Football Takes on Oregon State

Sept. 16, 2002

EXTRAS

Fresno State (1-2) at Oregon State (3-0)
Date: Satuday, Sept. 21
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. PDT
Site: Corvallis, Ore.
Stadium: Reser Stadium (35,362)
Radio: KMJ (AM 580); 'Dog Talk at 1:30 p.m., Pregame Show at 3 p.m.
Play-by-play: Bill Woodward; Analyst: Vince Wesson; Sideline: Ron Shapley
TV: TBA
Play-by-play: Barry Tompkins; Analyst: Warren Moon

This Week
Fresno State makes its second trip of the year to the Pacific Northwest, this time taking on Oregon State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Net.

Last Week
The Bulldogs were off last week after losing to 13th-ranked Oregon 28-24 at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 7. Fresno State had a 24-22 lead with two minutes left when the Ducks went on a four-play, 43-yard drive to score the game-winning touchdown, which came on a 2-yard run by Onterrio Smith. Rodney Davis rushed for a career-high 118 yards in the loss.

All-Time vs. Oregon State
Fresno State leads the all-time series 7-4, although Oregon State does hold a 4-2 advantage in Corvallis, Ore. In the last meeting between the two, the Bulldogs defeated the Beavers 44-24 in the 2001 home opener for Fresno State. Since Pat Hill took over, the Bulldogs have gone 1-1 against Oregon State, the loss coming in 1999 in Corvallis.

Last Time vs. Oregon State
FRESNO, Calif. - Sept. 2, 2001: Before what was then the largest crowd in Bulldog Stadium history, in one of the biggest home games ever for Fresno State, the Bulldogs defeated 10th-ranked Oregon State 44-24. David Carr threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns and Rodney Wright racked up 182 yards receiving as Fresno State led from start to finish. The Bulldogs defense also played a huge part in the victory, holding Ken Simonton to just 42 yards.

Perfect After Off Weeks Under Hill
Since Pat Hill took over as head coach, Fresno State is a perfect 5-0 in games after having the previous week off. The last example came last year at Colorado State, when the Bulldogs had a bye before taking on the Rams. Coming off the bye, Fresno State came from behind to defeat CSU 25-22 in overtime. Here's how Fresno State has fared after off weeks under Hill:

    Date            Opponent            Location             Result

Oct. 13, 2001 at Colorado State Fort Collins, Colo W, 25-22 (ot)
Sept. 22, 2001 at Tulsa Tulsa, Okla. W, 37-18
Oct. 5, 2000 at Rice Houston, Texas W, 27-24
Sept. 23, 2000 California Bulldog Stadium W, 17-3
Oct. 2, 1997 Utah Bulldog Stadium W, 27-13
Hitting the Road
Fresno State continues its tour of the Pacific Northwest this week when it travels to take on Oregon State. The month-long road trip continues Sept. 28 when the Bulldogs open WAC play at Rice. Fresno State doesn't return home until Oct. 4, when it plays No. 24 Colorado State.


 Injury Update
The first three games of the 2002 season have not been kind to Fresno State as far as injuries are concerned. Here is a look at the Bulldogs' injury report:

QB Jeff Grady: Suffered a bruised hip at No. 23 Wisconsin and has missed the last two games. He was cleared to practice last week and should start against Oregon State on Saturday.
WR Bernard Berrian: Sustained a sprained knee at No. 23 Wisconsin and has missed all but one quarter of the 2002 season. He will be re-evaluated early this week, at which point his status for this week's game will be determined.
CB Kendall Edwards: Tore his ACL against San Diego State and will miss the rest of the season.
LB David Adamo: Suffered a dislocated left elbow recovering a fumble at No. 13 Oregon. He will miss the next three weeks.

