Football Takes on San Diego State in Home Opener

Aug. 26, 2002

EXTRAS

Fresno State (0-1) vs. San Diego State (0-0)
Date: Thursday, Aug. 29
Kickoff: 7 p.m. PDT
Site: Fresno, Calif.
Stadium: Bulldog Stadium (41,031)
Radio: KMJ (AM 580); 'Dog Talk at 5 p.m., Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m.
Play-by-play: Bill Woodward; Analyst: Vince Wesson; Sideline: Ron Shapley
TV: ESPN 2
Play-by-play: Chris Marlowe; Analyst: John Cooper; Sideline: Heather Cox

This Week
Fresno State opens the home schedule hosting former WAC rival San Diego State on Thursday at Bulldog Stadium. The two teams have not met since the 1998 season, a 10-0 Aztec win at San Diego. The game will be televised live nationally on ESPN 2 with Chris Marlowe and John Cooper calling the action.

Last Week
The Bulldogs came within a whisper of knocking off Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium for a second consecutive year, but a late field goal gave the 23rd-ranked Badgers a 23-21 victory in the season opener for both schools. Fresno State took a 21-20 lead with nine minutes left when quarterback Jeff Grady hit Alec Greco on a 23-yard touchdown pass, but aided by an untimely Bulldog penalty on fourth down, Wisconsin converted a 34-yard field goal and hung on for the win.

All-Time vs. San Diego State
The Aztecs hold a 26-19-4 lead in the all-time series, including victories in four in a row. The two teams haven't played since the 1998 season, a 10-0 victory by SDSU in San Diego. Fresno State hasn't defeated the Aztecs since a 49-42 win in 1994. The Bulldogs are 0-2 all-time against San Diego State under Pat Hill.

Last Time vs. San Diego State
SAN DIEGO - Nov. 7, 1998: The last time Fresno State suffered a shutout was at the hands of the Aztecs in 1998, as San Diego State beat the Bulldogs 10-0. The Aztecs scored all 10 of their points in the first half as the Bulldogs managed just 136 total yards of offense, the lowest total in the Pat Hill era. Fresno State finised that year with a 5-6 record, Hill's only losing season. The Aztecs finished 7-5, 7-1 in the WAC, and played North Carolina in the Las Vegas Bowl. It marked the last winning season for San Diego State.

Bulldogs in Home Openers
Fresno State is 4-1 in home openers under Pat Hill, including victories in three in a row. The only loss the Bulldogs have suffered in a home opener came in 1998, a 27-24 loss to Nevada. It was after that loss Fresno State ran off 17 consecutive victories at Bulldog Stadium.

Grady, Berrian Injury Update
Two of Fresno State's biggest weapons on offense were injured during the Bulldogs' opener at Wisconsin. Senior wide receiver Bernard Berrian went down with a sprained knee, suffered on a punt return on the final play of the first quarter, and missed the rest of the game. Junior quarterback Jeff Grady suffered a hip bruise at the end of the second quarter, missed one play and played with pain the rest of the contest. Both will be evaluated early this week, at which point their status for Thursday's game will be determined.

Preseason Play
The Bulldogs 23-21 loss to Wisconsin in the John Thompson Foundation Classic was the team's third ever appearance in a preseason classic. It marked the second consecutive season Fresno State has played in a preseason exempted event. The Bulldogs played Ohio State in the 1994 Pigskin Classic, losing 34-10. Last season, Fresno State defeated Colorado 24-22 at Boulder, Colo., in the Jim Thorpe Classic.

Bulldogs vs. the BCS Conferences
In 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 eventually played in the Fiesta Bowl. The following week, FS took out 2000 Pac-10 co-champ and then-10th-ranked Oregon State 44-24. Just six days later, the Bulldogs traveled to Madison, Wis., and defeated the Big Ten's Wisconsin Badgers, winner of two of the last four Rose Bowls, 32-20. After opening with Wisconsin last week, the Bulldogs have two more games against BCS teams this year: Oregon on Sept. 7 and Oregon State on Sept. 21.

