Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Reach Top 20, Continue to Climb Polls
11/6/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 6, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. -
Run Through The Dog House Auction Details
The wins keep coming for the Fresno State Bulldogs and their national ranking keeps getting better. The Dogs jumped two spots forward in the USA Today Coaches Poll, moving up to No. 20. Fresno State is ranked No. 20 in the AP poll as well after Saturday night's dominating 45-7 win over arch-rival San Jose State.
That win sets up a showdown for the WAC championship with Boise State (7-2, 5-0), which is receiving votes in the national polls. After dropping their opening games at Georgia and Oregon State, the Broncos have won seven consecutive games.
`This will be a great showdown," said head coach Pat Hill. "It will be one of the biggest home games in school history. Both teams are playing very well right now and I would expect a very tough and exciting game. What a great match-up of two teams that are undefeated this late in the season. These match-ups this late in the season, with so much riding on the game, don't happen that often."
Fresno State has won 10 consecutive WAC games and overall has won 13 of the last 14 games. During that time, Fresno State is averaging more than 47 points per game while allowing just 17 points per game.
After holding San Jose State to just seven points, Fresno State's defense improved its national ranking to No. 10, allowing less than 16 points per game. Fresno State leads the WAC in defense for the second straight year.
Fresno State's special teams are also nationally recognized, ranked No. 2 in the nation in punt returns and No. 7 in the nation in kickoff returns.
Senior quarterback Paul Pinegar is coming off one of his best games as he threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns against the Spartans. He tied David Carr's career record for touchdown passes in the game. He and Carr each have thrown 70 touchdowns. Pinegar ranks No. 9 in the nation in passing efficiency, throwing for 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season.
A limited number of tickets for Thursday's game are available by calling (559) 278-DOGS or go online to www.gobulldogs.com.
