NCAA Football FanHouse

Bengals Draft Pick Uses a Concussion as Defense for Driving Into an Apartment Complex

Sportz Assassin — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Bengals, AFC North, Fresno State Football, NFL Police Blotter

You may remember there was some buzz when the Bengals drafted Fresno State DT Jason Shirley. Shirley, up to that time, was best known for driving drunk and smashing his car into an apartment building.

Well, the court case for that incident has started (Shirley faces four misdemeanor charges) and the defense seems to suggest that a concussion he suffered during a game may have contributed to all of this.

Dr. William Carveth, an official team doctor the past three seasons, testified that the concussion Shirley sustained days before he drove a car into a townhome complex in the late night hours of Oct. 8 could have compounded the effects of the alcohol he drank that night and affected his decision making, emotional stability and ability to follow directions.

Carveth met with Shirley on the afternoon of Oct. 8, two days after Shirley sustained a concussion in the Bulldogs' game against Nevada. At that time, Carveth reported Shirley had "a mild, if any, concussion."

Now, that second paragraph is interesting. October 8th was the night that Shirley plowed his car into that apartment building. In more testimony, Carveth stated that Shirley continued to have pain and ... a month later ... Carveth wrote a letter to the school saying he had a "moderate" concussion (Shirley was trying to get reinstated to Fresno State).

The defense also brought out Fresno State head coach Pat Hill, two FSU basketball players and a track and field athlete. They also had the apartment complex manager state that the lights around the accident scene had been out.

As I type this, the case is in the jury's hands.

Bengals Draft Pick Uses a Concussion as Defense for Driving Into an Apartment Complex originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Prince Gets His Bill Snyder On

Jeff Adams — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, Big 12, WAC, Rutgers Football, NCAA FB Coaching, Kansas State Football

It's been a long time coming, but Tuesday Kansas State fans got the official word. KSU has dropped Fresno State from its 2008 schedule and replaced it with powerhouse Montana State. Kansas State will pay Fresno State $250,000 as part of a buyout agreement.

This is a quick reversal in philosophies for Prince and Kansas State. A year ago at this time, Prince was championing the tough schedules facing KSU in the future and encouraging a move away from previous head coach Bill Snyder's cupcake-laden slates. At that time, he was quoted as saying:

"Where we are in the development of our team and our program, I think having the opportunity to go play those kind of opponents [Auburn and Fresno State] will do nothing but benefit us," coach Ron Prince said Monday.

I suppose the fact that the Wildcats finished 5-7 a year ago, while Fresno State was 9-4 in 2007 might have had something to do with Prince's flip-flop.

On the other end of the deal, Fresno State has added Rutgers to their schedule to replace Kansas State. That move should surprise few. Pat Hill and the Bulldogs have always had the attitude of "any team, any time, anywhere." In fact this isn't the first time that an opponent has backed out of a game against Fresno State.

Hill is used to foes dropping him. Earlier this decade, he saw Oklahoma State and Texas Tech duck out of visits to Fresno. The inability to get opponents to come to his turf has led to Hill's team getting just five home games this fall.

Ron Prince Gets His Bill Snyder On originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posse On Bowl-way: Georgia Tech

Ian Cohen — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, Georgia Tech Football, ACC, WAC, Bowl Games

Happy To Be Here?

Well, from the looks of things, GT should be happy to be in a bowl of any sort at all. Such is the assumption one can make when you've been bypassed by a 6-6 team in the selection process. But the truth is, my lord- GT is one unattractive team right now. Among the things to consider are a passing attack that somehow managed to get worse after the departure of Reggie Ball, the recent dismissal of coach Chan Gailey and a pasting at the hands of Georgia that reversed the trend of GT at least being competitive against at the Bulldogs.

Come Here Often?

This will be the second time the Yellow Jackets have shuffled off to Boise for the postseason, the first being a 52-10 victory over Tulsa after the 2003 season...believe it or not, I actually remember watching this game and having to endure a grueling interview with Steve Largent trying to save face while his alma mater got its ass handed to it.
Why Care?

