Football Takes on Rice in WAC Showdown

Oct. 29, 2001

Complete Release in PDF Format
Depth Chart in PDF Format
Coach Hill Quotes From Monday's Press Conference
Last Year's Classic -- Fresno State 27, Rice 24
2001 Statistics
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Fresno State (6-2, 2-2) vs. Rice (6-2, 3-1)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 3
Kickoff: 4 p.m. PST
Site: Fresno, Calif.
Stadium: Bulldog Stadium (41,031)
Radio: KMJ (AM 580), 'Dog Talk at 2 p.m., Pregame Show at 3:30 p.m.
Play-by-play: Bill Woodward, Analyst: Vince Wesson, Sideline: Ron Shapley
TV: KFRE WB 59
Play-by-play: Ralph Wood, Analyst: Randy Rosenbloom
Series: Fresno State leads 2-0

This Week
Fresno State (6-2, 2-2 WAC) looks to get back on the winning track this week against Rice. The Bulldogs have lost two in a row after winning their first six. The Owls (6-2, 3-1 WAC) dropped their first conference game of the season last week against Louisiana Tech. The loss snapped Rice's six-game winning streak.

Last Week
For the second consecutive week, the Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaker. This time, the loss came in the form of a 38-34 defeat at the hands of Hawai'i. Fresno State held a 27-16 lead in the second half, only to have the Warriors score a touchdown with 13 seconds remaining to seal the game. The defeat was FS's 10th in 11 tries at Aloha Stadium since 1967.

All-Time vs. Rice
Fresno State owns a 2-0 lead in the all-time series, which began in 1999. In the first meeting, the Bulldogs dominated the Owls, totaling 478 yards of offense in a 47-18 win at Bulldog Stadium. Last year's contest was much closer, however. Fresno State needed late heroics from David Carr and Asen Asparuhov, who kicked a 43-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, to snatch a 27-24 win at Rice Stadium.

Rice vs. Fresno State - The Last Time
(FRESNO, Calif. - Oct. 5, 2000) - Asen Asparuhov kicked a 43-yard field goal with five seconds left to lead the Bulldogs to a 27-24 win over Rice. Fresno State trailed 24-16 with 4:23 left in the game, but David Carr marched the Bulldogs down the field, scoring a touchdown then adding a two-point conversion to tie the score. After the defense held the Owls to a three-and-out, FS took advantage of a shanked punt and used Asparuhov's heroics to clinch a dramatic victory.

Ticket Information
There are very few tickets remaining for Saturday's game. Those interested in attending should phone the Fresno State Ticket Office or go online to gobulldogs.com as soon as possible. In addition, there are a scant number of tickets left for the final two home games - San Jose State (Nov. 23) and Utah State (Dec. 1).

Mercy Bowl Reunion
The 1961 Mercy Bowl champion Fresno State football team is reuniting Saturday and will be recognized during the game. The bowl game was played in remembrance of 17 Cal Poly football players killed in a plane crash following a game with Bowling Green the year prior. The game raised money for the surviving widows and children and to dedicate a memorial in their honor. The Bulldogs defeated Bowling Green 36-6 before a crowd of 33,145 and raised over $200,000 for charity.

Tough to Beat at Home
Fresno State's loss to Boise State on Sept. 29 snapped its 17-game home winning streak, at the time the nation's third longest. However, since Pat Hill took over, Fresno State has still won 21 of 25 games at Bulldog Stadium, including 17 of its last 19. Since Hill took over prior to the 1997 season, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined 866-447 for an average margin of victory of 35-18. In addition, the 'Dogs are drawing well, averaging 37,981 fans per game since 1997. Fresno State has sold a record 32,855 season tickets for this season and attracted Bulldog Stadium record crowds of 42,881 in its last two home games, which eclipsed the previous record of 42,410, established in the 2001 season opener against then-No. 10 Oregon State.

Racking Up the Points
Fresno State has not only won consistently at home, it has done so quite convincingly. Since the 2000 season opener, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 280-157 over eight games at Bulldog Stadium, good for an average score of 35-20. This year, FS has kept the trend going by outscoring its opponent by a combined score of 112-82. The Bulldogs have scored 24 or more points in 17 out of their last 20 home games.