Bulldogs vs. the BCS Conferences - Part II
Fresno State has won four of its last six games against teams from BCS conferences. Since Pat Hill has taken over at Fresno State, the Bulldogs have played 15 games against BCS opponents with two more on the docket this year. Hill lost the first nine games against BCS teams, all on the road, by an average margin of 14 points. Four of those were decided by less than a touchdown and one was in overtime (at Oregon in 1997). Last week, the Bulldogs were once again close, but came up short in a 23-21 loss at Wisconsin.

Conference Countdown
In each of 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. This year, Fresno State opens with three of its first four games against BCS opponents - Wisconsin (Aug. 23), Oregon (Sept. 7) and Oregon State (Sept. 21). The Bulldogs will play each on the road.

Over the Hill
Under Pat Hill, the Bulldogs are 24-4 at home and 19-2 in WAC home games with wins in 16 of the last 17 home conference games. Only two WAC teams have ever won at Bulldog Stadium: San Diego State in 1997 and Boise State in 2001. Hill's .857 home winning percentage is the best in Fresno State history of coaches with more than three years experience. His conference home winning percentage of .905 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.

Tough to Beat at Home
Fresno State's loss to Boise State on Oct. 19 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 24 of 28 games at Bulldog Stadium, including 20 of its last 22. Since Hill took over prior to the 1997 season, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined 1,028-513 for an average margin of victory of 37-18. In addition, the 'Dogs are drawing well, averaging 38,507 fans per game since 1997. Fresno State sold a record 32,855 season tickets for the 2001 season and attracted Bulldog Stadium record crowds of 42,881 in its last five home games, which eclipsed the previous record of 42,410, established in the 2001 season opener against then-No. 10 Oregon State.

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 on Sept. 22, which the Bulldogs successfully stopped. Fresno State has stopped seven of the last eight fake attempts dating back to 1997.

Running Game Revival
Fresno State's running game in 2001 was a strong complement to one of the nation's best passing attacks. This year, several new faces find themselves trying to take over for Paris Gaines, who racked up 1,044 yards last season, the ninth-best total in school history. The top returner to the running back position is sophomore Therrian Fontenot, who gained 266 yards on 60 carries last year and is one of the fastest players on the team. Also expected to see time are redshirt freshman Matt Rivera and junior Rodney Davis, the brother of starting wide receiver Marque Davis. Both Rivera and Rodney Davis saw time against Wisconsin. The two combined to gain 40 yards while Rivera came out of the backfield to catch six passes for 58 yards. Fontenot did not play at running back against Wisconsin due to a high ankle sprain. He did, however, see time on special teams.

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 34 punts and kicks, including two punts against San Jose State. In fact, FS has three blocked punts in the last three games. 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      3         5        82001      5         1        6--------------------------------Totals   17*       17       34* includes instances when Fresno State tackled the punterbefore he could get kick away.

Taking the Attendance to Another Level
After showing up in record numbers in 2000, Fresno State fans got 2001 off to a rocking start when 42,410 crammed Bulldog Stadium (capacity 41,031) to watch FS defeat Oregon State 44-24 in the home opener. The fans continued to invade the stadium the rest of the year, with a record 42,881 watching each of the five remaining home games. All told, Bulldog Stadium was filled at 104.32 of capacity last year, placing FS second in the west and seventh in the nation in percent of capacity filled. Fresno State has exceeded capacity in 10 of the last 11 home games. This season, over 30,000 season tickets have been sold and the Bulldogs are within reach of breaking last year's record.

After a superb 2001 season, junior Bryce McGill had nine tackles and a sack against Wisconsin.

Big-Time Bryce
Each game last year, it seems as if junior free safety Bryce McGill made his presence felt. Not only did he finish second on the team in tackles with 95, but he has done the intangibles that help the Bulldogs win. In the season opener, McGill picked up where he left off in 2001, making nine tackles against Wisconsin. The Bakersfield, Calif., native also had a tackle for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, which led to a Fresno State touchdown. McGill also has five interceptions in his Fresno State career, the ninth-best total in college football entering this year.

