Grading the 'Dogs (5-3, 4-1) vs. Utah State (2-6, 1-3)

Quarterbacks: C+
Ryan Colburn's hot and cold periods aren't helping the 'Dogs. He started the game on fire, ended the first half with three head-scratching plays and an interception, rebounded in the second half and then disappeared the final 10 minutes or so. 1 TD, 1 pick. Average at best.

Running Backs: A
Eight yards per carry for Ryan Mathews. 185 yards total. Two touchdowns. A 46-yard scamper. Mathews was the reason Fresno State won, and his big-play ability was on display all day, the Bulldogs just didn't give it to him enough in the first quarter (he was supposedly hurting a bit). But just one carry for Lonyae Miller and none for Robbie Rouse? That's hard to figure out, especially considering Mathews was sidelined for a couple short stretches.

Receivers: B
In our game preview on Friday, we said Seyi Ajirotutu had developed into a big-time college wideout -- a statement that proved prophetic with his 7 catches for 124 yards and a clutch 18-yard TD on third and long. Jamel Hamler was a playmaker for the second straight week with 5 grabs for 53 yards, again seeing an increased role because of Devon Wylie's injury. But Chastin West's third-down drop of an easy catch on a quick slant hurt bad in the first half. And Marlon Moore disappeared again.

Offensive Line: A
The 'Dogs dominated in the trenches and you don't have to take our word for it. Utah State coach Gary Andersen said the same in this week's WAC teleconference. The 'Dogs averaged 7 yards per carry as a team, and Colburn was protected well all day -- no sacks allowed.

Defensive Line: C+
At times, it was like watching a Pop Warner game where the really fast kid literally runs circles around the other kids. The defensive front was in Diondre Borel's face all game, but he just ran away, behind and around them and made plays. Logan Harrell had the game's only sack, but Utah State had allowed 20 sacks on the year. Credit Cornell Banks (3 tackles) and this group for stuffing the run up the middle for the most part, and credit Chris Carter for 10 tackles and 3.5 tackles for losses.

Linebackers: C
Still confused why the 'Dogs leave three linebackers on the field so often instead of putting more speed out there with an extra defensive back? These guys were in a tough predicament, but struggled in pass coverage in the first half, and had trouble consistently sticking to their option assignments.

Defensive Backs: C
Becoming more and more impressed with Isaiah Green as he's getting more opportunities to play. He had the only pass breakup of the game. After three straight standout performances by Desia Dunn, he got burned early by Stanley Morrison. Lack of aggression in the secondary was a big reason why 'Dogs weren't stopping drives in first half.

Special Teams: C+
Give tons of credit to Kevin Goessling for nailing a 50-yard field goal -- his second straight 50-plus-yarder in as many years against Utah State. But A.J. Jefferson fumbling a kick return away just before halftime almost cost the 'Dogs the ballgame. Robert Malone's punt that was downed at the 1-yard line in crunch time was definitely a game-changer.

Coaching: C
Credit this staff for amping the 'Dogs up at halftime and spurring a second-half shutout of the Aggies, but first-half playcalling was confusing and it took too long to make defensive adjustments. No matter how many were stacked in the box, Aggies couldn't stop the run, so why did the 'Dogs go away from it so early? Make 'em prove they can stop it first.


***Photo courtesy of Juan Villa.

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Preview: UC Davis @ Fresno State

Quarterback

Edge: Even

Junior lefty Ryan Colburn (6-3, 220) gets his first career start after greyshirting, redshirting and sitting two years behind Tom Brandstater. Colburn knows the offense and has the respect of the team – but he’s just 4 of 5 for 58 yards all-time. So how are the quarterbacks rated even? The talent factor – Colburn, freshman Derek Carr (6-3, 190) and redshirt freshman Ebahn Feathers (6-0, 210) are too talented for at least one of them to not step up and take Fresno State where it wants to go.

UC Davis is built to throw the football, and that’s what they’ll try to do at Fresno State. Junior Greg Denham (6-3, 215) set school records for completions and regular season yards last season when he completed 67% of his passes (296 of 451) for 3,478 yards and 27 touchdowns. He did throw 16 interceptions – not horrible considering the number of passing attempts. With backups Sean Maraz and Daniel Alfaro sidelined with injuries, freshman Randy Wright (6-3, 185) and redshirt freshman Austin Heyworth (6-1, 210) are the only options.

