Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs to Play Defending National Champion USC in 2005
2/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 11, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - The 2005 Fresno State football schedule was finalized today with the announcement of two non-conference games. The Bulldogs will play USC in the historic Los Angeles Coliseum Nov. 19 and host Weber State at Bulldog Stadium in the season opening game Sept. 10. Athletics director Scott Johnson finalized the agreement with USC, the two-time defending national champions, today.
"We are thrilled to be able to play USC," said Johnson. "Fresno State has never played the Trojans in the regular season and I know this is a game that will be popular for our program, University and the Valley. It also gives us increased national exposure."
The Bulldogs have played USC just once, defeating the Trojans 24-7 in the 1992 Freedom Bowl.
Johnson also announced the Bulldogs will play Weber State in the 2005 season opener. The Wildcats, coached by former Utah head coach Ron McBride, are members of the Big Sky Conference and have played in Fresno on two previous occasions. Fresno State defeated Weber State 55-14 in 1978 and 25-9 in 1982.
The Bulldogs' non-conference schedule is now completed through the 2008 season.
"The addition to USC is certainly going to enhance our program and continue the pattern of playing 'anyone, anytime, anywhere'," Johnson said. "We have had some great non-conference match-ups in recent years, playing Ohio State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Colorado and Kansas State. This is a great addition to the schedule. Looking ahead, our non-conference is just as strong and we are going to get some high-profile programs in Bulldog Stadium as return game for our schedule the last few years."
The Trojans won the 2005 BCS Championship game in the Orange Bowl with a 55-19 win over No. 2 Oklahoma. The Trojans finished the season with a 13-0 record and claimed the consensus national title. In 2003, USC was denied a berth in the BCS title game, but claimed the Associated Press national championship after a 12-1 record and beating Michigan 28-14 in the Rose Bowl. With the return of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Matt Leinart and outstanding tailback Reggie Bush, the Trojans are expected to be the No. 1 ranked team in the nation heading into the 2005 season. USC Head coach Pete Carroll has a 35-3 record over the last three seasons and is 41-9 overall in four years as head coach. Overall 14 starters return for the Trojans.
"This is a game we have wanted for a long time," said head coach Pat Hill. "I have such great respect for Pete (Carroll) and the job he's done at USC. It is one of the most successful programs in college football history. We always want to play the best, and with them on our 2005 schedule, there's no doubt in my mind we will be playing the best team in college football. They are starting to build a dynasty and this is great game for the Bulldogs."
The other two non-conference games for the 2005 season were previously announced. The Bulldogs will play at Oregon Sept. 17 and host defending MAC champion Toledo on Sept. 27. The Ducks will return to Bulldog Stadium the following season, Sept. 9, 2006.
Fresno State has been allotted 5,000 tickets for the USC game. Tickets will be available through the Bulldog Ticket Office. Purchase and seating priority will be given to current Bulldog Foundation members and football season tickets holders. Order information will be included with all football renewal forms. New Football season ticket buyers and new Bulldog Foundation members will also receive purchase and seating priority. If tickets still remain for the USC game after the priority deadline, then the general public will be able to purchase tickets after May 6.
The Bulldogs finished the 2004 season with a 9-3 record and No. 22 national ranking after a win over No. 18 Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl. Fresno State returns 18 starting players for the upcoming season.
The Bulldog Ticket Office is currently accepting $50 deposits for 2005 season tickets for first-time season ticket buyers. Season tickets and Family Value Plans are currently available for the 2005 Bulldog season by calling (559) 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