Because if anything, you get the pleasure of reliving a time when Fresno State's scheduling philosophy actually managed to benefit them. During the first part of the decade, Pat Hill made it abundantly clear that if he had the opportunity, he'd play Notre Dame in a Carl's Jr. parking lot and call them a bunch of nancy boys if they refused. But recently, the Bulldogs have been surpassed in the WAC by more offensively progressive teams like Hawaii and Boise State, and last season, Fresno fell off the map with a velocity that suggested the world might actually be flat after all. However, after that 4-8 season, the Bulldogs are looking for their eighth straight bowl win, a streak that includes their last trip to Boise. A game which I will speak no more of.

And The Winner Is...

One might think to give the advantage to Fresno because GT is playing with an interim coach, but let's slow down there, professor. First off, Bulldogs pwn Chan Gailey, so maybe this is for the best. Second, John Tenuta (GT's defensive coordinator) gets the assignment here and I'm sure it won't be long before he's on the sidelines somewhere else without the "interim" tag. More than likely, the Yellow Jackets will stick to Tashard Choice on the ground, which is a pretty great idea considering that Taylor Bennett's completion percentage is less than 50% and Fresno is likely to stick to the running attack as well; meaning that this will likely be a colossally boring game that will be decided by turnovers and field position. But here's the thing; this is the first time in seemingly forever that the ACC representative will come in with something to prove. Think of the last couple of guys who made the trip: Virginia and Boston College teams that got passed over for more prestigious bids despite top-25 rankings due to their (probably deserved) rep for poor travel. A Miami squad playing their last game for Larry Coker and likely feeling akin to someone at the movies with their parents on a Friday night; they just hope that no one sees them. GT on the other hand is basically performing an audition for Tenuta, a guy they love. And moreover, they're trying to get some semblance of momentum before the Paul Johnson Era begins. Considering the perceived overhaul that could take place, it wouldn't hurt to look useful on national TV. Then again, it's Fresno State and as long as Pat Hill's mustache is in the picture, they'll never look down a BCS team, even it's one that's not all that good. I didn't like the way GT played at all during the end of the season, and Fresno has quitely gotten it together, so another one for the V...

Fresno State 20 Georgia Tech 14

Posse On Bowl-way: Georgia Tech originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bowden Named Emperor Of Florida State

Ian Cohen — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, ACC, BCS, NCAA FB Coaching

I say this realizing that news of this sort isn't going to detract from the Les Miles situation, the ACC championship or even the fact that on the west coast, "That's So Raven" is placed directly before said ACC championship. But just so you don't make any plans to trash Bobby Bowden's lawn if the Seminoles lose in the Music City Bowl or whatever, be forewarned that the only person who's going to fire him from the FSU coaching gig is Death himself.

According to Bowden's Birmingham-based attorney (pronounced "law-yuh"), the venerable ballcoach and Florida State have reached an agreement that will have him on the sidelines not just next year, but for pretty much however long he wants. Such is the case with these things, it's more of a handshake agreement than anything, but you can imagine neither party's going to court with the details of this.

While Bowden has two more wins than Joe Paterno and three fewer years, the more striking number is $2,023,689.15. That's Bowden's 2006 salary, which is amazing considering that it's about four times what Paterno's "official salary" is...and then there's the whole "what's a 78-year old man going to do with over $2 million new dollars?" thing.

Bowden Named Emperor Of Florida State originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybe This Is Why Hawaii Couldn't Get That Extra Home Game

Brian Grummell — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:38:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC, The Word, Hawaii Football

Granted: this complaint is coming from Fresno State fans, who have a reputation for being rambunctious and rude guests.

We had found a parking spot and were making our way into the stadium. Of course we were all wearing red and were heckled a bit, which is entirely understandable and expected. Our seats were located in the visitor's section in the northwest corner of the north end zone. Like most stadiums, this section is surrounded on all sides by the opposing team's fans.

Unlike most stadiums, however, sitting in this section means that you will be constantly verbally and physically assaulted for four quarters. Let me stress that I am no stranger to hostile athletic environments. I've been to games at LSU, USC, UCLA, Oregon etc., but I have NEVER seen visiting fans treated like we were on Saturday night.

What follows are a lot of details we can't print on here and obviously cannot verify. Fights. Foul language. Lax to non-existent security. Large men with children on their laps verbally abusing people. You get the picture. Take it or leave it (and frankly, some of it comes across as subtly racist - what does a Hawaii fan being Samoan have to do with anything?), but it's interesting if true.