Running Back

Edge: Bulldogs

Fresno State presents the biggest challenge UC Davis has faced since moving up to Division I – and it’ll be an eye-opener. Having junior Ryan Mathews (5-11, 220), senior Lonyae Miller (5-11, 220) and senior Anthony Harding (6-0, 220) all healthy will be a nightmare for the Aggies. It would be shocking if the Bulldogs don’t rush for at least 200 yards, and they might ride the run game all night. Keep an eye on how Fresno State uses option looks and whether true freshman spark plug Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185) gets some carries. Pat Hill is downright excited about redshirt freshman Michael Harris (5-11, 200) as well.

The Aggies return their top nine rushers in overall yardage. Unfortunately, the running game is not their strong point. Junior Joe Trombetta (6-0, 220) led the team with 125 carries for 547 yards and three touchdowns, but averaged just 4.4 yards per carry. Sophomore Corbin Cutshaw (5-8, 189) is listed second-string after rushing for 282 yards and a score (5.1-yard average).

Receivers

Edge: Bulldogs

Bulldogs wideouts haven’t done a good job of getting separation on routes since 2005 – something that’s really plagued the passing game. But new receivers coach Keith Williams has keyed on problem areas with a keen attention to detail and should have senior NFL prospects Seyi Ajirotutu (6-4, 210) and Marlon Moore (6-1, 190) performing at the next level. Junior Devon Wylie (5-9, 170) is the team’s fastest player, clocked at a 4.25 40-yard dash, and redshirt sophomore Jamel Hamler (6-2, 205) might be the most talented of the bunch. Senior Chastin West (6-1, 215) is the possession guy of the group and the best blocker.

Two All-Great West Conference receivers return for the Aggies in first-team senior Chris Carter (6-0, 195) and second-team senior Bakari Grant (6-4, 195). Carter had 768 yards and five touchdowns last year, while Grant added 720 yards and eight scores. UC Davis likes to spread the ball around, as 11 players had more than 100 yards receiving last season. Junior tight end Dean Rogers (6-2, 250) was also a first-team selection, though the Redwood High-Visalia alum had just 13 catches for 178 yards last season and should play a bigger role in the blocking game. Six of the top seven pass-catchers return. Redshirt freshman Anthony Soto (5-9, 185) of San Joaquin Memorial High is listed second on the depth chart as a receiver and return man.

Offensive Line

Edge: Bulldogs

On the down side, Fresno State lost three longtime starters in Bobby Lepori, Kenny Avon and Cole Popovich. On the up side, the replacements make this one of the largest lines in school history with redshirt freshman left tackle Bryce Harris (6-6, 295), junior right tackle Kenny Wiggins (6-7, 310) and junior left guard Devan Cunningham (6-6, 350). Add All-WAC junior right guard Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295), an NFL prospect, and the Bulldogs might have a pancake-filled night against the Aggies.

The Aggies’ front line has solid size for an FCS squad, especially considering Fresno State’s somewhat undersized defensive ends. But their athleticism will be tested. Senior center Tommy Hernandez (6-2, 283) is the smallest of the starters, but is coming off a first-team all-conference season. Junior right tackle Mark Tos (6-6, 290), a Central Valley Christian High-Visalia alum, earned second-team all-conference honors.

Defensive Line

Edge: Bulldogs

All eyes will be on what was the weak link of the Bulldogs’ defense in 2008, but the unit is optimistic this year. All-WAC junior Chris Carter (6-2, 230) makes the permanent transition from linebacker, and redshirt sophomore Kenny Borg (6-3, 245) returns after missing all of last year with injury – a huge boost for the pass rush. Keep an eye out for what unfolds at tackle with first-time starter junior Chris Lewis (6-3, 260) and a plethora of others competing for jobs in sophomores Chase McEntee (6-3, 285) and Logan Harrell (6-2, 275), returning starters juniors Cornell Banks (6-3, 300) and Mark Roberts (6-2, 300) and redshirt freshman Anthony Williams (6-2, 300).

Fresno State’s new quarterback gets a break with All-GWC senior end Patrick Michelier out with injury. Michelier led the Aggies with 10 tackles for losses, and was second with five sacks last year. Senior end Steven Wulff (6-3, 240) will be on the prowl, however, after recording a team-high seven sacks in 2008. Wulff also had an interception – something that should concern the Bulldogs after they saw so many of their passes batted down by defensive linemen last season.