Active Career Interceptions Leader5. Syniker Taylor, Mississippi______ 96. Michael Lewis, Colorado__________ 87. Keyuo Carver, Nebraska___________ 6   Jason Goss, TCU__________________ 69. Bryce McGill, Fresno State_______ 5

Road Warriors
Fresno State will play seven road games for the second straight season. Fresno State racked up the most requent flyers miles in the nation last season and will have long road trips this year to Madison, Wis. (Wisconsin), Houston (Rice) and Ruston, La. (Louisiana Tech). In addition, the Bulldogs will have a long road to hoe. The team begins their season Aug. 23 and plays their regular season finale Dec. 5.

One the Road Again
Entering the 2001 season, Fresno State had not been as successful as head coach Pat Hill would have liked on the road. But last year, that all changed. The Bulldogs went 6-1 away from Fresno in 2001, a program record for road wins in a season. Included in those road wins were victories over Colorado, Wisconsin and Colorado State. Overall, Fresno State is 13-19 on the road under Hill, including wins in seven of its last nine contests. FS still finds scoring on the road more difficult than at home. Under Hill, the Bulldogs are averaging just 23.8 points per road game while piling up 36.7 per game in Bulldog Stadium.

Berrian Blows Up
Wide receiver Bernard Berrian was simply one of the biggest offensive weapons in the nation last year. The 2001 All-American set a WAC record with 2,776 all-purpose yards and has been listed as one of the top seniors in the nation by ESPN's NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. In two games last year - Wisconsin and Nevada - Berrian had overall 300 yards in total offense. After totaling 1,364 receiving yards last year, the Winton, Calif., native needs 1,218 to become No. 1 on Fresno State's all-time receiving yardage list, a spot currently held by Rodney Wright, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Berrian suffered an injured knee last week against Wisconsin and is questionable for this week's game against San Diego State.

Berrian in Fresno State HistoryCareer Receptions                       Career Receiving YardageNo Name (Years)                 Rec     No Name (Years)                  Yards1. Rodney Wright (1998-01)_____ 222     1. Charlie Jones (1992-95)______ 3,3442. Brian Roberson (1993-96)____ 188     2. Rodney Wright (1998-01)______ 3,2743. Charlie Jones (1992-95)_____ 187     3. Brian Roberson (1993-96)_____ 2,9564. Charles Smith (1998-01)_____ 171     4. Henry Ellard (1979-82)_______ 2,9475. Larry Willis (1983-84)______ 142     5. Charles Smith (1998-01)______ 2,3686. Henry Ellard (1979-82)______ 138     6. Larry Willis (1983-84)_______ 2,2607. Bernard Berrian (1999-)_____ 136     7. Bernard Berrian (1999-)______ 2,181
All-Purpose BerrianWAC Record1. Bernard Berrian (2001)___________ 2,776   2. LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU (2000)__ 2,1983. Marshall Faulk, SDSU (1993)______ 2,174
NCAA All-Purpose Yardage (WR only)1. Troy Edward, La Tech (1998)__ 2,7842. Bernard Berrian (2001)_______ 2,776
2001 NCAA Leaders1. Bernard Berrian (WR)__________ 2,7762. Mewelde Moore, Tulane (RB)____ 2,2593. Levron Williams, Indiana (RB)_ 2,201

Now That's Special
Fresno State features two of the top specialists in the nation this year in senior placekicker Asen Asparuhov and senior punter Jason Simpson. Asparuhov, a candidate for the Lou Groza Award as the nation's top kicker, established a new school single-season record for field goals with 23. He made national news after the Bulldogs defeated Colorado State, a game in which Asparuhov connected on a career-long 48-yarder as time expired to send the game into overtime then on a 43-yarder in overtime to win it. The Plovdiv, Bulgaria, native finished 2002 with 129 points, best in program history and 11th in the nation. Simpson, a candidate for the Ray Guy Award as the nation's best punter, had a 43.5 yard average per punt in 2001, 18th in the nation. Behind Simpson, the Bulldogs led the WAC in punting. Both Asparuhov and Simpson were first-team All-WAC selections last year.