Hawaii claims their recent success has made it difficult to lure non-conference visitors to travel across the Pacific and play them. Maybe, just maybe, word is also getting around that their fans don't make for great hosts? Aloha means hello, but it also means goodbye. Hmm ...

Maybe This Is Why Hawaii Couldn't Get That Extra Home Game originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTubesDay: Lights Out for Hawaii's Colt Brennan in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

Brian Grummell — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC, Heisman, Hawaii Football

Initial reports are that he's fine . . . but I don't know. There are mere mortals who would be out for a few nights after the hit Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan took from a Fresno State defender late Saturday night.

Hawaii had a decent lead and probably could have sat him down, but he was gunning for the NCAA career touchdown passing mark. Earlier in the evening he tied BYU's Ty Detmer, and needed just one more touchdown pass to fully claim the record. This all could have been avoided if he hadn't thrown an end zone interception the previous drive, not that we were staying up late hoping to see a record set or anything.

What?

Hey, he has my sympathy. That hit was just brutal and I don't wish that on anyone.

YouTubesDay: Lights Out for Hawaii's Colt Brennan in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stephen McGee Doesn't Want to Hear It

Brian Grummell — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, Big 12, WAC, Texas A&M Football, The Word

Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee was victorious Saturday (47-45 in triple overtime against Fresno State), but his postgame disposition betrayed the usual joy that comes from a win.

McGee made no apologies and became testy with reporters when questioned about the one-dimensional approach of the coaching staff.
"I'm so tired of hearing (about throwing it more)," said McGee, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 79 yards and one touchdown. "When it comes down to it, we're a team. We're going to do whatever it takes to win.
"Today we did that. That's what it comes down to: getting the ball into the end zone. Offensively, we ran the ball every freakin' time, and they did not stop us. I wouldn't see us doing anything different. That's what we are about: getting the ball in the end zone."

I smell a Herm Edwards speech coming ("you play to win the game!"). This may be one of the rare moments in modern football history where a quarterback could care less about the forward pass.

I watched the fourth quarter and overtime of that game. McGee's right, the Aggie run offense was never stopped, but Fresno State came damn close a few times if not for some incredibly gritty "want-to" runs from both McGee and man-mountain tailback Jorvorskie Lane.

Stephen McGee Doesn't Want to Hear It originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney World Must Prefer the Gators

Charles Rich — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, ACC, NCAA FB Police Blotter, Florida State

This story comes by way of Sports By Brooks. Seems that Walt Disney World has a real problem with certain teenagers hanging out around the park.

Because of concerns about a rise in ganglike activity at Downtown Disney lately, loitering or "any other inappropriate behavior" by groups of youths is not going to be tolerated, spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said Tuesday.
...
Orange County deputy sheriffs have issued at least 48 trespass warnings at Downtown Disney during the past two weekends since the push against loitering began. Records of those cases provided to the Orlando Sentinel show that 45 of the 46 people banned from Disney for life during the past two weekends were blacks or Hispanics.

No pattern there. According to the story, Disney's security identifies the "problems" and then calls in the Orange County deputy sheriffs to remove them.

Well, this past weekend they threw out four African-American teenagers and banned them for life from Disney World. These particular four teens were also verbal commits to Florida State: Vincent Williams, Avis Commack, Nigel Carr and Nickolas Moody. Moody's dad is a civil rights attorney in Philadelphia and Williams' mom is a supervisor at the Disney World's Polynesian Resort. Clearly part of a dangerous element.

The players got together for the weekend to get to know each other and bond before their senior years of high school. They definitely bonded.

I wonder how closely ESPN will be covering this story? Probably a lot closer if it happened at Six Flags rather than a fellow subsidiary of the parent company.

Disney World Must Prefer the Gators originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Practice Questions: Fresno State Bulldogs

Brian Stouffer — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:05:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

Proud home of the best mustache in sports...

Last Year: A brutal 4-8 (4-4 in conference), unranked.

Fans Are: Shaking off a rough season, and also upset that Boise State has usurped the role of non-BCS sweetheart that the Bulldogs enjoyed not too long ago.

Expectations: There's a big rebuilding project underway in Fresno, so expectations are tempered. Getting to a bowl game would be a step in the right direction and will assist in erasing the memory of '06.