Taking the Attendance to Another Level
After showing up in record numbers last year, Fresno State fans got 2001 off to a rocking start when 42,410 crammed Bulldog Stadium (41,031) to watch FS defeat then-No. 10 Oregon State 44-24 in the home opener. That number places the Bulldogs third in the west and 13th in the nation in percent of stadium capacity filled. Last year, Fresno State ranked second among western schools and 22nd in the nation, filling Bulldog Stadium at 100.82 percent capacity. This year, with a record of over 32,000 season tickets sold and a team that is has ranked among the top 10 in the nation, Fresno State may break last year's gaudy attendance numbers. Following is a breakdown of where the Bulldogs rate regionally and in the WAC in percent of stadium capacity filled this year:

Bulldogs vs. the BCS Conferences
Through the first three games of the 2001 season, Fresno State proved it is as good as teams from the power conferences. The Bulldogs opened the year with a 24-22 win at Colorado of the Big 12, which afterward won five consecutive games and climbed to No. 14 in the polls. The next week, FS took out 2000 Pac-10 co-champ and then-10th-ranked Oregon State 44-24. The following week, the Bulldogs traveled to Madison, Wis., and defeated the Big Ten's Wisconsin Badgers, winner of two of the last three Rose Bowls, 32-20. Fresno State has one non-conference games left - Dec. 1 against Utah State (Division I-A independent).

SI Recognizes Hill
Fresno State head coach Pat Hill was selected the 2000 Bowl Coach of the Year by Sports Illustrated: "Fresno State's Pat Hill kept his players focused after they fell behind Air Force 34-7 in the Silicon Valley Bowl, and when the Bulldogs pulled to within 37-34 he disdained a 33-yard field goal attempt with 14 seconds to go and called for a fake kick. The ensuing pass fell incomplete, but what kid wouldn't want to play for a coach like that?"

WAC Coaching Leader
Pat Hill is the active WAC coaching leader in winning percentage with a record of 23-12 (.657). Here's how the other WAC coaches rank.

                    Overall (years)  Pct.    Current School (years)   Pct.Ken Hatfield, Rice    151-106-4 (22)  .586         38-43-1 (8)        .470June Jones, Hawai'i        17-15 (2)  .531           17-15 (2)        .531Gary Nord, UTEP            10-10 (1)  .500           10-10 (1)        .500

Over the Hill
Under Pat Hill, the Bulldogs are 21-4 at home and 17-2 in WAC home games with wins in 14 of the last 15 home conference games. Only two WAC teams have ever won at Bulldog Stadium: San Diego State in 1997 and Boise State two weeks ago. Hill's .840 home winning percentage is the best in Fresno State history of coaches with more than three years experience. His conference home winning percentage of .895 is also best in school history. The Bulldogs' four home losses over the last five seasons is only one defeat more than the number of home losses Fresno State suffered in 1996, the season before Hill took over as head coach. Prior to the BSU loss, Fresno State had won 17 games in a row at home, at the time the third-longest home winning streak in the nation.

Reviving the Running Game
With a healthy Paris Gaines in the backfield, the Bulldogs appeared to have their running game back at full throttle. But in the past two games, the rushing attack has been stuck in neutral. Last week against Hawai'i, Fresno State managed only 68 yards on the ground, its fewest since amassing just 59 against Air Force in the Silicon Valley Football Classic. However, prior to the last two games, the Bulldogs rushing game was among the best in the WAC, highlighted by Gaines' 203-yard effort against Louisiana Tech. In fact, Fresno State had three consecutive games - Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and Colorado State - with an 100-yard rusher. Gaines currently leads the team with 682 yards, more than Josh Levi, last year's team leader, had all of 2000. Levi had 397 yards, the lowest total by an FS leading rusher ince 1983, when Calvin Scruggs had 343.

Tricks are For Kids
The Bulldogs have thwarted six consecutive fake field goal or fake punt attempts over the last two seasons, denying either a first down or touchdown. The last team to attempt a fake field goal on the Bulldogs was Tulsa last week, which the Bulldogs successfully stopped. Fresno State has stopped seven of the last eight fake attempts dating back to 1997.

Big-Time Bryce
Each game, it seems as if sophomore free safety Bryce McGill makes his presence felt. Not only is he second on the team in tackles with 53, but he has done the intangibles that help the Bulldogs win. In the season opener at Colorado, his vicious hit on CU quarterback Craig Ochs led to a fumble which Fresno State recovered. He had a game-high 11 tackles and an interception against Oregon State. In FS's WAC opener at Tulsa, he picked off two passes, the second of which set up a touchdown in FS's 37-18 victory. Two weeks ago at Colorado State, he had six tackles, including one for loss in the Bulldogs' 25-22 overtime win.