Ranking the Losses
Of Fresno State's last 14 losses dating back to 1999, 13 have come to teams that have either been nationally ranked, played in a bowl game or were bowl eligible. Of Fresno State's three losses last year, one came during the bowl game to Michigan State while the two others (Boise State, Hawai'i) were against bowl eligible teams. The 'Dogs lost to No. 23 Wisconsin in the 2002 season opener. Fresno State's next scheduled ranked opponent is No. 15 Oregon on Sept. 7. The Bulldogs' only loss to a non-ranked non-bowl team came Oct. 14, 1999, a 24-14 defeat at the hands of SMU.

WAC Coaching Leader
Pat Hill is the active WAC coaching leader in winning percentage with a record of 27-12 (.692). Here's how the other WAC coaches rank.

Overall (years)         Record           Pct     Current School  PctKen Hatfield, Rice_____ 152-107-4 (23)  .586     39-44-1 (9)    .470June Jones, Hawai'i____ 21-16 (3)       .568     21-16 (3)      .568Gard Nord, UTEP (2)____ 10-13 (2)       .435     10-13 (2)      .435

Marque is OK
Wide receiver Marque Davis had a big year in 2001 and will serve as a strong complement to All-America candidate Bernard Berrian in 2002. Davis played in 11 games last year, catching 29 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns. His biggest game of the year came in the opener against Colorado, when Davis had eight receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. For the Dos Palos, Calif., native, it was a strong comeback after his 2000 season was cut short after sustaining an abdominal injury in preparations for the second game of the year. Marque is joined on the Bulldog roster this year by brother Rodney, a transfer from Fresno City College who will see time at running back. He had six catches for 69 yards against Wisconsin.

The Bodyguards
Quarterback Jeff Grady will be more thankful than anyone that Fresno State has the biggest and strongest offensive line in school history this year. With an average of 6-5 and 320 pounds, this year's line is expected to be one of the best in program history and should provide Grady with time to throw and the running backs with holes to run through. All five players started last season and the group has been rated the seventh best offensive line in the nation by The Sporting News. The Bodyguard did a good job of protecting David Carr last year, allowing just 31 sacks in 542 pass attempts. They were the building blocks of the offense that shattered school records for total yards (7,022) and points scored (560/40.0 ppg).

Hurly Burley Man
Fresno State possesses one of the WAC's most dominating defensive players in senior end Nick Burley. The Lombardi Award and All-America candidate was a first-team All-WAC selection last year after starting all 14 games, making 42 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He combined with former Bulldog Alan Harper (selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the New York Jets) to make up a defensive line that totaled a WAC best 49 sacks. Burley enters this year with 14 career sacks, which is tied for fifth in the nation. In fact, his presence on the defensive line has allowed the Bulldogs to become one of the nation's most sack-happy teams. Since 2000, Fresno State has posted 89 sacks, the second-best number in the nation during that time. Only Louisville, with 96, has more sacks since 2000 since the Bulldogs.

Bulldog Sack NumbersCareer SacksNo Name                       Sacks1. Dewayne White, Louisville______ 272. Antwan Peek, Cincinnati________ 213. Aaron Hunt, Texas Tech_________ 204. John Henderson, Tennessee____ 16.55. Nick Burley, Fresno State______ 16

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 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. Two Bulldogs, Nick Burley and Cameron Worrell, won blackshirts for their performances against Wisconsin.

Filling Big Shoes
The undaunting task of filling David Carr's shoes was won by junior quarterback Jeff Grady. Grady, who has attempted just 23 pass attempts in his career, redshirted last season. His last appearance was in the Nov. 4, 2001, game against Hawai'i in a mop-up role of a lopsided Bulldog victory. His best performance was at Ohio State, Sept. 2, 2001, when he guided the Bulldogs on their only touchdown drive of the day late in the game. Grady was 5-for-7 for 47 yards and threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Marque Davis against the Buckeyes.

Carr vs. Grady
While the comparison of David Carr and Jeff Grady is difficult to calculate, it is interesting to note that the two took similar routs to get their first starting call. Here are a look at the similarities.

