As each day goes by, as each game is played, we'll talk to local sports writers and sportscasters about Bulldog Sports. We'll cover everything Bulldogs, from football to basketball to baseball, the questions you want answered.
This week, stopping by will be Andrew Marden of CBS 47, Matt James of the Fresno Bee and Alexan Balekian of NBC 24. So keep your eyes open for those interviews, they should be good.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
With Hawaii coming to town, the Bulldogs look for payback
Make no mistake about it, Fresno State will be out for blood. With the Hawaii Rainbows set to visit Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, the Bulldogs will be looking for payback after losing each of the last 2 years, including a lopsided 68-37 Hawaii win in 2006.
Things have changed from then to now, former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan has departed for the NFL, June Jones departed to become the new head coach at SMU and Hawaii hasn't looked the same since, dropping three of their first four games including their last one at home against San Jose State 20-17. They're no longer the high powered offense they used to be, and that should bode well for the Fresno State Bulldogs come this weekend.
Now, the tables are turned, it's Fresno State that has the high octane offense averaging over 31 points per game and over 400 yards of total offense per game including 180 yards per game on the ground from running backs Ryan Mathews and Lonyae Miller. Mathews showed just how explosive he could be last Saturday against UCLA with a 22 carry, 170 yard, 2 TD effort in a 36-31 Bulldog win over the Bruins.
The one thing this Bulldog team needs to improve on is their run defense, but with the Warriors only averaging 96 total yards per game on the ground, I think this game may be over by the end of the first half.
Bulldog fans will be clad in their Bulldog Red, the Red Wave will be in attendance and Bulldog Stadium will be rocking on Saturday night. Payback is inevitable.
Things have changed from then to now, former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan has departed for the NFL, June Jones departed to become the new head coach at SMU and Hawaii hasn't looked the same since, dropping three of their first four games including their last one at home against San Jose State 20-17. They're no longer the high powered offense they used to be, and that should bode well for the Fresno State Bulldogs come this weekend.
Now, the tables are turned, it's Fresno State that has the high octane offense averaging over 31 points per game and over 400 yards of total offense per game including 180 yards per game on the ground from running backs Ryan Mathews and Lonyae Miller. Mathews showed just how explosive he could be last Saturday against UCLA with a 22 carry, 170 yard, 2 TD effort in a 36-31 Bulldog win over the Bruins.
The one thing this Bulldog team needs to improve on is their run defense, but with the Warriors only averaging 96 total yards per game on the ground, I think this game may be over by the end of the first half.
Bulldog fans will be clad in their Bulldog Red, the Red Wave will be in attendance and Bulldog Stadium will be rocking on Saturday night. Payback is inevitable.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fresno State moves up the rankings
With upsets galore in college football this past Saturday, it allowed Fresno State to move a few spots up in the Top 25 when the rankings were released this morning.
In the AP's Top 25 poll, Fresno State moved up to #22 while USA Today has them ranked #21.
AP Top 25
1.Oklahoma (43)
2.Alabama (21)
3.LSU
4.Missouri (1)
5.Texas
6.Penn St.
7.Texas Tech
8.BYU
9.USC
10.South Florida
11.Georgia
12.Florida
13.Auburn
14.Ohio St.
15.Utah
16.Kansas
17.Boise St.
18.Wisconsin
19.Vanderbilt
20.Virginia Tech
21.Oklahoma St.
22.Fresno St.
23.Oregon
24.Connecticut
25.Wake Forest
USA Today
Oklahoma (57)
LSU (1)
Missouri
Alabama (2)
Texas (1)
Penn St.
BYU
Texas Tech
USC
Georgia
South Florida
Ohio St.
Florida
Auburn
Utah
Kansas
Wisconsin
Boise St.
Vanderbilt
Oregon
Fresno St.
Oklahoma St.
Connecticut
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
In the AP's Top 25 poll, Fresno State moved up to #22 while USA Today has them ranked #21.
AP Top 25
1.Oklahoma (43)
2.Alabama (21)
3.LSU
4.Missouri (1)
5.Texas
6.Penn St.
7.Texas Tech
8.BYU
9.USC
10.South Florida
11.Georgia
12.Florida
13.Auburn
14.Ohio St.
