Fresno State Athletics
No. 8 Football Looks To Keep BCS Hopes Alive
10/16/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 16, 2001
FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State aims to keep its perfect season intact, while keeping its BCS hopes alive as it entertains Boise State on Friday in a matchup of high-powered offenses.
Since the No. 8 Bulldogs (6-0, 2-0 Western Athletic Conference) don't play in a conference that automatically sends its champion to one of the four Bowl Championship Series games, they likely have to complete their 13-game schedule with an unblemished record.
Such a mark would put pressure on BCS officials to invite the Bulldogs with an at-large bid.
"There is no doubt it should happen," coach Pat Hill said. "If this team wins 13 games, it is a BCS team."
They can take a step closer to that overall goal, while also keeping the nation's third-longest home winning string together as they aim to win their 18th straight at Bulldog Stadium.
Though talk of a BCS berth and even a national title has crept into the minds of the Bulldogs after wins over Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin, those hopes were nearly dashed Saturday.
With 27 seconds remaining against Colorado State, Fresno State trailed by a field goal. Quarterback David Carr orchestrated a game-tying scoring drive that culminated in the final seconds with Asen Asparuhov's 48-yard field goal to send the game into overtime.
The Bulldogs held the Rams scoreless in the extra frame and Asparuhov won it with a 41-yard kick.
While the Bulldogs continually climbed the rankings, Carr has ascended in the Heisman Trophy watch. The senior completed 28 of 37 passes for 389 yards and two touchdowns. Under his direction, the Bulldogs are averaging 461.7 yards and 33.3 points per game.
"I was pleased with a lot of the things that happened on offense," Hill said. "... They didn't play well defensively. But when we needed to make a play at the end, we made the play. And that's what it's all about."
The defense, however, will be without one of its leaders against the Broncos. Nose tackle Jason Stewart, who ranks fifth on the team with 27 tackles this season, sustained a concussion in Saturday's victory.
The Bulldogs look to keep their title hopes alive against a Broncos' team (3-3, 2-1) coming off its biggest win of the season.
Sophomore Ryan Dinwiddie completed 27 of 37 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns, including three to Jeb Putzier, as Boise State beat Tulsa 41-10 Saturday. In their three conference games, the Broncos have outscored their opponents 97-72. Overall, they are averaging 418.8 yards and 29.2 points per game.
"They are a lot like us," Hill said. "They have a lot of receivers, a lot of running backs. They are a good football team. Offensively, they move the ball pretty well."