Carr and Grady made their first college starts at a difficult Big Ten environment. Carr at Ohio State and Grady at Wisconsin
Carr and Grady each redshirted after two seasons at Fresno State and entered their first seasons as as redshirt junior starters.
Carr and Grady each spent at least one season as a backup to Billy Volek
Carr played in 11 games before getting his first start; Grady played in 10 games before getting his first start.
Grady threw three touchdowns and Carr threw one prior to getting the starting job.
Carr's first start was a 43-10 loss at No. 15 Ohio State, in which he completed 26 of 44 passes for 238 yards with four interceptions and no touchdowns; Grady's first start was a 23-21 loss at No. 23 Wisconsin, in which he completed 21 of 42 passes for 262 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Fresno State - A.K.A. "Quarterback University"
The Bulldogs have three quarterbacks in the NFL for the 2002 season, tying Michigan and Florida State for the most of any college. Neither Michigan nor Florida State has had a quarterback taken in the top 10 picks of the NFL draft since 1990, while Fresno State has produced two. Here are some other QB University Notes (since 1990):

Each of Pat Hill's two starting quarterbacks are in the NFL (Billy Volek and David Carr).
Fresno State is one of three schools (Washington State and Tennessee) to have a No. 1 NFL draft pick quarterback and another quarterback taken in the Top 10. Of those, only Fresno State's quarterbacks are both still active.
Fresno State is one of five schools (Tennessee, Washington State, Oregon and Houston) to have two quarterbacks selected in the top 10 NFL draft picks. Of those, only Oregon and Fresno State's quarterbacks are both still active.
Fresno State's Trent Dilfer is the only top 10 drafted quarterback since 1990 to win a Super Bowl.
There have been 17 quarterbacks taken in the top 10 picks of the NFL draft since 1990 and Fresno State has produced two of them.

Fresno State's three current NFL quarterbacks
David Carr, Houston Texas (No. 1 NFL Draft pick) Trent Dilfer, Seattle Seahawks (No. 6 NFL Draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Billy Volek, Tennessee Titans (free agent signee entering his third year in the league)

WAC Attack
Although the Bulldogs have the most wins (26 overall, 17 WAC) among WAC teams over the last three seasons, they have just one WAC title to show for it (1999). Fresno State was predicted to win the WAC in 2001 but tied for second. This season, the Bulldogs were selected third in the WAC Media Preseason poll, trailing Boise State and Louisiana Tech in the voting. Fresno State is the only WAC team to play in bowl games in each of the last three seasons. The Bulldogs are also WAC leaders last season in NFL draft picks (4), first-team All-WAC selections (6) and Academic All-WAC selections (9). Fresno State returns more first-team All-WAC players (4) than any other team in the league.

'Dog Bones (Team)