15.Utah
16.Kansas
17.Boise St.
18.Wisconsin
19.Vanderbilt
20.Virginia Tech
21.Oklahoma St.
22.Fresno St.
23.Oregon
24.Connecticut
25.Wake Forest
USA Today
Oklahoma (57)
LSU (1)
Missouri
Alabama (2)
Texas (1)
Penn St.
BYU
Texas Tech
USC
Georgia
South Florida
Ohio St.
Florida
Auburn
Utah
Kansas
Wisconsin
Boise St.
Vanderbilt
Oregon
Fresno St.
Oklahoma St.
Connecticut
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
Something to look forward to
I asked and was granted an interview with Matt James of the Fresno Bee. We'll be talking Bulldog football, their season so far, and a look back at the National Championship game between Fresno State and Georgia just a few short months ago.
So keep your eyes open for that interview and a big thanks to Matt James for taking his time to do it.
So keep your eyes open for that interview and a big thanks to Matt James for taking his time to do it.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Bulldogs better than Bruins on this day
The Fresno State Bulldogs came into today's game against UCLA seeking payback for the loss they suffered a few years ago at the Rose Bowl.
They did just that, getting big days from quarterback Tom Brandstater (21/30 236 yds 3TD's 1 INT) and Ryan Mathews (22 carries, 170 yards, 1 TD) as well as a big fumble recovery late in the 4th quarter to knock off the UCLA Bruins 36-31.
For the Bruins, it's their 3rd straight loss after opening the season with a shocking win over Tennessee but have really fallen apart since then with lopsided losses to BYU and Arizona in consecutive weeks.
For Fresno State, it's a big win for the program but a win they were favored to get against a injury depleted Bruin squad. Their defense, again, was suspect especially against the run giving up long run after long run in the first half after jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first quarter. UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft would throw one pass in UCLA's opening drive and then the Bruins would keep the ball on the ground and eventually tied the game at 7-7.
The game changed in one play, late in the fourth quarter with UCLA threatening already deep in Fresno State territory. Quarterback Kevin Craft would hand the ball to running back Derrick Coleman, but he would fumble the football and Fresno State's Wilson Ramos would recover. Fresno State would then use a 17-play 8 minute 55 second drive to run out the clock and give the Bulldogs a huge 36-31 victory over the Bruins.
Up next for UCLA, they will remain at home to host the Washington State Cougars next Saturday in hopes of avoiding their fourth straight loss.
Fresno State will return home to Bulldog Stadium to open conference play as they welcome in the Hawaii Warriors. The Bulldogs will be seeking their third straight win and fourth in their first five games. Game time will be 7pm pacific, 10pm eastern time.
They did just that, getting big days from quarterback Tom Brandstater (21/30 236 yds 3TD's 1 INT) and Ryan Mathews (22 carries, 170 yards, 1 TD) as well as a big fumble recovery late in the 4th quarter to knock off the UCLA Bruins 36-31.
For the Bruins, it's their 3rd straight loss after opening the season with a shocking win over Tennessee but have really fallen apart since then with lopsided losses to BYU and Arizona in consecutive weeks.
For Fresno State, it's a big win for the program but a win they were favored to get against a injury depleted Bruin squad. Their defense, again, was suspect especially against the run giving up long run after long run in the first half after jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first quarter. UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft would throw one pass in UCLA's opening drive and then the Bruins would keep the ball on the ground and eventually tied the game at 7-7.
The game changed in one play, late in the fourth quarter with UCLA threatening already deep in Fresno State territory. Quarterback Kevin Craft would hand the ball to running back Derrick Coleman, but he would fumble the football and Fresno State's Wilson Ramos would recover. Fresno State would then use a 17-play 8 minute 55 second drive to run out the clock and give the Bulldogs a huge 36-31 victory over the Bruins.
Up next for UCLA, they will remain at home to host the Washington State Cougars next Saturday in hopes of avoiding their fourth straight loss.
