ike in pass rush defenses against the Wolf Pack’s Pistol offense. Bulldogs go three deep at defensive line and might experiment with four linebacker sets – Stuart and Roberts are faster than most linebackers. And OLB Trevor Shamblee showed in fall that he is a great rusher from the outside.

Chris Ault is known for his high-flying passing attacks, but his Pistol offense is a way of developing a stronger running game from the Shotgun formation. Nevada does not use a fullback and the tight end is used more like a WR. The Pistol formation lines RB Robert Hubbard up directly behind QB Jeff Rowe in a shortened three yard Shotgun formation.

Nevada had success running the ball against Fresno State last season, by avoiding the middle of the defense and running almost exclusively to the weak side with counters and draws. Nevada returns three starters on the offensive line and a fourth that started last season before a season ending injury. Fresno State will have to take advantage of their size and speed up front.

If Nevada has an advantage it is Rowe and his receivers. WR Kyle Sammons is out, but All-WAC Caleb Spencer still leads a deep group that returns three starters, including tight end Anthony Pudewell. The Wolf Pack receivers will have a slight advantage over a Bulldog secondary that has two true freshmen on the depth chart. However, Spencer will be covered by one of the nation’s best, CB Marcus McCauley.

Nevada will try to establish a run game to compliment their strong passing game. The Wolf Pack will try to take advantage of the aggressive Bulldog safeties. SS Josh Sherley and FS Vince Mays will have to help in pass coverage, specifically Mays. If safeties are caught cheating, Rowe will take advantage and exploit it.

Special Teams, Coaching and Intangibles

Fresno State has the decided advantage in special teams. Nevada still does not have a starting punter and K Brett Jaekle has not made a FG beyond 40 yards in his career. Bulldog K Clint Stitser is healthy and looked amazing in fall camp; P Mike Lingua also returns. Garcia will be handling punt return duties for the Wolf Pack and Hubbard – who averaged 24 ypr last season – will return kickoffs. Last season’s part-time punt returner Joe Fernandez is slated to return kicks for Fresno State.

Ault arguably out-coached Hill in last season’s game. As well, he has had great success in Fresno per se. His 1994 Nevada team demolished Fresno State 62-35 at Bulldog Stadium, and it wasn’t even that close. Hill has never had so much pressure in a season opener in his tenure; his team is in the midst of a four game losing streak.

Fresno State has played great in home openers under Hill, last losing in 1998 to – of all teams – Nevada. Bulldog Stadium is not the easiest place to win, especially if the Bulldogs are focused and motivated to play.

Analysis

Fresno State has too much size and speed up front, and at the skill positions, to lose to Nevada. In a game where the temperature is going to reach the high 90’s, the decided advantage will go to the team with more depth.

Nevada’s best chance to pull out the win is to make the game a shoot-out. The Bulldog defense should be able to eliminate the Wolf Pack’s big offensive plays. And the offense will wear down the improved, but overmatched, Wolf Pack defense.


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It's Gameday (Finally)

I was surfing the internet last night and I stumbled across a few facts that to me were interesting to say the least.

1) Fresno State has not played a game in 244 days.

2) Fresno State has not won a game in 294 days. Yes it's almost been one year since we have won a game.

3) In the last six seasons Fresno State is 29-5 at home.

With all of these being facts you would hope that tonight Bulldog stadium will be filled to capacity. Unfortunately reports have 37,000 tickets sold for the game as of this morning. I really hope Fresno fans prove me wrong today by showing up in full force for this game. Anyhow enough ranting and raving about the Bulldogs fan support, it's gameday.

Today is a day that all of us fans wait for every season. We have to wait eight months for Fresno Sttae to suit up and run onto the field every year. Is it me or does the off-season seem longer every year? This Fresno State team has a chance to be one of the better Bulldog teams to ever step onto the field. This Bulldog team has a chance to make us forget about the David Carr years (which everyone seems to reference when talking about the good times). More importantly this Fresno State team has a chance to play a complete season without a let down. Because the 2006 season is full of tough opponents Fresno State will have to be at the top of their game every week. The Bulldogs will not be able to have off weeks that have become so common in the past years. This Bulldog team wil be focused because of the failures of the past. Show up tonight and you will see a different Bulldogs team than we have witnessed in the past. This team wil play defense, run the ball efficiently, and in the end win the hearts of the fans. It all begins tonight at Bulldog stadium. Be there and you will see exactly what I am talking about.

By the way I put a picture of Fresno State vs. Boise at the top because that is the last game we won. It's hard to believe it has been that long isn't it.