Television for the Oregon State Game
The Oregon State game Sept. 21 will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Net (cable channel 37). The network will televise the entire game unless one team has a lopsided lead late in the contest.
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, the Big 12 Conference and eventually played in the Fiesta Bowl. The following week, FS took out 2000 Pac-10 co-champ and 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 No. 23 Wisconsin on Aug. 23 then taking on No. 13 Oregon last week, the Bulldogs have one more games against a BCS team this year: Oregon State on Saturday.
Bulldogs vs. the BCS Conferences - Part II
Fresno State is 4-3 in its last seven games against teams from BCS Conferences. Since Pat Hill has taken over at Fresno State, the Bulldogs have played 16 games against BCS opponents with one 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). So far this year, the Bulldogs have once again been close but have come up just short. They lost 23-21 in the opener at No. 23 Wisconsin then fell last week 28-24 on the road at 13th-ranked Oregon.
Bulldogs vs. Pac-10
Fresno State is 16-22 vs. Pac-10 opponents all-time and 7-4 vs. Oregon State. The Bulldogs have split their last two games with the Beavers, winning in Fresno in 2001 and losing in Corvallis in 1999. Fresno State's last victory on the road against a Pac-10 opponent came in 1995 against California. The Bulldogs had their two-game winning streak against Pac-10 teams snapped last week by Oregon.
Close Calls
Despite playing one of the nation's most challenging non-conference schedules, Fresno State has proven successful by either beating teams from the BCS Conferences or playing them extremely close. Since 1999, when the Bulldogs went 8-5 and began their run of three consecutive bowl games, Fresno State has lost 11 games by 10 points or less. Only four times have the Bulldogs lost by more than 10 points, the last time being Nov. 11, 2000 to No. 11 TCU 24-7. Fresno State's two losses this season - at Wisconsin, at Oregon - have come by a combined six points.
Over the Hill
Under Pat Hill, the Bulldogs are 25-4 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 .862 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 last year 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 25 of 29 games at Bulldog Stadium, including 21 of its last 23. Since Hill took over prior to the 1997 season, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined 1,044-527 for an average margin of victory of 36-18. In addition, the 'Dogs are drawing well, averaging 38,527 fans per game since 1997. Fresno State sold over 30,000 season tickets for the 2002 season, the third consecutive season the Bulldogs have surpassed the 30,000 mark. In the 2001 home opener, Fresno State established a Bulldog Stadium attendance record by attracting 42,410 for a game against Oregon State. The Bulldogs then broke and tied the attendance mark when 42,881 invaded the stadium the final five home games of the year.
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, 2001, which the Bulldogs successfully stopped. Fresno State has stopped seven of the last eight fake attempts dating back to 1997.
Penalty Problems
Fresno State has had its problems so far this year with penalties, something that has worried head coach Pat Hill. In the opener against No. 23 Wisconsin, the Bulldogs had 11 penalties for 99 yards and gave the Badgers five first downs via a penalty. Then against San Diego State, Fresno State had seven more penalties for 74 yards and gave the Aztecs four first downs via penalty. Last week, however, the Bulldogs shored things up by only being flagged four times at Oregon.
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 35 punts and kicks, perhaps none bigger than Aug. 29, when Raymond Washington blocked a 31-yard field goal as time expired, preserving Fresno State's 16-14 win over San Diego State. 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        72001      5         1        62002      0         1        1--------------------------------Totals   17*       18       35* includes instances when Fresno State tackled the punter before
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. Following is a breakdown of where the Bulldogs rated regionally and in the WAC in percent of stadium capacity filled last year:
On 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 13-20 on the road under Hill but have won seven of its last 10 away 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 36.0 per game in Bulldog Stadium.
Road Warriors
Fresno State will play seven road games for the second consecutive season. Fresno State racked up the most frequent 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 began their season Aug. 23 and plays their regular season finale Dec. 5.
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 has racked up 18 tackles this year, good for fourth on the team. McGill also has five interceptions in his Fresno State career, which entering the 2002 season was the ninth-best total in college football.
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. Unfortunately for Fresno State, Berrian suffered a sprained knee in the season opener at Wisconsin and has been out since. He is not expected to play this week at Oregon.

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

Ranking the Losses
Of Fresno State's last 15 losses dating back to 1999, 14 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 Bulldogs' losses this year have come to No. 23 Wisconsin and No. 13 Oregon. Fresno State's next scheduled ranked opponent is No. 20 Colorado State on Oct. 4. The Bulldogs' only loss to a non-ranked non-bowl team since 1999 came Oct. 14, 1999, a 24-14 defeat at the hands of SMU.
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 2001 with 129 points, best in program history and 11th in the nation. Simpson 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.
WAC Coaching Leader
Pat Hill is the active WAC coaching leader in winning percentage with a record of 38-27 (27-12 WAC), a winning percentage of .585. Here's how the other top WAC coaches rank in career winning percentage.

Overall (years)         Record           Pct     Current School  PctKen Hatfield, Rice_____ 152-109-4 (23)  .581     39-46-1 (9)    .459June Jones, Hawai'i____ 22-17 (3)       .564     22-17 (3)      .564Gard Nord, UTEP (2)____ 11-15 (2)       .423     11-15 (2)      .423

Davis Connection
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 once Berrian recovers from his knee injury. Davis played in 11 games last season, catching 29 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns. This year, the junior has 10 catches for 103 yards. Marque is joined in 2002 by his brother Rodney, a junior running back who transferred from Fresno City College. Rodney had a monster game at No. 13 Oregon, rushing for a career-high 118 yards on 20 carries. In the past two games, Rodney has racked up 198 yards rushing.
The Bodyguards
Quarterbacks Jeff Grady and Paul Pinegar will be more thankful than anyone Fresno State has the biggest and strongest offensive line in school history this year. At 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 and Pinegar 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 Bodyguards 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). Thus far, the Bodyguards have allowed just 1.7 sacks per game.
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. Through three games, Burley has six tackles for loss and four sacks. 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 110 sacks, the best number in the nation during that time.