Fresno State will return home to Bulldog Stadium to open conference play as they welcome in the Hawaii Warriors. The Bulldogs will be seeking their third straight win and fourth in their first five games. Game time will be 7pm pacific, 10pm eastern time.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Baseball has highest ranked recruiting class in team history
Fresno State baseball has another notch they can put in their belt, this time, being ranked 10th in the nation with their current recruiting class according to Collegiate Baseball.
The Bulldog baseball team lost 12 players to graduation or the major league draft, majority of those were their pitching staff. So, the Fresno State coaching staff brough in 23 incoming freshman for the 2009 squad, 12 of those are pitchers.
Among the players players brought in by Head Coach Mike Batesole and the Bulldog coaching staff were Josh Poytress (Fowler High School), Derek Benny (Roseville High School), Charlie Robertson (Bella Vista High School), and Terrance Buchanan (Mt. Carmel High School) who were all drafted in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. You can read some background on all four players here.
So, with their highest ranked recruiting class in team history, the Bulldogs will come into the 2009 season the defending National Champions and should be poised to make another run in Omaha. If you've never been to Beiden Field, it's one of the best venues to watch a college baseball game. So as Pat Hill painted the valley red and got Fresno to support that team, why not bring the same support for Mike Batesole and the defending 2008 National Champions? If that happens, it would make Beiden Field one of the toughest places to play in the country.
The Bulldog baseball team lost 12 players to graduation or the major league draft, majority of those were their pitching staff. So, the Fresno State coaching staff brough in 23 incoming freshman for the 2009 squad, 12 of those are pitchers.
Among the players players brought in by Head Coach Mike Batesole and the Bulldog coaching staff were Josh Poytress (Fowler High School), Derek Benny (Roseville High School), Charlie Robertson (Bella Vista High School), and Terrance Buchanan (Mt. Carmel High School) who were all drafted in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. You can read some background on all four players here.
So, with their highest ranked recruiting class in team history, the Bulldogs will come into the 2009 season the defending National Champions and should be poised to make another run in Omaha. If you've never been to Beiden Field, it's one of the best venues to watch a college baseball game. So as Pat Hill painted the valley red and got Fresno to support that team, why not bring the same support for Mike Batesole and the defending 2008 National Champions? If that happens, it would make Beiden Field one of the toughest places to play in the country.
Showdown at the Rose Bowl
The Fresno State Bulldogs, coming off their very hard fought 55-54 double overtime victory at Toledo, has spent this week getting ready for their much anticipated showdown with the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
Though UCLA has not looked good at all this season, this is the same team that knocked of Tennessee to open the season then ran into a very good BYU squad followed by getting beaten by Arizona this past weekend. Fresno State cannot look past this team, especially playing in Los Angeles, the Bruins do not want to drop their 3rd straight game so they'll be fired up and very motivated to get back on track.
On the Fresno State side, after needing two overtimes and defensive stop on a two point conversion, the Bulldogs need to have a big defensive effort and not have their usual slow first half start that they've been known for. This could be Tom Branstater's coming out party, though he didn't exactly have the showing Fresno State wanted against Wisconsin, he could really make a splash on Saturday with a good passing day for the Bulldogs.
Todd's keys to the game: I'm a believer in defense and I know how good this Bulldog defense is and how good they can be. They did not have a good showing at all last Saturday against Toledo, allowing over 200 yards on the ground by 2 different running backs, so the defensive line needs to tighten up on Saturday. UCLA is down to their 3rd string quarterback, Kevin Kraft who is a transfer from San Diego State where he played for his dad Tom Kraft, so the Bulldog offensive line needs to keep up the pressure on him, keep him off balance. If they can do that, Fresno State should dominate this game, but don't count on UCLA to let them walk all over them at their place, so it will be a hard fought game.
Todd's prediction: Fresno State pulls away late....Bulldogs 35 Bruins 17
Though UCLA has not looked good at all this season, this is the same team that knocked of Tennessee to open the season then ran into a very good BYU squad followed by getting beaten by Arizona this past weekend. Fresno State cannot look past this team, especially playing in Los Angeles, the Bruins do not want to drop their 3rd straight game so they'll be fired up and very motivated to get back on track.
On the Fresno State side, after needing two overtimes and defensive stop on a two point conversion, the Bulldogs need to have a big defensive effort and not have their usual slow first half start that they've been known for. This could be Tom Branstater's coming out party, though he didn't exactly have the showing Fresno State wanted against Wisconsin, he could really make a splash on Saturday with a good passing day for the Bulldogs.