Block Party
Fresno State's special teams have thrust themselves into the nation's elite in blocking punts and kicks. Since Pat Hill took over as head coach prior to the 1997, the Bulldogs have blocked 28 punts and kicks, including an extra point at Colorado that ended up being the difference in the game. Following is a breakdown of Fresno State's kick blocking prowess since 1997:

      Blocked   Blocked        Punts   PAT & FG   Total1997      3         1        41998      2         4        61999      4         6       102000      2         5        72001      0         1        1--------------------------------Totals   11        17       28

All-Pupose Berrian
Wide receiver Bernard Berrian has proven to be one of the most valuable players for Fresno State this year. In addition to his explosiveness as a wideout, the junior also serves as one of the nation's best punt and kickoff return men. His significance was never more evident than against Wisconsin, when he caught eight passes for 102 yards, had 16 yards rushing on two carries, posted 29 yards on two punt returns and electrified the Bulldogs with 153 kickoff return yards, including a 96-yarder for a touchdown. All told, the Winton, Calif., native left Camp Randall Stadium with 300 all-purpose yards. Berrian has totaled at least 180 all-purpose yards in four of Fresno State's six games this year, including a 254-yard day against Hawai'i last week. He enters this week ranked No. 5 in the nation and tops in the WAC in all-purpose yardage (181.6). He is the nation's 21st best punt returner and 34th best kickoff returner.

Who's Better, Who's Best?
Entering the 2001 season, big things were expected of the Fresno state wide receiving corps. After eight games, none of the wideouts have disappointed. The threesome of senior Rodney Wright, junior Bernard Berrian and sophomore Marque Davis have seemingly taken turns serving as stars of the game. Following is a breakdown of the big games each has posted in 2001:

    Player           Opponent       Key Statistics

Marque Davis at Colorado 8 rec., 95 yds., 1 TD
Rodney Wright Oregon State 7 rec., 182 yds. (career high), 2 TDs
Bernard Berrian at Wisconsin 8 rec., 102 yds., 1 TD, 300 all-purpose yds.
Bernard Berrian at Tulsa 9 rec., 169 yds., 2 TDs
Rodney Wright La Tech 8 rec., 74 yds, 3 rushed, 37 yds.
Rodney Wright at Col. State 8 rec., 120 yds.
Rodney Wright Boise State 14 rec., 179 yds., 1 TD
Bernard Berrian at Hawai'i 9 rec., 110 yds., 254 all-purpose yds.
Marque is OK
Sophomore wide receiver Marque Davis had his biggest game as a Bulldog against Colorado in the season opener, pulling in eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. The last of those eight catches may have been the biggest - a 16-yard gain on 3rd-and-14 with less than two minutes remaining and Fresno State attempting to salt the clock away. The Dos Palos, Calif., native was redshirted last year after missing nearly all of last year after sustaining an abdominal injury after the Ohio State game. Against CU, Davis surpassed his career receiving statistics. Prior to the Colorado game, he had six receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown in his career. He suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter of the Colorado State game and has missed the last two contests. He will be re-evaluated this week.


Whom to Cover?
David Carr hasn't just limited his pass distribution to wide receivers. He has spread the wealth around the field to a variety of different Bulldogs. In all, 11 different players have caught passes this year, including eight for touchdowns. His favorite target has been Rodney Wright, who has 59 receptions for 845 yards.
Conference Countdown
For the first three weeks of the 2001 season, the Bulldogs beat a team from a BCS Conference. After beating a Big 12 opponent (Colorado 24-22) in the first week, the Bulldogs hosted a Pac-10 team (Oregon State, 44-24) in week two. The Bulldogs made it a trifecta, winning at Wisconsin 32-20. The Bulldogs left conference play Sept. 22 to pick up a 25-22 overtime win at Colorado State. Fresno State has one more non-conference opponent - Utah State (Division I-A independent) on Dec. 1.
Tough Sledding
The Bulldogs have taken on the toughest schedule in school history, with the first three opponents of the 2001 season - Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin - against teams that were ranked in the nation's top 27 teams by both the Associated Press and USA Today's coaches poll at the time of the game. And FS hasn't been afraid to take on nationally prominent teams on the road. All told, the Bulldogs play seven road games this season, more than any team currently ranked in the top 10. Listed below are other top teams and the number of road games they play this year:

No. Road Games        Team(s) (Non-Conference Road Games)7---------------------Fresno State (3)6---------------------UCLA (2)5---------------------Oklahoma (1), Miami (Fla.) (3), Florida (0)                      Texas (1), Virginia Tech (1), Oregon (1),                      Tennessee (1), Michigan (1)4---------------------Nebraska (0)