Linebackers

Edge: Bulldogs

Junior Ben Jacobs returns from All-WAC form after leading the Bulldogs with 113 tackles last season. And he’s in better shape, as is a slimmed down junior Nico Herron (6-3, 240) and vicious-hitting sophomore Kyle Knox (6-1, 215). The depth sorely lacking last season might have arrived with true freshmen Travis Brown (6-2, 235) and Daniel Salinas (5-11, 205).

UC Davis is led by senior Mike Morales (6-2, 240), the team leader with 72 tackles last season (nine for losses) and two picks. Weak side senior Mike Healey (6-1, 220) led the Aggies with three interceptions and was tied for fourth on the team with 44 tackles with junior strong side starter Dozie Amajoyi (6-1, 245).

Defensive Backs

Edge: Bulldogs

What do the ‘Dogs have to do to get an interception around here? Whatever it is, they better figure it out or it’ll be another disappointing year. It starts with getting senior A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190) to become an expert at the position. He’s got the talent to be a game-changer. Veteran safeties senior Moses Harris (5-11, 205) and junior Lorne Bell (5-10, 200) have got to show improvement at shedding tackles and swarming to the football.

With a core of corners who are on the short side, UC Davis will be challenged by four Bulldogs receivers ranging 6-1 to 6-4. Like Fresno State, the Aggies have struggled to find interceptions recently, as junior strong safety Danny Hart (5-11, 210) had the starting secondary’s only pick in 2008. The lack of size and depth could be detrimental if the Bulldogs air it out.

Special Teams

Edge: Bulldogs

Sophomore Kevin Goessling (6-0, 190) burst onto the scene as one of the nation’s most powerful kickers and is already on the Lou Groza Award watch list. Senior punter Robert Malone (6-2, 225) has a booming leg of his own and is one of the stronger guys on the team. The Bulldogs are notorious around the country for being amongst the leaders in blocked kicks. Yet the most dangerous attribute is their return game, led by Jefferson, Moore and West. Jefferson led the nation in kick return average two years ago and was close last season despite injury.

Aggies sophomore kicker Sean Kelley (5-8, 215) is a bit of an unknown. While he was 10 of 13 on field goals last season, his long was 36 yards, which could make for some interesting play calling decisions in that “tweener” range. A freshman takes over punting duties in Liberty High-Bakersfield’s Colton Schmidt (5-11, 190). Schmidt averaged 40-plus yards per attempt in high school. The Aggies kick return game strikes very little fear with a long of 28 yards in 2008.

Coaching

Edge: Bulldogs

Pat Hill is feeling the pressure to win and live up to the high expectations that are a result of his success at Fresno State. The 2008 season ended in huge disappointment with a 7-6 record and nowhere near a BCS bowl. Still, Hill has a chance to lead the Bulldogs to their winningest decade in school history.

While UC Davis hunts for its first winning season since 2006, coach Bob Biggs is a proven winner. Heading into his 17th year at the helm, he’s 124-61-1 with eight NCAA playoff appearances, including a tie for third place in 2000. He’s led the Aggies to five double-digit win seasons.

Intangibles

Edge: Bulldogs

Fresno State and UC Davis haven’t met since 1952, with the Bulldogs holding an 11-5-1 series lead. UC Davis knocked Stanford off in 2005, but Fresno State hasn’t lost a season-opening home game since 1996, and is 12-2 in Bulldog Stadium season openers. In its last three, against Weber State, Nevada and Sacramento State, the Bulldogs won all of those games by a combined score of 107-39. UC Davis will obviously be psyched up for one of two games on its schedule against FBS opponents this year (the other being at Boise State), but the Bulldogs’ renewed attitude on defense should be too much for the Aggies to overcome.

***Photos courtesy of Juan Villa/The Collegian

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DEFENSIVE BACKS

Returning lettermen: 9

Incoming: 3

Lost: 3 (Sharrod Davis, Will Harding, Jake Jorde)

It’s the biggest fundamental difference in Fresno State defenses now and in the recent past. Why the poor record in 2006 and the mediocre one in 2008? A lack of playmaking on defense. The Bulldogs have intercepted just 14 passes in the past three seasons combined (2006-08). In the three seasons prior (2003-05) Fresno State recorded 41 interceptions – a difference of 27 potentially game-changing turnovers.