Questions:

1. Will the Bulldogs find some offensive mojo under new OC Jim McElwain? McElwain represents the third offensive coordinator in the last three years for the Bulldogs, and the 'Dogs have struggled to find an offensive identity over that entire duration. Just a few years ago, David Carr was drawing the nation's interest running a high-flying attack, but recent years have seen the Fresno offense trending toward a more vanilla run-centered offense. OC Steve Hagen skipped town this offseason to join his old boss Butch Davis in North Carolina, so Pat Hill turned to Jim McElwain, a protegé of John L. Smith from Louisville and Michigan State to take over the show. While it's hard to call the move a huge improvement, McElwain doesn't have to do a lot to improve on last year's abysmal performance.

2. Can Tom Brandstater develop into a reliable quarterback? Fresno State has a pretty impressive history of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks over the past decade or so, as we've seen Trent Dilfer, Billy Volek, and David Carr at the next level. However, more recently, the trend has changed. Paul Pinegar had an uninspiring career and last year's starter Tom Brandstater had the worst QB rating in the entire WAC last year. Heading into spring, it seems like the senior's starting job is safe, but there are a few underclassmen who will be pushing to take over the job if Brandstater has another rough season. With a new quarterback coach coming in, it's anybody's guess what will happen here.

3. Will the secondary be able to step it up this year? 11 games. It took the Fresno State secondary 11 games to get an interception. Considering their schedule against a slate of fairly pass-happy WAC teams, that's a pretty remarkable achievement and probably a large reason they lost seven games in a row during that stretch. The defense will be revamped this offseason, and the hope in Fresno is that it will become more agressive and fly to the ball to create chances for turnovers.

Spring Practice Questions: Fresno State Bulldogs originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Rebirth of a Cal-State Rivalry

Adam Rank — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 02:08:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC, NCAA FB History, San Jose State Football

Technically, San Jose State officially changed its name to San Jose State University years ago, despite being the state's first California State University. Fresno State still puts the CSU in front of the Fresno, except for athletics where it is simply Fresno State. The 'Dogs and Spartans have had a storied rivalry, but the last 12 meetings have all been won by the Bulldogs. And that has allowed Fresno State to take a 35-32-3 series advantage into Saturday's 71st rendition of the rivalry. But will be most remembered for its tremendous six game run from 1986-1991, where the winner of the rivalry each year, won the PCAA/Big West and represented the conference in the California Bowl.

The 1986 game stands out in most people's mind. No. 19 ranked Fresno State took its 4-0 record into San Jose but came a way a 45-41 loser in what Sports Illustrated dubbed, the "Game of the Year". All-Everything Spartan QB Mike Perez shredded the Bulldogs early and SJSU took a 24-0 lead. Fresno State stormed back and took a commanding 41-31 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Perez led SJSU to two touchdowns in the final two minutes. The last, he shook off All-American DE Jethro Franklin to hit WR Lafo Malauulu in the end zone for the go-ahead score. Ironically, Malauulu wanted to be a Bulldog but his scholarship was given the Bulldog WR Stephan "Touchdown Maker" Baker. Baker was the better choice as he went to become a third round pick in the 1987 NFL Draft, but Malauulu vowed to then Bulldog Coach Jim Sweeney that he would regret not signing him. And he came true on his promise.

The subsequent five games were close, hard-fought battles -- save SJSU's 42-7 win in 1990 -- and capped by the 1991 duel between future Pro Bowl QB's Trent Dilfer and Jeff Garcia, won by the 'Dogs, 31-28. In between, SJSU beat Fresno State in front of a then Bulldog Stadium crowd, 20-16 in 1987. 1987 was a down year for the Bulldogs, as was 1988 for the Spartans, but Fresno State barely escaped with a 17-15 victory. The 1989 game was a classic 31-30 game won by the Bulldogs. Fresno State left for the WAC in 1992 and the two schools played in a non-conference game in 1994 and have played 10 straight games since 1996 when SJSU joined the WAC.

The Bulldogs have dominated the series since 1996, mostly blow-outs, only twice has the margin of victory been by less than 10 points, 1998 and 2002. However, there were two games that had bowl implications, the 2002 game and the one in 2000. David Carr picked apart SJSU in a 37-6 pasting in 2000, but the Spartans had their best chance at a win in a 19-16 defensive battle in 2002.

The 2006 game is the first time in the series that SJSU has had a bowl game locked up, while Fresno State has no shot at bowl game. For the first time since 2000 SJSU will actually be favored in the game, but for the first time since 1990, Spartan fans expect to win handily. The smack talk has started on message boards, and rivalry week has begun.