Hitting the Road
Entering the 2001 season, Fresno State had not been as successful as head coach Pat Hill would have liked on the road. But this year, that has changed. The Bulldogs are 4-1 away from Fresno in 2001, including wins at Colorado, Wisconsin and Colorado State. Overall, Fresno State is 11-18 on the road under Hill, including wins in five of its last six contests. FS still finds scoring on the road more difficult than at home. The Bulldogs are averaging just 22.8 points per road game while piling up 34.6 per game in Bulldog Stadium.
Honorable Bulldogs
Fresno State players have dominated the WAC player of the week honors this year. It started after the Bulldogs' victory over Oregon State, when Rodney Wright and Jason Simpson received offensive and special teams honors, respectively. The trend continued when Asen Asparuhov received the special teams player of the week award after his field goals helped the Bulldogs defeat Colorado State on Saturday. Here is a list of the Fresno State players who have received either national or WAC player of the week honors this year:

Player                 Award(s)Asen Asparuhov---------WAC special teams player of the week (Colorado State)Bernard Berrian--------WAC offensive and special teams player of the week (Wisconsin)David Carr-------------USA Today, CNN/SI national player of the week (Oregon State),                       WAC player of the week (Tulsa)Paris Gaines-----------WAC player of the week (Louisiana Tech)Jason Simpson----------WAC special teams player of the week (Oregon State)Rodney Wright----------WAC player of the week (Oregon State)

In Case You Missed It
Fresno State has lost back-to-back WAC games for the first time since 1998. The Bulldogs have never lost three consecutive conference games under Hill. In fact, FS has lost three in a row only twice in Hill's tenure (last in 1998) ... David Carr's 400-yard passing game was the first of his career ... the Bulldogs have scored on their opening possession in three consecutive games ... Rodney Wright has three consecutive 100-yard receiving games for the first time in his career. He now has eight as a Bulldog ... the Boise State loss marked Fresno State's first WAC home loss since Nov. 15, 1997, a 20-19 defeat at the hands of San Diego State ... Vernon Fox had an interception against Hawai'i, his first since the 1998 season and only the second of his career ... Charles Smith's two touchdown catches were his first and second of 2001 ... David Shabaglian had a touchdown reception against Hawai'i, his first of the year and second of his career ... Wright is ninth in the nation in total receiving yards per game (105.6 per game) ... thirteen of Brett Visintainer's 45 kickoffs this season have been touchbacks, more touchbacks than he had during the entire 2000 season (four) ... Only three of David Carr's 14 interceptions the last two years have come at home. He has completed .665 of his pass attempts in Bulldog Stadium in that time ... Jason Simpson ranks fourth in the nation in punting with an average of 44.9 ... Fresno State is now 3-4 all-time in overtime games, including wins in three of the last four ... Sam Williams' interception against Boise State was the first of his career ... Bernard Berrian now has 1,452 career receiving yards, ninth-best in Fresno State history ... David Carr's 2,545 passing yards this year already ranks him ninth on the single-season list. He needs to average only 251 yards per game the rest of the season to break Trent Dilfer's all-time single season mark of 3,799, established in 1993.
Ranking the Losses
Of Fresno State's last 12 losses dating back to 1999, nine have come to teams that have either been nationally ranked or played in a bowl game. Three of Fresno State's losses last season were to ranked opponents (No. 16 Ohio State, No. 15 UCLA, No. 17 TCU). Of the last 10 losses, the only loss to a non-ranked non-bowl team was to SMU 24-14 on Oct. 14, 1999. That was also the last loss Fresno State suffered to a team with a losing record. This year, FS has lost to Boise State and Hawai'i, both of which are on the cusp of being bowl eligible.
Smurfs
Despite their diminutive stature, the duo of Charles Smith and Rodney Wright were the most explosive receiving combo in the nation in 2000 until Wright's was injured causing him to miss five games. Smith missed the first three games this year but has become a vital part of the offense since returning. They are also Fresno State's top two returning receivers and rank in Fresno State's career top 10 list for receptions and yards. Last week, Smith moved into sixth place on the career receiving yards list. He needs only 49 yards for 2,000.