So what gives? Do the ‘Dogs not have the guys capable of making plays anymore? While that’s possible, another explanation is a lack of emphasis on forcing turnovers, something coaches have tried to change during fall camp by instituting a rule that the defense has to do conditioning drills after every practice in which at least one turnover is not forced – incentive at its finest. Randy Stewart (who takes over as defensive coordinator this year) is a great, passionate, hands-on instructor who will focus on safeties this year while new assistant Micah Alba coaches cornerbacks.

The team has at least one star talent who has yet to emerge at corner – A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190). Jefferson looked like a blossoming force in last year’s opener at Rutgers, showing that he had coverage skills and not just speed. But, somehow, Jefferson fluttered out of the starting lineup by season’s end. If Jefferson commits to working on the nuances of the position, and not just relying on raw talent, he might have NFL scouts paying attention for more reasons than kick returning.

Playing his way in to a starting role last year was sophomore Desia Dunn (5-9, 190), a former walk-on who had one of the team’s five interceptions last season. While Dunn was susceptible in isolation situations at times last season, he seems more confident this year and has looked far more aggressive in making plays on the ball. Also competing for a starting spot is Damion Owens (5-11, 200), whose 68-yard interception return during the first series at Boise State last year was one of the team’s only highlights. Owens was as impressive as any defender during the first fall scrimmage, making multiple open-field tackles to snuff out would-be big plays. That said, he’s not the fastest corner and was a liability in downfield coverage last year.

A crop of youngsters are itching to show their stuff, and it starts with sophomore Isaiah Green (5-10, 180), who’s said to be one of the team’s fastest runners but has been used mostly on special teams so far. Green picked off a Ryan Colburn pass in the end zone during the first fall scrimmage and also recovered a fumble. Expect him to be in the regular rotation. Coaches are also high on athletic freshman L.J. Jones (5-10, 170), who was practicing with the veterans from Day 1 of fall camp.

The Bulldogs will need some youth to emerge within a crop of inexperienced corners that also includes sophomore Jermaine Thomas (5-11, 180) and walk-on redshirt freshman Cris Wilson (5-10, 180). A couple of true freshmen have already impressed in camp in J.B. Dock (5-10, 170) and Erik Brown (5-11, 185).

While the interesting competition at corner is for the reserve spots, several safeties with starting experience are battling for a job. One spot is locked down by Moses Harris (6-1, 205), a second-team All-WAC performer last season who was third on the team with 75 tackles. With three years starting experience, Harris needs to become more of a sure tackler and work on shedding blocks, but his fitness is almost unparalleled.

There’s a three-way battle for the other job between two experienced starters in junior Lorne Bell (5-10, 205) and Marvin Haynes (6-2, 205) and redshirt freshman Phillip Thomas (6-1, 205). Bell has been in on first-team reps all fall, but Thomas looked like the man in summer voluntary workouts. Bell was hampered last season by a nerve injury in his leg, but seems to be healthier and faster, and remains the defense’s hardest hitter. Thomas excels in pass coverage, as he showed with a 60-plus yard interception return for a touchdown in the second fall scrimmage, and might be too good not to start. He’ll make an impact this season either way. Haynes, while athletic and talented, looks to be playing catch-up with his competition. He had two interceptions in the opener at Rutgers last season, but injury kept him out down the stretch.

But depth-wise it’s hard to ask for more.Sophomore Zak Hill (6-2, 200), Pat Hill’s youngest son, has been exposed often in pass coverage during camp, and might even be better off with a switch to linebacker. Redshirt freshman Terrance Dennis (5-11, 180) will have more of a chance to stand out next season with Harris and Haynes graduating, but walk-on redshirt freshman Justin Webber (5-9, 180) has already made some noise. Webber, a converted running back who’s bounced back from multiple serious injuries, flew around the field in the first fall scrimmage, making two tackles for losses.

Rating: 6 of 10

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Returning kickers: 3
Incoming: 1
Lost: 1 (Stephen Ferdinandi)

It’s hard to fault a special teams coach who has been so revered for so long at Fresno State, but John Baxter let his stubbornness get in the way of Fresno State’s success last season. It will be crucial for the Bulldogs to clean up their uncharacteristic kick and punt coverage woes from a year ago, when they allowed three touchdown returns and two near-misses at UCLA. Still, Baxter continued to challenge the opposing team’s best return men, even when it was hurting Fresno State’s chances.