FS is 24-4 under Pat Hill at home, including wins in 20 of the last 22 games.
FS is 19-2 in its last 21 WAC home games.
Under Pat Hill the Bulldogs are 30-4 when leading at the half, including wins in the last four games.
The Bulldogs picked off 23 passes last year, third best in the nation.
Fresno State's 2001 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 in 2001, the largest attendance ever to witness a Bulldog victory.
FS has thrown 106 touchdowns and only 23 interceptions since the 1999 opener.
The Bulldogs have not been shutout in the last 131 home games dating back to Oct. 25, 1980, vs. Utah State (14-0). Fresno State has scored in 155 of the last 156 home games.
FS is 26-7 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs throw more touchdown passes than their opponents.
FS is 30-5 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs have less turnovers than their opponents.
The 'Dogs allowed a school record-low 13 quarterback sacks in 1999 and just 58 over the last three seasons. They have averaged allowing one sack every 23 pass plays over the last three years and did not allow a sack in the season opener at Wisconsin.
Fresno State had a 100-yard rusher against Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and Colorado State in 2001, the first time since the 1996 the Bulldogs had that happen in three consecutive games.
Fresno State has produced eight first-team All-WAC defensive players over the last three seasons.
The FS defense had 96 tackles for losses for in 2001 and have 218 over the last two seasons for a combined 873 yards, which is equivilent to more than half a mile.
This season marks the the second straight season Fresno State is playing 13 regular season games and seven road games.
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 averaged 40 points per game in 2001, which ranked fourth in the nation in scoring offense.
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 two first-team All-WAC punters (Jason Simpson, 2001; Jeff Roberts, 1998) and two kickers (Asen Asparuhov, 2001; Jeff Hanna, 1999) since the 1998 season.
Nearly every Fresno State starter is from California. Only kicker Asen Asparuhov, a native of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and Victor Taifane, from American Samoa, are not California natives.
Fresno State is 7-5 in its 12 national television appearances over the last two seasons.
Fresno State played in front of above-capacity crowds in eight of its 13 regular games last year (vs. Oregon State, at Wisconsin, vs. Louisiana Tech, at Colorado State, vs. Boise State, vs. Rice, vs. San Jose State, vs. Utah State)
For the second consecutive year, Fresno State set a stadium attendance record in the home opener. Last 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 five games, the 42,881 that have attended established and tied yet another attendance record due to additional seating added to Bulldog Stadium.
Fresno State has sold out 10 of the last 11 games at Bulldog Stadium with an average attendance of 42,150, 1,119 more than the stadium's capacity of 41,031.
Fresno State is 16-2 in its last 18 games when the starting running back scores a touchdown.
In 2001, Fresno State was 63-of-71 in the "compete zone," scoring on 89 percent of the time inside the 25-yard line. The 'Dogs scored 45 touchdowns in 71 attempts (63 percent) inside the "compete zone."
The Bulldogs are 10-4 in their last 14 games when scoring first.
Fresno State's first score in 23 of the last 24 games, including the last 19, has been a touchdown. Fresno State had a safety on the opening kickoff against Rice last year for the only non-touchdown first score.
The Hawai'i loss Oct. 26, 2001, snapped FS's five-game road winning streak. That was the team's longest since the 1988 and '89 seasons.
Fresno State's losses to Boise State and Hawai'i were the team's first back-to-back WAC defeats since 1998. The Bulldogs have yet to lose three conference games in a row under Pat Hill.
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 won six road games last year, most in program history.
The Bulldogs have allowed only 14 points in the second half of their last four games. They are outscoring their opponents 104-14 over those three games.
FS has marked up its first 10-win season since 1991 and will be going to a bowl game for the third consecutive year, just the second time in program history that has happened.
Fresno State allowed just 41 total points (5.9 per game) in the second halves of the last seven games, including two second half shutouts. The Bulldogs recorded four second half shutouts last year and allowed just seven points in the second half of four other games.
Fresno State outscored its opponents 154-34 in the third quarter of games last season, allowing less than three points per third quarter.
Twelve of Fresno State's 19 seniors from last season graduated, with five of the remaining players one semester from graduating. In addition, two are two semesters from receiving their degrees.

'Dog Bones (Individual)
#32 Asen Asparuhov, 6-5, 215, Senior, Kicker, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Computer Science)

Lou Groza Award Candidate, rated the sixth best kicker by The Sporting News.
Has made 32-of-46 field goal attempts (.696) during his career, including 23-of-30 (.767) last year. His 23 field goals set the Fresno State single season record.
Was named a semifinalist for the 2001 Lou Groza Award, presented annually to the nation's top placekicker.
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.
Kicked a 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.
Set a school record for points points by a kicker (129)
One of three players on the team not from the state of California and the only foreign player on the team

#20 Juan Bautista, 5-7, 185, Senior, Cornerback, Fresno, Calif. (Health Science)

Was awarded a scholarship during fall camp of 2002 and was the unanimous selection by his teammates as the special teams captian for the 2001 season.