Todd's keys to the game: I'm a believer in defense and I know how good this Bulldog defense is and how good they can be. They did not have a good showing at all last Saturday against Toledo, allowing over 200 yards on the ground by 2 different running backs, so the defensive line needs to tighten up on Saturday. UCLA is down to their 3rd string quarterback, Kevin Kraft who is a transfer from San Diego State where he played for his dad Tom Kraft, so the Bulldog offensive line needs to keep up the pressure on him, keep him off balance. If they can do that, Fresno State should dominate this game, but don't count on UCLA to let them walk all over them at their place, so it will be a hard fought game.
Todd's prediction: Fresno State pulls away late....Bulldogs 35 Bruins 17
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Bulldogs remain in Top 25
The Top 25 polls were released today and Fresno State will remain at #25 after a 55-54 double overtime victory over the Toledo Rockets on Saturday night.
They were joined in the Top 25 by Boise State, another WAC team, after their lopsided beatdown at Oregon on Saturday.
They were joined in the Top 25 by Boise State, another WAC team, after their lopsided beatdown at Oregon on Saturday.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Bulldogs survive, win 55-54 in Double OT
The letdown that a lot of us talked about and feared, happened in Toledo on Saturday night, but thankfully Fresno State stopped a Toledo 2-point conversion in double overtime and hung on for a 55-54 win over the Rockets.
The Bulldogs came out quickly, getting a defensive touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead, but that was short lived as Toledo would match the Bulldogs score for score and would eventually take a 21-17 lead into half time. Remember my blog on the eve of this game, don't let Toledo stick around and believe they could win? Well, Toledo hung around and hung around, scoring at will on a Fresno State defense that gave up just 13 points to then 13th ranked Wisconsin just a week prior.
Fresno State would score on its first four possessions of the 2nd half and it looked as if the Bulldogs would put the game away after taking a 41-31 lead and getting the ball back after Toledo went three and out. Toledo wouldn't go away, however, and would score ten unanswered including a game tying field goal with just under a minute to play in regulation.
The Rockets would get the ball first in overtime and only needed two plays before taking a 48-41 lead, but the Bulldogs would answer right back as QB Tom Brandstater would hook up with Isaac Kinter from seven yards out and with the extra point would send the game into a second overtime with the game tied 48-48.
Fresno State would get the ball to start the 2nd overtime and would take a 55-48 lead on a QB sneak from Brandstater. Toledo would answer right back when QB Aaron Opelt would hit John Allen for a 3-yard touchdown pass to pull the Rockets to within one. Instead of going for the tie, Toledo wanted the win, but Aaron Opelt's pass was knocked down and the Bulldogs survived a monumental scare and would squeak away with a 55-54 win.
The offense was there for Fresno State, they put points on the board but the defense was as bad as they've been all season. In their first 2 games (Rutgers, Wisconsin) they gave up a total of 20 points, they more than doubled that tonight against Toledo and were lucky to come away with a win. With UCLA up next, Pat Hill better get this defense in line or they'll be in for a long day next Saturday.
The Bulldogs came out quickly, getting a defensive touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead, but that was short lived as Toledo would match the Bulldogs score for score and would eventually take a 21-17 lead into half time. Remember my blog on the eve of this game, don't let Toledo stick around and believe they could win? Well, Toledo hung around and hung around, scoring at will on a Fresno State defense that gave up just 13 points to then 13th ranked Wisconsin just a week prior.
Fresno State would score on its first four possessions of the 2nd half and it looked as if the Bulldogs would put the game away after taking a 41-31 lead and getting the ball back after Toledo went three and out. Toledo wouldn't go away, however, and would score ten unanswered including a game tying field goal with just under a minute to play in regulation.
The Rockets would get the ball first in overtime and only needed two plays before taking a 48-41 lead, but the Bulldogs would answer right back as QB Tom Brandstater would hook up with Isaac Kinter from seven yards out and with the extra point would send the game into a second overtime with the game tied 48-48.