                 ------CAREER------   ----------2001----------                 Rec   Yards   Avg.   TD  Rec  Yards  Avg.  TDRodney Wright    177   2,493   14.1   16   59   845   14.3   5Charles Smith    150   2,075   14.0   18   16   241   15.1   2Totals           327   4,568   14.0   34   62 1,086   14.5    7
Fresno State Career ReceptionsNo Name                        Rec   Yards   Avg.   TD2. Charlie Jones (1992-95)     187   3,344   17.9   253. Rodney Wright (1998-)       177   2,493   14.1   164. Charles Smith (1998-)       150   2,075   14.0   18
No Name                        Rec   Yards   Avg.   TD3. Henry Ellard (1979-82)      138   2,947   21.4   254. Rodney Wright (1998-)       177   2,493   14.1   165. Larry Willis (1983-84)      142   2,260   15.9   146. Charles Smith (1998-)       150   2,075   14.0   18

Carr's Bodyguards
Quarterback David Carr is more thankful than anyone that Fresno State will have the biggest and strongest offensive line in school history. With an average of 6-4 and 307 pounds, Fresno State's line is expected to be a strength, providing Carr with time to throw and open holes for the Bulldog backs. All five started at various times last season. One of the two newcomers to the group is the biggest player on offense, right guard Victor Taifane, who was a two-year starter at West Hills College, but missed the Tulsa game due to an injured elbow. The Bodyguards have been doing an good job in protecting their quarterback - Carr has been sacked just 15 times in 271 pass plays, only once every 18.1 attempts.
Carr on the Move
David Carr's sensational season seemingly has no end. He threw for a career-high 400 yards against Hawai'i last week, moving him closer to the top of Fresno State's single-season passing yardage list. And despite only receiving significant playing time the last two years, he is still moving up on the career passing yardage list, as well. Here is where Carr ranks on both lists:

SINGLE-SEASON4. Jeff Tedford      1982   2,993   245. Kevin Sweeney     1985   2,789   176. David Carr        2000   2,729   237. Billy Volek       1999   2,706   308. Dave Telford      1987   2,589   129. David Carr        2001   2,545   21
CAREER1. Kevin Sweeney     1983-86   10,808   692. Mark Barsotti     1988-91    8,093   503. Trent Dilfer      1991-93    7,631   534. Billy Volek       1996-99    6,532   575. David Carr        1998-      5,545   456. Jeff Tedford      1981-82    4,872   35

No Holding Harper
Senior defensive tackle Alan Harper (www.gobulldogs.com/alanharper), an All-America candidate, is on both the Lombardi Awards and Outland Trophy watch this season. He has proved to be one of America's premier defensive linemen. Through the first seven games, he leads the WAC in quarterback sacks with eight for -45 yards and tackles for losses with 15 for -68 yards. Harper now has 18 quarterbacks sacks in his career, an amazing feat for a player who is double-teamed nearly every play. Harper has climbed into NFL draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr.'s Big Board and is currently rated the No. 12 prospect for the 2002 NFL draft. Harper has been one of the most dominating defensive players in the WAC the last two-plus seasons, earning first-team All-WAC honors each year. Harper has the potential to become the best defensive lineman in school history. He had a career-high 10 tackles vs. TCU last season. Harper was selected by the media as the 2001 Preseason WAC Defensive Player of the Year. Harper has been awarded a Bulldog blackshirt in 19 of the last 20 games. A blackshirt is awarded by the FS defensive coaches for totally dominating a position in the previous game.

Alan Harper           2001     Career   WAC Rank   NCAA RankTackles for Losses   15-68     42-158     1st         9thQuarterback Sacks     8-45      18-98     1st         3rd

Getting Defensive
Through the first five games of the season, Fresno State's defensive front was operating on all cylinders. However, the unit took a hit against Colorado State and Boise State, allowing in excess of 100 yards rushing to both. Nonetheless, through eight games the defense is still posting a WAC-best 32 sacks and 63 tackles for loss. FS enters this week's game allowing an average of 111.9 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 25th in the nation. Last week against Hawai'i, Fresno State allowed only 30 yards rushing, the lowest total by an opposition since Sept. 3, 1988, when the 'Dogs held New Mexico to just 20 rushing yards in a 68-21 victory.
Fantastic Fox
There's more to playing defensive back than making interceptions. Senior safety Vernon Fox, who has only two interceptions in his career, was selected first-team All-WAC by the league's coaches in 2000, an award that was applauded by the Bulldog coaches who felt it came a year too late. Fox was one of six players in the WAC with more than 100 tackles in 1999, leading the 'Dogs with 103, yet was left off both the first and second teams. Fox had 64 tackles in 2000, fourth on the team, plus had six tackles for losses and three quarterback sacks. Fox graduated with a 3.46 GPA in sociology and is enrolled in graduate school at Fresno State.
Getting His Kicks
No player has improved more on the Bulldog team than junior punter Jason Simpson. In his first season, Simpson averaged 38.0 yards per punt and was very good at placing the ball, stopping 18 punts inside the 20 yard line. This season, Simpson has improved his average by nearly eight yards per punt to 44.9, which ranks tops in the WAC and fourth in the NCAA.
Blackshirts and Bad 'Dogs
Fresno State has a unique way of honoring strong defensive efforts during games. Every week after defensive coordinator Dan Brown reviews game film, he makes note of the Bulldogs players who thoroughly dominated their position during the game. These players then receive plain black shirts to wear during practice the following week. Players not receiving blackshirts wear their normal practice uniform. Listed below is the game-by-game blackshirt list:

Game             Blackshirt Playersat Colorado......Alan Harper, Jason Stewart, Nick Burley, Maurice Rodriguez,                 Vernon Fox, Devon Banks, Bryce McGill, Tierre SamsOregon State.....Alan Harper, Jason Stewart, Nick Burley, Jake Probst,                 Clarence Denning, Maurice Rodriguez, Vernon Fox, Devon Banks,                 Bryce McGill, Tierre Sams, Kendall Edwardsat Wisconsin.....Alan Harper, Jason Stewart, Nick Burley, Marc Dailey,                 Devon Banks, Vernon Foxat Tulsa.........Jason Stewart, Maurice Rodrguez, Brian Morris, Marc Dailey,                 Alan Harper, Bryce McGillLouisiana Tech...Alan Harper, Jason Stewart, Bryce McGill, Kendall Edwards,                 Marc Daileyat Colorado St...Alan HarperBoise State......Alan Harper, Vernon Foxat Hawai'i.......Alan Harper, Vernon Fox, Sam Williams
Bad 'Dogs: Marque Davis (at Colorado), Rodney Wright (Oregon State),           David Carr (at Colorado State), Asen Asparuhov (at Colorado State)

The Wright Path
Senior receiver Rodney Wright scored his first career rushing touchdown against Tulsa on Sept. 22. Wright has now scored a touchdown via rushing and receiving. He also has scored a touchdown recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown (vs. Nevada, 1999). Wright has thrown a touchdown pass (vs. Rice, 1999) and caught a two-point conversion for a score (vs. Rice, 2000). Fresno State is 8-3 in games when Wright scores a touchdown.
The Wright Path, Part II
Rodney Wright has become the go-to receiver for quarterback David Carr. In his last four games, Wright has exploded with 39 catches for 518 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks ago against Boise State, he was all over the field, making a career-high 14 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown. The 14 catches were the fifth-most productive day in Fresno State history. Since the season opener at Colorado, Wright has averaged 8.3 receptions per game for 118.7 yards. The Bakersfield, Calif., native now has eight 100-yard receiving games, including his last three in a row. Following are Wright's career 100-yard receiving efforts:

Oct. 14, 1999     at SMU             5 rec., 123 yds., 2 TDOct. 23, 1999     UTEP               7 rec., 156 yds., 1 TDNov. 20, 1999     San Jose State     7 rec., 139 yds., 1 TDSept. 23, 2000    California         13 rec., 174 yds., 2 TDSept. 2, 2001     Oregon State       7 rec., 182 yds., 2 TDOct. 13, 2001     at Colorado State  8 rec., 120 yds.Oct. 19, 2001     Boise State        14 rec., 179 yds., 1 TDOct. 26, 2001     at Hawai'i         9 rec., 145 yds., 1 TD

Injury Report
Nose tackle Jason Stewart missed his second game in a row at Hawai'i with a concussion, suffered against Colorado State. Also missing the UH game were Jake Probst (sprained knee) and Marque Davis (sprained ankle). All three will be re-evaluated this week. Kendall Edwards (suspension) will return this week.
'Dog Bones (Team)