#2 Bernard Berrian, 6-2, 190, Senior, Receiver, Winton, Calif. (Communications)

Biletnikoff Award Candidate.
Was named to the 2002 Playboy All-America team.
Had two receptions for 54 yards and a 22-yard touchdown in the season opener vs. Wisconsin before leaving the game with the knee sprain. He is questionable for this week.
No. 5 rated player for the 2003 NFL draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr.
Had the type of game an all-purpose wideout dreams about against Nevada in 2001. He had 166 receiving yards, 79 rushing yards on one carry, a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 49-yard kickoff return. All told, he set a school record for all-purpose yards with 357.
Finshed the season ranked first in the nation in all-purpose yardage (2,776) and second in all-purpose yards per game (199.3).
Had 300 all-purpose yards against Wisconsin in 2001, including a 96-yard kickoff return for touchdown.
Was named first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association in 2001.
Was 10th in the nation in punt returns at 14.2 and 28th in kickoff returns at 24.9. He returned both a punt and kickoff return for a touchdown last year.
Was named first-team All-WAC in 2001 as both a receiver and a return specialist.
Shattered the WAC record for all-purpose yardage in 2001 with 2,776 yards, the second highest total in NCAA history by a receiver.
Ranked 13th in the NCAA in receiving yards per game (97.7) and 31st in the nation in receptions per game (5.85) in 2001.
Averaged 17.5 yards per game every time he touched the ball last season.
Had 1,364 receiving yards, third most in Fresno State history and 13 touchdown receptions, second most all-time.

#90 Nick Burley, 6-4, 250, Senior, Defensive End, East Palo Alto, Calif. (Child and Family Studies)

All-America and Lombardi Award Candidate.
Named to the Lombardi Award Watch List.
Had five tackles, three tackles for losses, two sacks and a pass deflection in the season opener against Wisconsin, earning a blackshirt.
Rated the nation's 15th-best defensive end by The Sporting News.
2001 first-team All-WAC selection.
Ranked second on the team and in the WAC to former Bulldog Alan Harper in quarterback sacks (8) and tackles for losses (13).
Has 16 career sacks, tied for fifth among active college players.
Has 28 career tackles for losses and 117 yards.
Has four fumble recoveries and one interception with a 27-yard return for touchdown.
Played all last season with a cast on his left thumb, protecting a broken bone and torn ligament suffered in the final scrimmage of the 2001 fall camp.
Could have had three interceptions last season without the cast, but couldn't hold onto the ball.

#31 Marc Dailey, 6-1, 230, Junior, Middle Linebacker, Fresno, Calif. (Criminology)

Started all 14 games at middle linebacker last season, recording 86 tackles, third most on the team.
2001 honorable mention All-WAC selection.
Had seven tackles, one sack and a tackle for a loss and forced a fumble against Wisconsin.

#1 Marque Davis, 6-0, 185, Junior, Receiver, Dos Palos, Calif. (Sociology)
Pronounced: Markay

Led the team with six receptions for 69 yards against Wisconsin.
Fourth on the team in 2001 with 29 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns despite missing two games with an ankle injury suffered against Colorado State.
Best games was vs. Colorado in the 2001 season opener with eight receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Has one blocked punt and on another occasion tackled the punter before he could punt the ball in 2001.

#93 Clarence Denning, 6-3, 275, Junior, Defensive Tackle, Modesto, Calif. (Chicano and Latino Studies)

A projected starter who missed a lot of fall camp to spend time with a terminally ill relative.
Honorable mention All-WAC last season after playing in all 14 games and starting four at end.
Blackshirt winner vs. Oregon State.

#39 Kendall Edwards, 5-11, 200, Junior, Cornerback, Riverside, Calif. (Chicano and Latino Studies)

Returning starter who earned honorable mention All-WAC honors in 2001 despite playing in only nine games.
Had three interceptions and 27 tackles last season.
A special teams star and one of the hardest hitters on the team.

#7 Therrian Fontenot, 5-11, 180, Sophomore, Running Back, Lawndale, Calif. (Chicano and Latino Studies)

Fastest player on the team (4.3 in 40-yard dash) who can break a game open.
Had 266 yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry last season in a limited role.

#15 Jeff Grady, 6-2, 200, Junior, Quarterback, Huntington Beach, Calif. (History)

Completed 21-of-42 passes for 238 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions in his first career start.
Suffered a bruised hip last week but should play this week.
Played in 10 games in his career before earning his first start vs. Wisconsin (8/23/02)
Completed 11 of 23 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Honor student who will contend for academic honors.