The good news is Fresno State’s own return men are better than anything they’ll face, and it starts with All-America candidate A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190), who was recently highlighted in ESPN the Magazine. Jefferson led the nation with a whopping 35.8 yards per kick return as a sophomore, before averaging 29.3 yards last year, including a 92-yard touchdown against Nevada. Jefferson’s three career touchdown returns are the most of any active NCAA player.

He’ll likely be joined deep by either junior Devon Wylie (5-9, 170), Chastin West (6-1, 215) or sophomore Rashad Evans (5-9, 180). Wylie had just two returns last year, but has improved his speed to a personal best 4.25-second 40-yard dash in the offseason. Evans averaged 21.6 yards and West averaged 19.2 last season.

Evans, who’s nursed a hamstring injury throughout fall camp, took over punt return duties last season, averaging 13.2 yards. West and Marlon Moore (6-0, 190) each averaged a few yards more on about half the attempts. All three returned a punt for a touchdown last season. The X-factor could be true freshman Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185), who’s wowed pretty much everyone in fall camp with a body type similar to former ‘Dog and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Pro Bowler Clifton Smith. If Rouse doesn’t redshirt, which is a strong possibility, he’ll compete for this job right away.

Like the return game, the kicking game returns fully intact. Punter Robert Malone (6-2, 215) showed just how strong his leg is when he boomed a 74-yarder at San Jose State last season. Malone had a breakout power year, averaging 42.8 yards and placing 20 of 54 punts inside the 20-yard line. Expect him to have fewer punts behind a higher-scoring offense this season. Freshman walk-on Matt Williams (6-1, 190) will get a shot in practice to prove whether he’s worthy of inheriting the job next year. Long snapper Bobby Shepard (6-1, 235) returns for his sophomore campaign after a solid 2008 season. Malone and Shepard seem to have great chemistry, though their signature games of playing catch (with a baseball and mitts) during summer voluntary workouts was a bit odd.

Sophomore kicker Kevin Goessling (6-0, 195) rebounded from early-season adversity last year – missing potential game-clinching kicks against Wisconsin and Hawaii in consecutive weeks – to bury a school-record 58-yarder to beat Utah State. The turnaround was likely due to maturity and experience, and landed Goessling on the Lou Groza Award watch list. He finished 15 of 22 last season, with two misses coming from beyond 50 yards. The biggest concern with Goessling is kickoff power – he had just two touchbacks in 73 attempts. Backup duties go to redshirt freshman walk-on Andrew Shapiro (6-1, 185), the chatterbox of the group, who’s looked solid in practice and scrimmage situations kicking and punting.

Fresno State’s 44 blocked kicks since 2002 rank tops in the country, three ahead of Texas. Since Pat Hill took over as coach in 1997, the Bulldogs have 79 blocks.

Rating: 8 of 10

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Let's get physical (but not too physical)

Practice seemed to start out a little lazy (Sunday afternoon style) on Day 4, but that quickly changed when Pat Hill went off on the guys for just going through the motions. In typical Hill fashion, he usually gets loud and gets after the guys at some point during fall camp (tough love style).

Today was that day for the "rookies" as he called 'em. Hill didn't like the way guys weren't going 100%, using a popcorn analogy to get his point across. He said he wanted to hear "one big explosion" as guys were hitting each other, not a few pads popping on one side followed by more hitting on the other.

The players defintely responded as true freshman linebacker Daniel Salinas slammed into the O-line on the next play, and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Max Devlin pancaked true freshman defensive end Terrance Kindle.

Robbie Rouse is still wowing pretty much everyone. Yesterday he had Bulldog Bouncers wondering aloud if he should be the punt returner this year. Today, he blocked a punt in special teams drills.

One of the most impressive parts of the day were the fade routes to the corner of the end zone thrown by Derek Carr and Ryan Colburn. Interesting to note that Carr took the first reps with the offense today. But both looked far better than Tom Brandstater ever was at putting touch on passes.

Cornerback coverage was encouraging -- Desia Dunn seems to have progressed quite a bit since last season. There's no reason A.J. Jefferson shouldn't be a dominant cover corner. He has the speed, length and athleticism to be one of the best in school history...it's an absolute mystery why he didn't play more defense last year. Isaiah Green made one standout play to jump a route and bat a pass to the ground.

That said, Seyi Ajirotutu did some damage of his own, with two acrobatic catches in the corner of the end zone in tight coverage. Jamel Hamler is a weapon in press coverage, which is encouraging considering the lack of seperation receivers got the past three years.

So much to talk about already, but let us know what questions you have and we'll address those in comments and future posts...?

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