Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Return to Top 25
10/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 16, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State's recent dominating wins have grabbed the attention of the national media pollsters, who ranked the Bulldogs No. 24 in this week's Associated Press College Football Poll. The Dogs were ranked in the preseason Top 25 and had moved up to No. 22 before losing at Oregon 37-34 in Eugene on Sept. 17. The Ducks are ranked No. 15 in this week's poll.
Since then, the Dogs beat previously undefeated Toledo 44-14, and earned consecutive WAC wins over New Mexico State 37-7 and Utah State 53-21. In their three-game winning streak, the Bulldogs are beating their opponents by an average scoring margin of more than 30 points per game.
Fresno State is averaging 44.6 points per contest this season, making them the fifth-highest scoring team in the nation. The Bulldogs are leading the WAC in both scoring offense and scoring defense, allowing 19.2 points per game. That ranks 27th in the NCAA rankings this week.
The Bulldog special teams units continue to put up some freakish statistics, leading the nation in punt return defense, allowing just three total yards through five games. They rank second nationally for punt returns, with an amazing average of 25.5 yards per return.
Several Bulldog players are highly ranked in this week's NCAA statistics, including record-setting quarterback Paul Pinegar, who is seventh nationally in passing efficiency (164.7).
Several other Bulldogs are nationally ranked, including:
Senior receiver Adam Jennings, No. 2 in the NCAA in kickoff return average (34.9) and No. 16 in punt return average (14.0)
Sophomore kicker Clint Stitser leads the WAC and ranks 11th in the NCAA in scoring (10.6 ppg) and ranks 14th in the nation in field goals, having connected on 9 of 11 opportunities.
Junior cornerback Richard Marshall leads the WAC in both interceptions and fumble recoveries.
Senior running back Wendell Mathis ranks 21st in the nation in scoring (9.6 ppg).
The Bulldogs play at Idaho this Saturday at 2 p.m. The game will be televised locally by the Bulldog Sports Network on KFRE WB 59.
Fresno State returns home to face arch-rival San Jose State on Saturday, Nov., 5 at 6 p.m.. The Spartans are coached by former Hawaii and Arizona coach Dick Tomey.
Tickets for the three remaining Bulldog home games are available by calling (559) 278-DOGS, on-line at www.gobulldogs.com, or at the Bulldog Ticket Office, located at the south entrance of Bulldog Stadium.