The Rebirth of a Cal-State Rivalry originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 02:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite Bad Season, Fresno Gets Early Verbals

Mario Gomez — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:07:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC, NCAA FB Recruiting

Fresno State is not known more getting early verbal commitments. Head Coach Pat Hill usually finds the under the radar kid and offers him late. But despite his porous season, Hill has offered many early -- including numerous four-star prospects -- and is getting early verbals.

JUCO CB Sharrod Davis is the sixth and latest. The former Oregon Duck has spent this season at Grossmont (Calif.) CC. He has incredible speed and will help the Bulldogs weakest unit. Two week's ago Fresno State got a verbal from one Northern California's top WR, Devon Wiley. Wiley impressed many at USC's Rising Seniors Camp back in June and gives the Bulldogs a great WR/KR threat, something they missed this season after Adam Jennings was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons.

Dallas area QB Matt Faulkner has been turning heads all season. This is his only season as a starting quarterback. He might be expected to compete as a true freshmen, if Tom Brandstater, Sean Norton or redshirt Ryan Colburn can't separate from the pack in the spring.

RB Bryson Hodges is a little-know commodity from Bakersfield (Calif.). But he comes from an area that has produced current Bulldog starters SS Josh Sherley and FB Roshon Vercher. Clovis (Calif.) WR Matt Lindsey is a local product from the Fresno area that led the Central Section in receiving; he is also an excellent kick returner. The Bulldogs first verbal was FB/LB Austin Raphael. Raphael had a season ending injury, but is expected to be healthy for 2007 fall camp.

Despite Bad Season, Fresno Gets Early Verbals originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresno State on the Up and Up?

Mario Gomez — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

The Bulldogs have rebounded from their horrid 1-7 start to win three in a row! This blog has all but given up hope on the 'Dogs and instead of bashing the porous play, silence was probably the best choice. However, now Fresno State has a shot to finish 5-3 in the WAC, which would be good enough for third place tie with Nevada (8-4, 5-3), who the Bulldogs beat 28-19 in the season opener. And keep in mind, the Fresno State that almost beat No. 1 USC last season, finished tied for third in the WAC, as well.

What has been the new-found success for the Bulldogs? Crappy teams! When a team is down, the best remedy is easy wins. But by all accounts, outside of the 34-0 win over Idaho, the Bulldogs were lucky to get wins over New Mexico State (23-18) and Louisiana Tech (34-27). If not for some inept mistakes by those respective schools, Fresno State could have easily lost to two of the worst teams in the country. No matter what Fresno State does against San Jose State, this weekend, the season will regarded as the worst since the 4-7 finish in 1996 and many fans will call this "team" the worst since the late 70's.

The Bulldogs have owned SJSU the last 15 years, last losing in 1990, 42-7. Despite the Spartans 7-4 record, most Bulldog fans expect Fresno State to beat its long-time rival. SJSU is headed to its first bowl game since that 1990 season, but beating the Bulldogs would be an even bigger accomplishment. For the Bulldogs to gain any respect back from its "loyal" fans, they must absolutely paste the Spartans. That should signal thinks are on the up and up and bode well for a promising 2007 season.

(note: The pic is from the 1996 game vs. Air Force, which FS led 31-3 at the half, only to lose 44-38 in overtime.)

Fresno State on the Up and Up? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 19:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresno State's Helmets Are All Kinds Of Weird Tonight

Ian Cohen — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 22:44:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

Ah...West Coast living. You see, it's Friday and right now Fresno State is playing Louisana Tech in some incredibly not-important WAC action, but hey...it's only 7:45 PM here. Why not? It's football isn't it?

But one thing seems to be off. Well, a couple of things. First off, Fresno State isn't very good this year. Actually, they're quite bad. 3-7 bad. But more noticeably, that green "V" that pops up on the back of their helmets is the second-strangest thing about them tonight. For whatever reason, the bulldog logo has been stripped off as well. I'm a little late checking into this game, so does anyone want to throw in their knowledge? And while we're at it...that V...juh?

Fresno State's Helmets Are All Kinds Of Weird Tonight originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 22:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sweeney Must Choose Fresno or Idaho?