Bulldog Sack NumbersCareer SacksNo Name                       Sacks1. Dewayne White, Louisville____ 282. Antwan Peek, Cincinnati____ 22.53. Aaron Hunt, Texas Tech_______ 224. Nick Burley, Fresno State____ 18

A Day of Firsts
Fresno State, and several players, accomplished firsts last week against Oregon. Here is a look at them:

Charles Ealy____________________ First career reception
Jermaine Jamison________________ First career reception
Rodney Davis____________________ First career touchdown
Garrett McIntyre________________ First career sack
Dee Meza________________________ First career start, interception
Fresno State____________________ First rushing TD of the season
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. Burley also received a blackshirt last week for the San Diego State game.


 Filling Big Shoes
The undaunting task of filling David Carr's shoes was won by junior quarterback Jeff Grady. Grady, who had attempted just 23 pass attempts in his career, redshirted last season. He opened the season with a strong performance at Wisconsin, going 21-of-42 with 262 yards and three touchdowns. However, in that game Grady suffered a deep bruise of his right hip, an injury that caused him to miss last week's game against San Diego State. While Grady is out, redshirt freshman Paul Pinegar takes over. The Woodland, Calif., native helped lead Fresno State to a 16-14 over the Aztecs and had 201 passing yards last week at Oregon.
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 25-4 under Pat Hill at home, including wins in 21 of the last 23 games.
FS is 19-2 in its last 21 WAC home games.
Under Pat Hill the Bulldogs are 31-5 when leading at the half, including wins in five of the last six.
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 109 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions since the 1999 opener.
The Bulldogs have not been shutout in the last 132 home games dating back to Oct. 25, 1980, vs. Utah State (14-0). Fresno State has scored in 156 of the last 157 home games.
FS is 26-7 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs throw more touchdown passes than their opponents.
FS is 31-6 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 63 over the last three seasons.
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.
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 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 8-6 in its 14 national television appearances over the last three seasons, including 1-2 in 2002.
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 12 games at Bulldog Stadium with an average attendance of 41,897, 866 more than the stadium's capacity of 41,031.
Fresno State is 16-3 in its last 19 games when the starting running back scores a touchdown.
The Bulldogs are 11-4 in their last 15 games when scoring first.
Fresno State's first score in the last 19 consecutive games had been a touchdown until last week against San Diego State, when Asen Asparuhov kicked a field goal to get the Bulldogs on the board first. Nonetheless, Fresno State's first score in 24 of the last 26 games has been a TD.
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 last year 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.
Fresno State won six road games last year, most in program history.
FS has marked up its first 10-win season since 1991 and went 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 is outscoring opponents 20-10 in the second quarter but are being outscored 26-13 in the fourth.
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.
The Bulldogs three games this year have been decided by a combined total of eight points.
Through three games, Fresno State has a total of 15 sacks, good for an average of five per contest.
Four of Fresno State's first five contests are away from home. The team does not play a home game the entire month of September.
Fresno State has been inside the opponent's 25-yard line, or "compete zone," 10 times this year, scoring seven touchdowns and two field goals. The opponent has been inside Fresno State's compete zone 13 times, scoring five touchdowns, five field goals and failing three times.
The Bulldogs have turned the ball over six times in 2002, but only once has the opponent scored the possession following that turnover. That came against Wisconsin in the opener when Fresno State fumbled and the Badgers recovered on the 1-yard line.


 'Dog Bones (Individual)
#35 David Adamo, 6-2, 235, Sophomore, Linebacker, Fresno, Calif. (Math)

Has two starts at outside linebacker and played very solid.
Has 10 tackles, including eight solo trackles in the first two games.
Suffered a dislocated left elbow against Oregon and will be re-evaluated this week.


 #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 36-of-51 field goal attempts (.706) during his career, including 23-of-30 (.767) last year. His 23 field goals last year set the Fresno State single season record.
Has made 5-of-7 field goal attempts in 2002 (.714). His two misses were from 55 and 43 yards.
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.
The 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 in 2001 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 has missed the last two games and is questionable for the Oregon State game.
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 18 career sacks, fifth among active college players.
Has 29 career tackles for losses and 128 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.
The Bulldogs' defensive leader against San Diego State with nine tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He earned a blackshirt for his performance.
Tied for fourth on the team with 18 tackles and four sacks through the first two games.