#81 Alec Greco, 6-3, 230, Junior, Tight End, Auburn, Calif. (Entrepreneurship)

His only catch vs. Wisconsin was for a 23-yard touchdown.
Started 11 games last season and caught 24 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns.
Started 20 games in his career, playing in all 26 games over the last two season.
Has scored seven touchdowns in his career.

#74 Logan Mankins, 6-4, 305, Sophomore, Left Tackle, Catheys Valley, Calif. (Agricultural Education)

2001 first-team Freshman All-American.
Started every game at the critical left tackle position as a freshman and allowed just two sacks.

#5 Bryce McGill, 5-11, 210, Junior, Strong Safety, Bakersfield, Calif. (Communication and Journalism)

Led the team with eight solo tackles vs. Wisconsin, plus forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
Second on the squad with 95 tackles in 2001, including 10 for loss, four sacks and a team-high four interceptions.
Named the Special Teams MVP of the Silicon Valley Football Classic after blocking a punt.
Rated as the nation's 19th-best safety by The Sporting News.
Pound for pound the strongest player and hardest hitter on the team.
Has 10 career sacks and five career interceptions, fifth-most by an active college player.

#72 Rodney Michael, 6-4, 305, Senior, Center, Tehachapi, Calif. (Sociology)

Named to the Outland Trophy watch list prior to the season.
Has already graduated and is working on his master's degree.
Rated as the 21st best center in the nation by The Sporting News.
Leads the offensive line that is rated as the nation's seventh-best unit byThe Sporting News.
A consensus preseason All-WAC selection.
Has started 37 games in his career.

#30 Matt Rivera, 5-9, 195, Freshman, Running Back, Fresno, Calif. (undeclared)

Rushed for 21 yards and had six receptions for 58 yards in his first career game.
A walk-on redshirt who earned the starting running back position by hard work and production.
Is the best blocking back on the team.
Leaped up from fourth on the depth chart because of his consistency and ability to make big plays.

#75 Joe Schey, 6-6, 330, Senior, Right Tackle, Diamond Bar, Calif. (Sociology)

Did not allow a quarterback sack all last season and has not allowed one in 17 straight games.
Has started 30 games in his career.
Named to the Verizon Academic All-District second team in 2001.
Graduated in May with a 3.3 GPA in sociology. He is enrolled in graduate school classes
A consensus preseason All-WAC selection and rated the 18th best tackle in the nation by The Sporting News.

#48 Jason Simpson, 6-1, 195, Senior, Punter, Garden Grove, Calif. (Administration-Leisure Studies)

Ray Guy Award Candidate.
First-team All-WAC in 2001.
Rated as the nation's ninth-best punter in the preseason by The Sporting News.
Enter his third year as the starting punter.
Averaged a WAC-best 43.5 yards per punt, 18th best in the NCAA
Placed 20 of his 22 punts in 2001 inside the 20-yard line.

#91 Jason Stewart, 6-1, 285, Senior, Nose Tackle, Bakersfield, Calif. (Sociology)

Entering his third season as a starter.
Honorable mention All-WAC in 2001.
One of the strongest players on the team and plays with great enthusiasm and emotion.

#67 Fitu Tu'ua, 6-5, 325, Junior, Left Guard, Oceanside, Calif. (Criminology)

Second-team All-WAC selection in 2001.
Started 19 games in his career.
Selected preseason All-WAC by several publications.

#40 Sam Williams, 6-5, 245, Senior, Outside Linebacker, Clayton, Calif. (Sociology)

Led the team with 11 tackles and recovered a fumble vs. Wisconsin.
Second year starter who was selected team captain.
Emerged late last season and earned honorable mention All-WAC honors despite only starting the last seven games.
Had 61 tackles, seventh-most on the team, including four tackles for losses and two sacks.

#24 Cameron Worrell, 5-11, 205, Senior, Free Safety, Chowchilla, Calif. (undeclared)

Earned his first blackshirt after getting eight tackles, forcing a fumble, getting a tackle for a loss and a sack against Wisconsin.
A walk-on to the team who earned a scholarship in 2001 and is the projected starter at free safety.
Had four tackles for losses and two quarterback sacks last season to go with 31 tackles.
Has two career interceptions.

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