Mario Gomez — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

Fresno State is about to conclude it's 2006 home season against Dennis Erickson and his Idaho Vandals. Erickson is a former Fresno State assistant coach. He coach under Jim Sweeney in the 1970's and went on to become one of the greatest college coaches of the last 25 years. His first head coaching job was at Idaho in the early 80's and now he has come full circle back to Moscow, where he has the Vandals on the verge of becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1998.

Erickson won a national title at Miami in the early 90's after spending a few successful seasons at Washington State. He left the college game for the NFL only to return back as head coach of Oregon State in 1999. His Beaver teams beat Fresno State in 1999 and again in 2002. In between OSU went on an amazing run in 2000 with a 11-1 season and 41-9 Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame. And the next season Sports Illustrated tabbed the Beavers its preseason No. 1 team, only to be humiliated by Fresno State 44-24 in the 2001 opener at Bulldog Stadium. Although Erickson returned the favor in the 2002 59-19 blow-out win over the Bulldogs in Corvallis, the 20 point loss in front of friends and family still haunts him.

Erickson and Sweeney still remain good friends. So good, that in 2001 when ESPN interviewed Sweeney on the sideline of the FS-OSU game, the Bulldog coach didn't declare his loyalty to his former school but to his good friend. And with the 2006 Bulldogs having their worst season since the late 70's, it will be interesting to see how Sweeney reacts on the sidelines this weekend.

Sweeney Must Choose Fresno or Idaho? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WAC Pillowfight Ends With Fresno Victory

Mario Gomez — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 21:55:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

Fresno State benefited from four New Mexico State turnovers but still needed a defensive stop in the final minute to eek out a 23-18 win. The Aggies have now lost seven straight, while the Bulldogs ended their seven game skid. NMSU still has not beaten a Division IA team since 2004.

NMSU marched up and down the field against the Bulldogs but four fumbles proved to be too much to overcome. Quarterback Chase Holbrook completed 39 of 51 passes for 367 yards with two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground for the Aggies. Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater made his first start since Oct. 14 but didn't impress the announced crowd of 33,241. He completed just 11 of 19 passes for a mere 99 yards and one touchdown. Running back Dwayne Wright carried the Bulldogs to victory with his 126 yards and two touchdowns.

The offense needs to buy the defense dinner for the week. The Bulldog defense constantly made plays and set the offense numerous times, but the offense still could not put away the Aggies. It is a bittersweet victory that was much needed. But the Bulldogs are not out of the weeds yet. The offense had two of their three touchdown start inside the Aggie 25 yard line, while the Aggies failed to score twice while inside the red zone.

The Aggies were driving for the game winner and had the ball at the Fresno State 17 yard line with under a minute to play. But a bad snap on second down pushed the ball back to the 33 yard line. After an incomplete pass, Holbrook was sacked on the Aggies final play.

WAC Pillowfight Ends With Fresno Victory originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 11 Nov 2006 21:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresno Hoping Not to Get Burned

Mario Gomez — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

It is no secret Fresno State's secondary can not cover the pass. The nation's No. 1 passing offense, Hawaii, torched the 'Dogs for over 500 yards and this week they welcome the nation's No. 2 passing offense, New Mexico State.

Aggie Head Coach Hal Mumme loves to throw the ball. Last season he failed to win a game and this season his two wins came against IAA teams. In fact, the Aggies have not beaten a IA team since November 2004. Unlike last season, Mumme has QB Chase Holbrook directing his pass-happy offense. Holbrook has passed for 3,451 yards on the season and he is completing 68% of his passes. He leads in the nation in passing yards per game, but does not have a strong ground game to lean on.

Fresno State's running game has been non-existent the last three games -- all blow-out losses -- and it should get back on track this week against the Aggies. If it doesn't NMSU will win the ball game. Pat Hill made another quarterback change this week. He has reverted back to original starter Tom Brandstater, who has not been able to hit an open receiver this season when it mattered. If the Bulldogs can not control the clock with Wright, they will get burned. No one has stopped Holbrook all season, but many have been able to stop the Fresno State offense, including the Bulldog coaching staff.

Fresno Hoping Not to Get Burned originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 13:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresno's All-American Center Suspended

Mario Gomez — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

Fresno State football is enduring its worst season ever in the Pat Hill era. The program is assured of its first losing season since 1998 and is on its worst losing skid since 1972-73. What adds to the misery is the apparent lack of senior leadership, and the suspension of preseason All-American C Kyle Young supports that theory.