 #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.
Has 11 tackles, two for losses and a sack on the season.


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

Has 10 receptions for 103 yards through three games.
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 game 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.
Brother Rodney is the Bulldogs' starting running back.


 #22 Rodney Davis, 5-9, 210, Junior, Running Back, Dos Palos, Calif. (Undeclared)

Had the best game of his brief career last week against Oregon, rushing for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Has 198 rushing yards in his past two games.
Has three receptions for 25 yards.
Emerging as Fresno State's top threat out of the backfield after joining the team in the fall.
Brother Marque is the Bulldogs' starting wide receiver.


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

Fresno State's top cornerback who suffered a torn ACL vs. San Diego State and will miss the season.
Returning starter who earned honorable mention All-WAC honors last year 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.
Has not seen time at running back in 2002 due to a high ankle sprain.


 #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 vs. Wisconsin and missed the San Diego State and Oregon games. He is hopeful for a return against Oregon State on Sept. 21.
Played in 10 games in his career before earning his first start vs. Wisconsin.
Honor student who will contend for academic honors.


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

Had a career-long 50-yard reception last week at Oregon.
Started 11 games last season and caught 24 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns.
Started 22 games in his career, playing in all 28 games over the last two seasons.
Has scored seven touchdowns in his career.


 #18 Adam Jennings, 5-9, 185, Redshirt Freshman, Receiver, Granite Bay, Calif. (Undeclared)

Tops on the team with 12 receptions for 122 yards.
Leads the team and the WAC in punt returns (14.0 per return).
Has great speed and quickness and has emerged as one of the top receiving threats on the team.
Earned the Bulldog Award after spring drills for outstanding overall performance.


 #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 last year 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.
Has 14 tackles, fourth-most on the team, with one sack, one fumble recovery and a forced fumble.


 #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 41 games in his career, including 29 consecutive.


 #13 Paul Pinegar, 6-4, 215, Redshirt Freshman, Quarterback, Woodland, Calif. (Undeclared)

Earned his first start on 24 hours notice and guided Fresno State to a 16-14 win over San Diego State on Aug. 29. He completed 21-of-35 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown, a 4-yarder to Deandre Gilbert.
Was solid again last week, going 16-of-36 with 201 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-24 loss at No. 13 Oregon.
Has shown good poise and precision when under pressure in the pocket.
Fresno State's first freshman starting quarterback since Trent Dilfer in the 1991 season.
Ranks fourth in the WAC after two games in passing efficiency (119.0) and is third in completion percentage.


 #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.Leaped up from fourth on the depth chart because of his consistency and ability to make big plays.
Is the best blocking back on the team.
Second among Bulldogs with 11 receptions.


 #23 James Sanders, 5-11, 190, Redshirt Freshman, Strong Safety, Porterville, Calif. (Undeclared)

Emerged as Fresno State's nickel back.
Has racked up 18 tackles, fourth-best on the team. Also has one sack.
A physical presence on the field and has been one of the most effective covermen.


 #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 19 straight games.
Has started 31 games in his career, including 27 in a row.
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)

Averaging 43.5 yards per punt.
Has placed three of his 15 punts inside the 20-yard line.
First-team All-WAC in 2001 who is rated as the nation's 9th-best punter in the preseason by The Sporting News.
Entering his third year as the starting punter.
Averaged a WAC-best 43.5 yards per punt in 2001, 18th best in the NCAA
Placed 20 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 and has 14 tackles and three sacks this season.
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, including 13 of the last 14.
Selected preseason All-WAC by several publications.


 #29 Raymond Washington, 6-0, 191, Reshirt Freshman, Cornerback, Long Beach, Calif. (Undeclared)

With the injury to Kendall Edwards, Washington should see more time at cornerback.
Blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt as time expired vs. San Diego State to preserve a win for Fresno State.
One of the most athletic players on the team.
Has one tackle this season.
WAC Special Teams Player of the Year after his heroics in the San Diego State game.


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

Leads the team with 30 tackles.
Second-year starter who was selected defensive team captain.
Emerged late last season and earned honorable mention All-WAC honors despite only starting the last seven games.
Had 61 tackles last year, 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 earned the starting spot at free safety.
Had four tackles for losses and two quarterback sacks last season to go along with 31 tackles.
Has three career interceptions, the last coming against San Diego State.
Ranks third on the team in tackles with 19, and has two sacks, two batted passes, an interception, and a forced fumble

Fresno State Athletics

Football Takes on Oregon State

Related News

Related Videos