FS is 21-4 under Pat Hill at home, including wins in 17 of the last 18 games.
FS is 16-2 in its last 18 WAC home games.
After posting 21 consecutive victories when leading at half, the Bulldogs have lost their last two in a row when holding the edge at the intermission. Under Pat Hill the Bulldogs are 26-4 when leading at the half.
The Bulldogs have picked off 13 passes this year, sixth in the nation.
Fresno State's victories over No. 23 Wisconsin and No. 10 Oregon State were the first time in program history it had defeated ranked opponents on back-to-back weeks.
The win over the Badgers was also the program's first over a Big Ten team.
A crowd of 78,506 watched Fresno State play Wisconsin, the largest attendance ever to witness a Bulldog victory.
FS has thrown 78 touchdowns and only 19 interceptions since the 1999 opener.
The Bulldogs have not been shutout in the last 130 home games dating back to Oct. 25, 1980, vs. Utah State (14-0). Fresno State has scored in 154 of the last 155 home games.
FS is 22-6 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs throw more touchdown passes than their opponents.
FS is 26-5 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs have less turnovers than their opponents.
The 'Dogs allowed a school record-low 13 quarterback sacks in 1999 just 20 in 2000. They have allowed 17 this year.
Fresno State had a 100-yard rusher against Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and Colorado State, the first time since the 1996 the Bulldogs had that happen in three consecutive games.
Fresno State has produced six first-team All-WAC defensive players over the last two seasons. Three of those (Vernon Fox, Alan Harper and Anthony Limbrick) are on this year's roster.
The FS defense had 122 tackles for losses for -459 yards in 2000. This year, they have already accumulated 62 for -234.
This season marked the third year in a row the Bulldogs have played three of their first four games on the road. In fact, five of FS's first eight games were away from Bulldog Stadium.
The 'Dogs have led the WAC in scoring in three of the last nine years, including a nation's best 40.5 average in 1992. They are averaging 33.0 points per game this year, including 30-plus point outbursts in six of the last seven games.
FS has produced two quarterbacks (Trent Dilfer and Bill Volek) who set NCAA records in the last seven years. Both are in the NFL, Dilfer with the Seattle Seahawks and Volek is with the Tennessee Titans.
FS has produced a first-team All-WAC punter (Jeff Roberts, 1998) and kicker (Jeff Hanna, 1999) since the 1998 season.
Fresno State's third down conversion percentage dropped from 50 percent in 1999 to 35 percent in 2000. This year, the Bulldogs are converting third downs at a 40 percent clip (41-of-103).
Only two Fresno State every down starters are not from California. Defensive end Jake Probst is from Midway, Utah, and safety Vernon Fox is from Las Vegas. Kicker Asen Asparuhov is a native of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Fresno State was 2-2 on national television (Fox Sports Net) last season and are 5-2 this year (ESPN, ESPN2 and Fox Sports Net).
Fresno State has played in front of above-capacity crowds in five of its eight games this year (vs. Oregon State, at Wisconsin, vs. Louisiana Tech, at Colorado State, vs. Boise State)
For the second consecutive year, Fresno State set a stadium attendance record in the home opener. This year, 42,410 fans jammed Bulldog Stadium, surpassing the former record of 42,285, established against California in the 2000 opener. But in the last two games, the 42,881 that have attended established and tied yet another attendance record.
Fresno State has sold out seven of the last eight games at Bulldog Stadium with an average attendance of 41,877, 846 more than the stadium's capacity of 41,031.
After both Colorado (11-of-21) and Oregon State (8-of-17) converted third downs at or near a 50 percent clip, the Bulldogs held Wisconsin to only 5-of-15 on third downs, including 1-for-7 in the second half. FS has held its past four opponents to a combined 29-for-78 (37 percent) on third downs.
Fresno State is a combined 12-2 when either Josh Levi (5-0) or Paris Gaines (7-2) rush for a touchdown in a game.
Fresno State has converted on four of the last five two-point conversion attempts, including three in a row.
Fresno State is 34-of-38 in the "compete zone," scoring on 89 percent of the time inside the 25-yard line. The 'Dogs have scored 21 touchdowns in 38 attempts (55 percent) inside the "compete zone."
The Bulldogs are 8-3 in their last 11 games when scoring first.
Fresno State's first score in 16 of the last 17 games, including the last 12, has been a touchdown. Fresno State had a safety against Rice for the only non-touchdown first score.
The Hawai'i loss snapped FS's five-game road winning streak. That was the team's longest since the 1988 and '89 seasons.
Fresno State has now lost back-to-back WAC games for the first time since 1998. The Bulldogs have not lost three consecutive conference games under Pat Hill and have only lost three in a row under Hill once (1997 and '98).
The Bulldogs defense allowed only 30 rushing yards to Hawai'i, the lowest total since Sept. 3, 1988, when they allowed just 20 to New Mexico in a 68-21 win over the Lobos.
Fresno State's 68 rushing yards against UH were its lowest of the season.
FS is 0-2 on Fridays in 2001.


'Dog Bones (Individual)

Kicker Asen Asparuhov has made 26-of-38 field goal attempts (.684) during his career, including 17-of-22 (.773) this year.
Asparuhov made a career-high four field goals against Colorado State, including a 48-yarder as regulation time expired to send the game into overtime and a 41-yarder to win it in the extra stanza. The game winner was selected the No. 6 Play of the Week by ESPN's Chris Berman.
Asparuhov's 48-yarder against Colorado State was the longest of his career. He was named the WAC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts in the game.