Young has been a starter every game in his career since 2003. He has started 47 straight games and that amazing streak will come to an abrupt end Tuesday. Young was considered one of the top centers in the nation heading into the 2006 season. Many pundits considered him the best pro prospect among centers and project him to be a first round NFL Draft pick in 2007. Now, with the suspension his draft stock is sure to drop some, but more importantly character issues could become a problem. If a senior All-American center decides to skip class, it makes some NFL scouts weary of his dedication and commitment.

Young flirted with NFL last season after the Bulldogs suffered their infamous post USC losing skid. Fellow Fresno State juniors Richard Marshall and Marcus McCauley also considered leaving early, but only Marshall left and was subsequently drafted in the second round by Carolina. Young and McCauley returned and most draft experts projected, with solid senior seasons, both could be early first round picks in 2007. Especially, if Young could show that he could play guard or tackle effectively. Coach Pat Hill says the team will be "fine" without Young. I find that difficult to buy, considering Hill has had few answers for the 1-7 start to this season.

Fresno's All-American Center Suspended originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresno State Simply Sucks!

Mario Gomez — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 03:15:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

Folks, Boise State beat up on a very bad team Wednesday night. The Bulldogs have a very good collection of future NFL players but as unit this team sucks! Pat Hill's smash-mouth philosophy is blowing up in his face and with seven straight losses, he has tied the mark for the most consecutive losses in Bulldog history. Hill is a 10-year veteran coach that gets so much respect nationally, yet was embarrassed by a first-year coach. More importantly Boise State's 29-year-old duo of coordinators out-coached Fresno State's veteran duo of Steve Hagen and Dan Brown.

I have been a stout Hill supporter, and many of the media around the nation will ask that fans give Hill a pass for this season because he has built a great program. That is very true to an extent. There is no other coach in America that could have done more with so little the last 10 years than Hill. And I am not talking about on-field performance. The players are actually graduating, the facilities are better and the Bulldogs are always on national TV. It took hard work and dedication to build Hill's program, but I believe he has run his course as a college head coach. His philosophy, player development, and coaching style is better suited for the NFL. He has had ten years to get Fresno State over the hump, but after reaching the peak in 2001, has steadily regressed to the program's lowest point ever. Not since 1972-73 has the program gone this long with out a victory. Even lame duck coach Bob Padilla didn't have a season this bad. Padilla was the Bulldog head coach in 1978-79, in between Jim Sweeney's 20-year stint as head coach, when Sweeney tested the NFL waters.

Hill had nothing to lose against Boise State; he had the chance to put everything on the table and snatch the biggest win in his career, but failed miserably.

Along, the way he benched QB Sean Norton for former starter Tom Brandstater. And what was the point? Sure, Norton was struggling. But as Lou Holtz pointed out, how can a QB complete a pass if no one is blocking for him. Brandstater had five plus games to prove himself and couldn't even get it done at lowly Utah State. Hill has always said he doesn't believe in rotating quarterbacks, so what gives now? Pulling Norton may have been the right move to try to change things up, but Norton was never given a chance to begin with. Hill should have pulled Brandstater in the second half of the Washington game, when he was ineffective, and need I say injured.

Hill's excuse for not pulling Brandstater at Washington was because the game was close. And it is the same rationale he used for the Colorado State game and Utah State. Those games were close because the caliber of ball clubs were average. The Bulldog defense shut-down UW's running game and did more than enough for the Bulldogs to win. The same goes for Utah State. However, against Colorado State the defense gave up some big plays, but Brandstater also threw three interceptions.

I probably shouldn't post this because I am just flaming mad, but I do not fault the players at all. I lay all the blame on the coaches. Many were calling for change last season after the four game collapse. Winning the WAC does not mean anything in the big picture, but if you are not going to the BCS, you should be able to at least win a ring for your seniors. Fresno State could very well have five to seven players drafted by the NFL next spring, and not one will have won a WAC Championship ring in four years. The 2002 recruiting class is hailed as Hill's best ever. Richard Marshall is part of that class and was drafted in the second round this past spring. Paul Williams, Kyle Young and Marcus McCauley are part of the same class and all are projected to be drafted in the first round by most draft boards in 2007.