Fresno State would get the ball to start the 2nd overtime and would take a 55-48 lead on a QB sneak from Brandstater. Toledo would answer right back when QB Aaron Opelt would hit John Allen for a 3-yard touchdown pass to pull the Rockets to within one. Instead of going for the tie, Toledo wanted the win, but Aaron Opelt's pass was knocked down and the Bulldogs survived a monumental scare and would squeak away with a 55-54 win.
The offense was there for Fresno State, they put points on the board but the defense was as bad as they've been all season. In their first 2 games (Rutgers, Wisconsin) they gave up a total of 20 points, they more than doubled that tonight against Toledo and were lucky to come away with a win. With UCLA up next, Pat Hill better get this defense in line or they'll be in for a long day next Saturday.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Bulldogs can not afford a letdown against Toledo
On the eve of their matchup against the Toledo Rockets, the 25th ranked Fresno State Bulldogs look to bounce back from their disappointing 3-point loss to then 13th ranked Wisconsin Badgers. The fear across the Central Valley is the possibility of a letdown after a game that was in their grasp, the same type of letdown they went through a few years ago after a loss to #1 USC. The Bulldogs had maintained their #16 ranking after the loss to the Trojans, but after a 38-35 loss to Nevada the following Saturday, that ranking was gone for the remainder of the season.
This team cannot afford to look past this Toledo ballclub, especially since the Rockets have a bruising running back by the name of DaJuane Collins, a 5'10" 211 lbs Senior from Westville, NJ., was even offered a scholarship from Penn State but after learning they wanted him as a defensive back turned down the offer because he wanted to remain at running back. He's been clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.45 where Bulldog running back Ryan Mathews has been clocked at 4.49, so Collins definitely has big play ability.
The one thing that may be against Toledo is Fresno State's defense, which held Wisconsin to just 3 points in the 2nd half last weekend as well as holding Rutgers to just 7 points in their season opening 24-7 win over the Scarlet Knights. If the Bulldogs can play that style of defense and the offense gets going early instead of waiting until the 2nd half, I think this should be an easy win going into their showdown at the Rose Bowl against UCLA next weekend.
Todd's keys to the game: Defense, defense and more defense. This Bulldog defense has been nothing short of outstanding in both of their games, but got very little help from their offense last weekend against Wisconsin.
Offensively, Fresno needs to jump on Toledo early and keep them out of the game, don't give them a chance at a comeback or give them the thought that they're still in the game. Put them away early, get the win and head back west to get ready for UCLA. Tom Brandstater and Ryan Mathews need to establish themselves early, Brandstater especially needs to be the field general and make smart decisions. The biggest question is going to be the hole left by Cole Popovich at left guard. Will sophomore Devan Cunningham be able to step in and fill that gap, or will Toledo exploit it?
Prediction: The Bulldogs should dominate...Fresno State 35 Toledo 10
This team cannot afford to look past this Toledo ballclub, especially since the Rockets have a bruising running back by the name of DaJuane Collins, a 5'10" 211 lbs Senior from Westville, NJ., was even offered a scholarship from Penn State but after learning they wanted him as a defensive back turned down the offer because he wanted to remain at running back. He's been clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.45 where Bulldog running back Ryan Mathews has been clocked at 4.49, so Collins definitely has big play ability.
The one thing that may be against Toledo is Fresno State's defense, which held Wisconsin to just 3 points in the 2nd half last weekend as well as holding Rutgers to just 7 points in their season opening 24-7 win over the Scarlet Knights. If the Bulldogs can play that style of defense and the offense gets going early instead of waiting until the 2nd half, I think this should be an easy win going into their showdown at the Rose Bowl against UCLA next weekend.
Todd's keys to the game: Defense, defense and more defense. This Bulldog defense has been nothing short of outstanding in both of their games, but got very little help from their offense last weekend against Wisconsin.
Offensively, Fresno needs to jump on Toledo early and keep them out of the game, don't give them a chance at a comeback or give them the thought that they're still in the game. Put them away early, get the win and head back west to get ready for UCLA. Tom Brandstater and Ryan Mathews need to establish themselves early, Brandstater especially needs to be the field general and make smart decisions. The biggest question is going to be the hole left by Cole Popovich at left guard. Will sophomore Devan Cunningham be able to step in and fill that gap, or will Toledo exploit it?