Safety Devon Banks has intercepted three passes this year.
Banks was selected first-team All-WAC by The Sporting News after the 2000 season.

Junior cornerback Juan Bautista was awarded a scholarship during fall camp and was the unanimous selection by his teammates as the special teams captian for the 2001 season.

Receiver Bernard Berrian had back-to-back monster games against Wisconsin and Tulsa. Against UW, he totaled 300 all-purpose yards (153 on kickoff returns, 102 receiving, 29 on punt returns and 16 rushing), then came back Sept. 22 to establish career highs in receptions (nine) and receiving yards (169) while scoring two touchdowns. He ranks No. 5 in the nation in all-purpose yardage with 181.6.
Berrian has eight 100-yard games in his last 15 contests.
Berrian was named second-team All-WAC last year by the league's coaches.
Berrian owns seven of the top 50 receiving yardage games in school history and had a career-high 169 yards against Tulsa on Sept. 22.

David Carr was named the national player of the week by USA Today and CNN/SI after throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns against No. 10 Oregon State (9/2/01).
Carr has thrown just three interceptions in his last 255 pass attempts and just six in his last 371 attempts over the last nine games. He has thrown 21 touchdowns and just four interceptions in 2001.
Carr had 389 total yards against Colorado State, the sixth-best single-game effort in school history.
Carr is ranked No. 5 on Mel Kiper's Jr.'s "Big Board" for prospects for the 2002 NFL draft. He is the highest rated offensive player on the board.
Carr is ranked fourth in the nation in total offense (322.6), fifth in points responsible for (17.8) and 11th in passing efficiency (152.6).
Carr has five 300-yard games in 2001 - Colorado State (398), Oregon State (340), Tulsa (314), Louisiana Tech (319) and Boise State (345) - and a 400-yard game - Hawai'i (400).

All-WAC strong safety Vernon Fox has at least one tackle in 38 consecutive games.
Fox has started 33 consecutive games, the longest streak on the team.
Fox led the team with 103 tackles in 1999 and was fifth last year with 68. He is third on the team this year with 43.
Fox, an Academic All-America Candidate, graduated in May with a 3.46 GPA in sociology. He has begun work on a master's degree.

Running back Paris Gaines rushed for 203 yards against Louisiana Tech, the most of his career and the highest total by a Bulldog since Jaime Kimbrough had 212 against San Jose State in 1998.
Gaines backed up his game against Louisiana Tech with a 111-yard effort at Colorado State, the first time in his career he had back-to-back 100-yard games.

All-WAC defensive tackle Alan Harper has at least one tackle in 39 straight games, the longest streak on the Fresno State defense. He has been awarded a blackshirt every game since the 2000 season opener but one.
Harper is ranked No. 12 on Mel Kiper Jr.'s "Big Board" for the top prospects for the 2002 NFL draft.
Harper is first in the WAC in sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (16).
Harper was voted the WAC Preseason Player of the Year by the media.
Harper is on the watch lists for both the Lombardi and Outland Trophy Awards.

Tight end Jeremy Johnson suffered a broken bone in his left wrist against Wisconsin and will miss the rest of the season.

Freshman Logan Mankins has started every game at the critical left tackle position and has not allowed a sack since giving up one at Colorado. "He has been very impressive for a first-year player. He is very athletic and very physical to do what he has done against the caliber of opponents we have played," Offensive Line Coach Dennis Wagner.

Bryce McGill is second on the squad with 53 tackles, including six for loss, three sacks and a team-high three interceptions.

Cornerback Tierre Sams ran a 10.46 100 meters in high school, which at one point was the fastest time by a high school in the nation.

Junior right tackle Joe Schey was named to the Verizon Academic All-District second team. He has a 3.3 GPA in sociology.
Schey was selected preseason All-WAC by Lindy's and The Sporting News.

Safety Cameron Worrell was a walk-on to the team who earned a scholarship after fall camp.

Rodney Wright was selected the WAC Offensive Player of the Week after his eight receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns vs. Oregon State (9/2/01).
A 1999 All-WAC receiver, Wright missed six games with a torn calf in 2000.
Wright had seven receptions for a career-high 182 yards against Oregon State (9/2/01).
Wright is averaging 112.4 yards per game over the last four games.
Wright had a career-high 14 catches against Boise State (10/19/01).
Wright is averaging 14.3 yards per reception this season.
Wright posted 145 receiving yards against Hawai'i and now has 2,493 in his career. He needs 10 receptions to move into second place on the Fresno State career record ledger.

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