So for those who say Hill is entitled to a bad year, that was last year. The 2005 team should have finished at least 10-2, Hill got his pass because of the close loss to USC. But talent-wise there has never been a Bulldog team with that much talent and NFL prospects, yet it finished just 8-5. There was no off-the-field issues surrounding that team, it just fell apart at the end. Yes, there were some significant injuries in 05, but in hindsight, there was nothing substantial enough to warrant consecutive losses to Nevada, Louisiana Tech and Tulsa. This year's team returned 16 starters and 2003-04 starting RB Dwayne Wright. Hill should not get a pass for having a losing season with this much talent. 6-6, 5-6, or 5-7 is one thing against a tough schedule, but 1-11, 2-10 or 3-9 with losses to Utah State, and quite possibly New Mexico State, Idaho and San Jose State, is unacceptable. This is not the SEC, its the freaking WAC. I honestly believe, the Bulldogs will not win another game this season. There was nothing Wednesday night that made me believe Hill will change a thing in his regime. The turmoil is boiling and the players can obviously feel the tension Hill has brought upon the program. There is no doubt he can build a program, but there is a reason why the mechanic doesn't drive the race car!

Fresno State Simply Sucks! originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 03:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bring the Heaters Fresno

Mario Gomez — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

The forecast is going to be cold and in Pat Hill's mindset tough players don't need heaters or parkas. I hope he changes his mind because the temperature is going to be in the 30s and if you look back at last year's Nevada game, players should be focused on the game and not keeping warm.

Rece Davis, Mark May and Lou Holtz will call the game and the banter between May and Holtz will be fun to listen to. And I can hear it now, if the Bulldogs are getting blown-out. May will say the Bulldogs are just having a tough year but the 'Dogs will be back next year. Holtz will be saying Fresno State needs to tone down the schedule like Boise the next few years. Both will point to the Bulldogs' academic success and praise Hill for building a great program. But no one will criticize Hill other than his scheduling philosophy.

What I am waiting for is what they will say when Fresno State is leading this game in the second half. That is something everyone is not expecting. Most agree Boise will jump out ahead quickly and keep the 'Dogs at bay. Fresno State is not an attacking offense and once down, it is difficult for the 'Dogs to catch up. This will be an interesting game. If I see heaters and parkas on the Bulldog sideline, then I expect to see a whole different mantra tonight. One that will attack and play with heart and fire. Some small changes make huge differences. I never thought Sean Norton would play one down this season, but he has. Hill has never been a believer in heaters, but I expect to see heaters.

Bring the Heaters Fresno originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresno State-Boise State Prediction

Mario Gomez — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Fresno State Football, WAC

You can read my preview on the game, but here's my wild, outlandish prediction. Fresno State will pull off the upset of the year. I am posting this within an hour before kickoff, because most of you will think I am crazy. A sub par Bulldog team beating an unbeaten nationally ranked team on the road? Well, Pat Hill has done it before.

On October 18, 1997 a 2-4 Fresno State limped into Colorado Springs to face 7-0 and No. 17 ranked Air Force. The Falcons had fatten up on a bunch of pasties before facing what many thought would be the eighth pasty in Fresno State. The Bulldogs had just lost the week before at Hawaii, who were in the midst of terrible 3-9 season. How could Fresno State have any chance against Air Force? The Bulldogs had a history of being exposed by the option, never played well in altitude, and had never won at Falcon Stadium but somehow pulled the 20-17 victory off on a 51-yard fourth quarter FG by Jeff Hanna.

How will Fresno State beat 8-0 and No. 15 Boise State? First, the Bulldogs will focus on stopping Heisman hopeful RB Ian Johnson. The Bulldogs got the beef in the middle to stop Johnson, but will need a great effort from the linebackers and secondary to shut-down the edges. They must force Jared Zabransky to beat them with pass. And if you look at film, you will see that matchup should favor Boise, unless Zabransky is pressured and makes some mistakes. The defense will make its first interception on the season, and it will go a long way into helping the 'Dogs to the upset win.

Offensively, Sean Norton is ready to take the training wheels off the offense and let loose. This is a huge game, if Fresno State loses the season is literally over. Win, and the 'Dogs will run the table on its way to its eighth straight bowl game. More importantly, this a make or break game for Hill. And we all know how much Hill cares about his image, 'Dogs win!

Fresno State-Boise State Prediction originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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