The Fresno State Bulldogs have never been a team to shy away from playing tough opponents.
The team has non-conference games this season against preseason No. 21 Oregon on Sept. 9 and No. 8 LSU on Oct. 21. The Bulldogs also have a road contest against 2005 Western Athletic Conference champion Boise State on Nov. 1.
Senior wide receiver Joe Fernandez said at WAC Media Dday the team cannot look forward to games ahead on the schedule and must take the season one game at a time.
“We are happy to have some big games this season,” he said. “Everyone is talking about the LSU game, but that’s way ahead. We need to concentrate on Nevada first.”
The Bulldogs suffered a colossal meltdown last season after losing to the No. 1 team at the time, USC, 50-42. Fresno State finished the season with four consecutive losses, including a 31-24 AutoZone Liberty Bowl loss to Tulsa.
“There’s no question that the way we finished last season left a sour taste, but this is a new team, a new season and we have high expectations,” said coach Pat Hill.
Hoping to rebound from last season’s disappointing finish, Fresno State returns 16 offensive and defensive starters from the 2005 squad that went 8-5 overall, 6-2 in the WAC and earned a berth in the Liberty Bowl.
Fernandez and fellow senior wide receiver Paul Williams led the Bulldogs’ offensive attack last season, and both are returning for 2006. In 2005, the receivers combined for 89 catches for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns. Also returning is veteran senior receiver Jaron Fairman, who caught 26 passes in 2005 for 348 yards and two touchdowns.
Although the Bulldogs lost All-WAC rusher Wendell Mathis, junior running back Dwayne Wright returns from a serious knee injury he suffered during the second game of the 2004 season. During the 2003 campaign, he rushed for 1,038 yards and three touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore quarterback Tom Brandstater has been given the task of replacing the departed Paul Pinegar, who threw for 3,335 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2005.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs return five of their seven leading tacklers from last season. Junior linebackers Marcus Riley, senior linebacker Alan Goodwin and senior linebacker Dwayne Andrews all had more than 50 tackles in 2005. Junior defensive end Tyler Clutts and senior strong safety Josh Sherley also had more than 50 tackles.
In addition to the veterans on offense and defense, Fresno State has experience on special teams.
Junior kickers Clint Stitser and Kyle Zimmerman return to the team. Last season, the kicking combination converted on 17 of 21 field goals and 54 of 58 point after tries.
Fernandez said the Bulldogs’ goal this season is simple: to win the WAC.
—–Contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]