Prediction: The Bulldogs should dominate...Fresno State 35 Toledo 10
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Bulldogs head for Toledo
The #25 Fresno State Bulldogs traveled to Toledo, OH to get ready for their game against the Rockets, which was added to ESPNU's coverage, on Saturday night.
This will mark the first time, in that Pat Hill era, that the Bulldogs will play a team from the MAC conference on the road. The previous meeting with a MAC conference team was the team they face this Saturday, an easy 44-14 win over the same Toledo Rockets back in 2005. What's eerily similar about this situation is, leading up to the 'Dogs 2005 matchup against the Rockets, the 'Dogs were coming off a 3-point loss at Oregon (37-34) and the Houston area had just been hit by Hurricane Rita. That's about as ironic as you can get don't ya think?
The biggest fear in Bulldogs fans leading up to this game is the fear of a letdown coming off a tough 3-point loss at home against Wisconsin, a game that was very winnable. I, for one, think this team is going to be just fine. This team is better defensively than I've seen in a very long time and against Toledo they should shut them down and let the offense run up the score. I don't think this team has a problem knocking over Toledo before they come back west for the very much anticipated showdown against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
This will mark the first time, in that Pat Hill era, that the Bulldogs will play a team from the MAC conference on the road. The previous meeting with a MAC conference team was the team they face this Saturday, an easy 44-14 win over the same Toledo Rockets back in 2005. What's eerily similar about this situation is, leading up to the 'Dogs 2005 matchup against the Rockets, the 'Dogs were coming off a 3-point loss at Oregon (37-34) and the Houston area had just been hit by Hurricane Rita. That's about as ironic as you can get don't ya think?
The biggest fear in Bulldogs fans leading up to this game is the fear of a letdown coming off a tough 3-point loss at home against Wisconsin, a game that was very winnable. I, for one, think this team is going to be just fine. This team is better defensively than I've seen in a very long time and against Toledo they should shut them down and let the offense run up the score. I don't think this team has a problem knocking over Toledo before they come back west for the very much anticipated showdown against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fresno State football makes monumental announcement
Fresno State football, coming just after hosting Wisconsin of the Big Ten conference, made a huge announcement this afternoon regarding their schedule for next season.
The announcement, made by Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh, was that Fresno State will play three teams from BCS conferences as a part of their 2009 non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs will play at Wisconsin (Sept. 12), at Cincinnati (Sept. 26) and at Illinois (Nov. 21).
In turn, the Bulldogs will host Cincinnati (Sept. 18) and Illinois (Dec. 5) as part of a 7 game home schedule in 2010. This marks the first time in school history that the Bulldogs will host more than one BCS conference school in a single season.
If this doesn't show that Pat Hill and Fresno State still believe in the "Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere" mantra, I'm not sure what does. Will this make Fresno State more attractive to local and national recruits? I think it should, but I'm sure there are plenty that will disagree and are done watching Fresno State get beat by big time teams like Oklahoma, Tennessee and LSU. I for one, think the Bulldogs are right on the cusp of doing what Boise State did just a few years ago.
The announcement, made by Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh, was that Fresno State will play three teams from BCS conferences as a part of their 2009 non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs will play at Wisconsin (Sept. 12), at Cincinnati (Sept. 26) and at Illinois (Nov. 21).
In turn, the Bulldogs will host Cincinnati (Sept. 18) and Illinois (Dec. 5) as part of a 7 game home schedule in 2010. This marks the first time in school history that the Bulldogs will host more than one BCS conference school in a single season.
If this doesn't show that Pat Hill and Fresno State still believe in the "Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere" mantra, I'm not sure what does. Will this make Fresno State more attractive to local and national recruits? I think it should, but I'm sure there are plenty that will disagree and are done watching Fresno State get beat by big time teams like Oklahoma, Tennessee and LSU. I for one, think the Bulldogs are right on the cusp of doing what Boise State did just a few years ago.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Bulldogs may have lost Popovich for the season
After the Bulldogs gut wrenching loss to Wisconsin last Saturday, there may be insult added to injury.
