The Fresno State Bulldogs have built a solid football program behind the direction of head coach Pat Hill. The man with the mustache will enter his 14th season at the helm and features yet another strong team. Things will have to be done a little differently in 2010 with the departure of RB Ryan Mathews. There are 15 returning starters from last season's team that should give contend in the WAC conference. View the full conference breakdown in our 2010 WAC college football predictions article.
The Bulldogs used a balanced attack on offense in 2009 as they averaged 229 yards on the ground and another 202 through the air. Everything literally ran through Mathews at running back. His 1808 yards and 19 touchdowns were both school records. An amazing 11 games with at least 100 yards tied a WAC conference record held by the great LaDainian Tomlinson. QB Ryan Colburn had a very productive season also. He passed for 2459 yards and 19 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Passing opportunities might be a little tougher to come by with defenses not having to worry about Mathews. Sophomore Robbie Rouse gained valuable experience in the Louisiana Tech game when he got the first start of his career. The coaching staff is very high on this kid and he should at least double the 479 yards gained last year. Colburn's favorite target was Seyi Ajirotutu, who led the team with 49 catches and seven touchdowns. Jamel Hamler had a nice sophomore season with 37 catches and over 500 yards. This is an inexperienced bunch other than Hamler and could possibly start talented true freshman Josh Harper. The offensive line returns nearly the entire two deep and feature 4th team All American G Andrew Jackson. A dominating performance was put on by this group last season and I expect much of the same in 2010.
Live odds are available all season long at Locksmith Sports Picks. Our top handicappers provide expert college football picks to help you build a bankroll and beat the books!
Opposing offenses had a lot of fun playing the Fresno State defense last season. A whopping 414 yards/game was given up. They were -10 in turnover differential and recorded a measly 11 sacks as a team. Defensive coordinator Randy Stewart would rather forget his first year with the Bulldogs. Seven starters return however giving Stewart a chance to work with a majority of the players for a second year in a row. Two 1st team all WAC players are present on this side of the ball. Linebacker Ben Jacobs anchors the middle of the defense and recorded 106 tackles as a junior. What little pass rush there is from this defense comes from defensive end Chris Carter. His five sacks led the team as the next closest recorded just two. Lorne Bell was a 2nd team all conference performer and finished with 65 stops. The secondary intercepted only seven passes, which played a large role in why their turnover differential was so bad. I look for marked improvement from the defense this season.
A home opener against defending Big East champ Cincinnati will test the Bulldogs immediately. Fresno State is 10-1 in home openers. WAC play will open the following week with a road game at Utah State. The schedule is actually home heavy with 7 of their 12 games in Fresno, CA. Their conference fate will like be decided between November 13th and 20th. They host Nevada on the 13th and travel to Boise State on the 19th. I believe the Bulldogs will win 9 games.
iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software
No comments:
Post a Comment