2010 Fresno State Bulldogs Football Preview

2009 Results: 8-5, Lost New Mexico Bowl vs. Wyoming

Head Coach: Pat Hill (14th year @ Fresno State, 100-66 Overall)

Home Venue: Bulldogs Stadium (41,061) Fresno, California

Fresno State had a solid 2009 season, extending their decade long streak of posting .500 or better records in league play. While the Bulldogs are notorious for playing a difficult non-conference schedule, this gunslinger attitude towards scheduling has raised the program’s profile across the country. Can Fresno State continue their run of success in both WAC play and against some of the country’s best teams in 2010?

OFFENSE

Last season, the Bulldogs scored their most points since 2005, thanks largely to the powerful running of NFL 1st round pick Ryan Matthews, who accounted for nearly 2,000 total yards and 19 touchdowns. With such huge stats, replacing his production definitely won’t be easy, though sophomore Robbie Rouse (479 yards, 4 TDs) should be a very capable runner in his stead. Another reason for great confidence is the offensive line, which brings back all five starters, four of whom are seniors! So expect Rouse to power a great running attack behind one of the conference’s best lines.

The passing game is another matter, though senior quarterback Ryan Colburn (2,459 yards, 19 TD, 11 INT) should be more settled in his second season starting. The problem is that he has an inexperienced group of pass catchers beyond junior Jamel Hamler (37 catches, 503 yards, 5 TDs). While I have some concerns about the depth at receiver and replacing the outrageous production of Matthews, there is still a lot to like about this offense. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they produced another effective season on the scoreboard.

DEFENSE

There was a major weakness in last year’s defense: The pass rush. Fresno State only managed a pithy 11 sacks all season! This was despite the presence of 1st Team All-WAC DE Chris Carter (47 tackles, 5 sacks), who appears to be the only threat to get into the backfield this year. In fact, the D-Line in general is a major concern after the Bulldogs gave up over 210 yards per game on the ground in 2009.

That said, there is some reason for hope. Senior Ben Jacobs (106 tackles) was a 1st team All-WAC pick and he should anchor a solid set of linebackers that includes junior Kyle Knox (43 tackles) and rising sophomore Travis Brown, one of the highest-rated recruits that has come to Fresno State under Pat Hill.

But I’m not really sold on the secondary. While senior safety Lorne Bell (65 tackles, 1 INT) was a 2nd Team All-WAC choice, he is one of only two returning starters from a unit that had some serious issues getting their hands on interceptions last year. Furthermore, with a bad pass rush, this group simply doesn’t seem capable of maintaining coverage and I think it will be a real Achilles heel for this Fresno State defense. In the end, I think that Fresno State is only going to be average on defense this fall.

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SCHEDULE

Fresno State is notorious for facing piles of strong opponents, generally on the road. However, this year is an exception. Out of conference games against Illinois, Cincinnati and Mississippi dot the slate, but none of the three are expected to be ranked to start the year and two of those opponents come to Fresno! Furthermore, the Bulldogs have seven home games, including a visit from co-favorite Nevada. The only downside is that they have to travel to Boise State the next week and that could be a tough two weeks for Fresno.

OUTLOOK

The Bulldogs have plenty of question marks going into this season. They lose an elite tailback and their pass defense is a concern. On the other hand, their schedule is much easier, their offense should still be productive and their defense should be good enough to allow them to compete in the WAC. While I don’t think that this team is capable of beating the co-favorites of Boise State and Nevada, they’re better than the rest of the league and their non-conference games are much easier this season. Expect Fresno State to post a 3rd place finish in the WAC and go to their 4th consecutive bowl game.

PREDICTED RESULT: 7-5 (6-2 WAC)