According to head coach Pat Hill, the Bulldogs' offensive line could be without 4-year starter Cole Popovich for the remainder of the season. Popovich suffered a quadriceps tendon injury during practice last week, which kept him out of Saturday's game against the Badgers, and was replaced by 6'6" 350 lbs sophomore Devan Cunningham. Cunningham was originally supposed to be redshirted this year, but with the injury to Popovich, he'll get the start at left guard.
Another new starter on the Bulldog offensive line is center Joe Bernardi replacing Richard Pacheco, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury. It's not known if Bernardi is going to start against Toledo or if Pacheco will be ready to go, it'll depend on how both perform during practice this week.
According to head coach Pat Hill, the Bulldogs' offensive line could be without 4-year starter Cole Popovich for the remainder of the season. Popovich suffered a quadriceps tendon injury during practice last week, which kept him out of Saturday's game against the Badgers, and was replaced by 6'6" 350 lbs sophomore Devan Cunningham. Cunningham was originally supposed to be redshirted this year, but with the injury to Popovich, he'll get the start at left guard.
Another new starter on the Bulldog offensive line is center Joe Bernardi replacing Richard Pacheco, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury. It's not known if Bernardi is going to start against Toledo or if Pacheco will be ready to go, it'll depend on how both perform during practice this week.
Bulldogs begin fall practice
Head Coach Steve Cleveland and the Fresno State men's basketball team have begun their preperations for the 2008-09 basketball season.
Already announced are the team's season schedule as well as the addition of point guard Bryce Cartwright to the Bulldog roster. Cartwright, a 6'0" Freshman guard out of Compton, led Dominguez High School to the 2008 state championship game averaging 12 points and 6 assists per game.
The Bulldogs will have their annual Red/White Scrimmage on October 29th, and will play exhibition games against Fresno Pacific on November 5th and Cal State Stanislaus on November 9th before opening their season schedule against Sacramento State on November 14th at the Save Mart Center.
Already announced are the team's season schedule as well as the addition of point guard Bryce Cartwright to the Bulldog roster. Cartwright, a 6'0" Freshman guard out of Compton, led Dominguez High School to the 2008 state championship game averaging 12 points and 6 assists per game.
The Bulldogs will have their annual Red/White Scrimmage on October 29th, and will play exhibition games against Fresno Pacific on November 5th and Cal State Stanislaus on November 9th before opening their season schedule against Sacramento State on November 14th at the Save Mart Center.
Missed FG's, opportunities prove costly in Bulldog loss
It was right there for the taking, the Bulldog had every opportunity to put the game away and they couldn't take advantage of the opportunities.
Four times in the ballgame, the Bulldogs had a chance to put points on the board and put the Badgers away for good, but out of those four opportunities, the Bulldogs scored a total of three points. They missed three costly FG's including one within 35 yards, a chip shot normally, was pushed right by kicker Kevin Goessling.
Give the Fresno State defense credit, they did their job against a good Wisconsin football team, holding them to just three points in the second half as well as blocking 2 kicks and stuffing Wisconsin on a 4th and goal from the Bulldog 1 yard line. Their biggest mistake gave the Badgers the winning FG and their only points of the 2nd half. Wisconsin would punt the ball back to Fresno State, and as cornerback A.J. Jefferson waved off his teammates away from the ball, it hit him in the back of the leg allowing Wisconsin to recover it at the Fresno State 23 yard line, which led to the FG that put the Badgers up 13-10.
With the loss, Fresno State will stay in the national rankings at #25 as they get ready for the Toledo Rockets this coming Saturday night at Glass Bowl Stadium in Toledo. Kickoff will be at 5:15pm.
Four times in the ballgame, the Bulldogs had a chance to put points on the board and put the Badgers away for good, but out of those four opportunities, the Bulldogs scored a total of three points. They missed three costly FG's including one within 35 yards, a chip shot normally, was pushed right by kicker Kevin Goessling.
Give the Fresno State defense credit, they did their job against a good Wisconsin football team, holding them to just three points in the second half as well as blocking 2 kicks and stuffing Wisconsin on a 4th and goal from the Bulldog 1 yard line. Their biggest mistake gave the Badgers the winning FG and their only points of the 2nd half. Wisconsin would punt the ball back to Fresno State, and as cornerback A.J. Jefferson waved off his teammates away from the ball, it hit him in the back of the leg allowing Wisconsin to recover it at the Fresno State 23 yard line, which led to the FG that put the Badgers up 13-10.
With the loss, Fresno State will stay in the national rankings at #25 as they get ready for the Toledo Rockets this coming Saturday night at Glass Bowl Stadium in Toledo. Kickoff will be at 5:15pm.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Bulldogs review Rutgers game, prepare for showdown with Wisconsin
Coming off a big win over Rutgers this past Saturday, the Bulldogs used Wednesday to go over game tape of their win this past Monday and will begin preperation for their showdown with Wisconson on September 13th.
While Fresno State will have a bye week this weekend, Wisconsin will host Marshall on Saturday. The last meeting between these two teams was played at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin, you might remember the QB for Fresno State, a current NFL QB by the name of David Carr. Fresno State was not expected to even stay in the game, but they shocked Wisconsin with a 32-20 victory on their way to the schools highest national ranking ever, at one pointed ranked 8th in the national polls.
We all know this Bulldog team will be ready for the nationally ranked Badgers and you know Bulldog Stadium is gonna be rocking. According to the Bulldogs website, only 250 public tickets remain for the game next weekend and those should be gone prior to this weekend. The Red Wave will be on display to ESPN audiences and we all know that even though it's not listed as one of the Top 25 toughest places to play, there's a reason teams don't want to make the trip to Fresno and Bulldog Stadium.
While Fresno State will have a bye week this weekend, Wisconsin will host Marshall on Saturday. The last meeting between these two teams was played at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin, you might remember the QB for Fresno State, a current NFL QB by the name of David Carr. Fresno State was not expected to even stay in the game, but they shocked Wisconsin with a 32-20 victory on their way to the schools highest national ranking ever, at one pointed ranked 8th in the national polls.
We all know this Bulldog team will be ready for the nationally ranked Badgers and you know Bulldog Stadium is gonna be rocking. According to the Bulldogs website, only 250 public tickets remain for the game next weekend and those should be gone prior to this weekend. The Red Wave will be on display to ESPN audiences and we all know that even though it's not listed as one of the Top 25 toughest places to play, there's a reason teams don't want to make the trip to Fresno and Bulldog Stadium.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Bulldogs overcome poor 1st half to beat Rutgers 24-7
West Coast to East Coast? No problem for Pat Hill and the Fresno State Bulldogs as they knocked off Rutgers 24-7 on Monday afternoon.
Both teams went into half time unhappy with their play. Fresno's first 6 possessions ended in punts while Rutgers suffered through a few big dropped passes, one could have resulted in a touchdown, but give credit to both defenses for a scoreless first half.
Both teams came out ready to go in the 2nd half but it was the Bulldogs that would capitalize on their opportunites. Two long passes from Tom Brandstater would set up Ryan Mathews for 2 of his 3 touchdowns on the ground for the Bulldogs.
It's a big win for Fresno State as they return home to get prepared for nationally ranked Wisconsin at Bulldog Stadium on Saturday September 13th. Fresno State will have a lot of time to prepare for this game and they'll need all the time they can get, but make no mistake, this Bulldog team will be ready and Bulldog Stadium WILL BE ROCKING!
GO DOGS!
Both teams went into half time unhappy with their play. Fresno's first 6 possessions ended in punts while Rutgers suffered through a few big dropped passes, one could have resulted in a touchdown, but give credit to both defenses for a scoreless first half.
Both teams came out ready to go in the 2nd half but it was the Bulldogs that would capitalize on their opportunites. Two long passes from Tom Brandstater would set up Ryan Mathews for 2 of his 3 touchdowns on the ground for the Bulldogs.
It's a big win for Fresno State as they return home to get prepared for nationally ranked Wisconsin at Bulldog Stadium on Saturday September 13th. Fresno State will have a lot of time to prepare for this game and they'll need all the time they can get, but make no mistake, this Bulldog team will be ready and Bulldog Stadium WILL BE ROCKING!
GO DOGS!
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