Fresno State Athletics
Sacramento State vs. Fresno State
9/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 1, 2007
Recap | Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery 
Carr's Jersey Retired
One of the greatest players in Fresno State history had his jersey retired. David Carr, along with his family, were guests of Fresno State and he was honored during the ceremonies at halftime when his jersey was retired by the school. Carr was a record setting quarterback from 1997-2001, won the Johnny Unitas Award, Pop Warner and Sammy Baugh Awards, and was named the national offensive player of the year when he led the Dogs to a No. 8 national ranking and threw for more than 4,800 yards and 46 touchdowns. Carr joins five others who have had their jerseys retired: quarterback Trent Dilfer (No. 12); receiver Henry Ellard (No. 83), running back Dale Messer (No. 21), kicker Vince Petrucci (No. 14) and quarterback Kevin Sweeney (No. 9).
Another Block
Fresno State's A.J. Jefferson made the first blocked kick of his career, getting a piece of Juan Gamboa's 37-yard field goal attempt. It was the 71st block of the Pat Hill (since 1997). The Dogs had seven blocks in 2006, six of which were either field goals or PATs.
Young Pups
Several freshman Bulldogs saw their first action, including a couple true freshman: Devon Wylie was the first Dogs to touch the ball this season, returning the opening kickoff, running back Ryan Mathews appeared on special teams and led the team in rushing yards with 77, receiver Jamel Hamler, receiver Tim Lang, lineman Devan Cunningham, defensive linemen Chris Carter and Kenny Borg.
Other redshirt freshman seeing their first action were linebacker Ben Jacobs, who started, linebacker Nick Bates, safety Lorne Bell, defensive tackle Cornell Banks, defensive tackle Mark Roberts, and quarterback Ryan Colburn, center Joe Bernardi, guard Andrew Jackson, and tackle Kenny Wiggins and running back Kyle Duffy
Shamblee Returns
Senior linebacker Trevor Shamblee returned to action for first time since Nov. 11, 2006, when he as injured in a game against Louisiana Tech. Shamblee had a 13-yard sack.
Does Five Yards Make a Difference?
With the new college football rule this season in which kickoffs start from the 30 yard line, it was expected to provide excitement into that phase of the game. In 2006, using the old rule, Clint Stitser generally kicked balls through the end zone. While that wasn't the case tonight, Fresno State's kick coverage unit did a solid job. The Hornets averaged 19 yards per return and the average drive start was the 24-yard line. Fresno State's goal is to have drives start inside the 25 yard line.
Smith to the House
Clifton Smith scored his first touchdown since Sept. 10, 2005 on a 30-yard dash in the third quarter. He has more carries tonight than in his career total (2) entering the game.
Stitser Nets Career Long
Senior Clint Stister kicked a 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, the longest of his career. His previous career-best was 42 yards. He is now 4-of-7 in his career for field goals between 40-49 yards.
Dog Bones
Fresno State is now 13-2 in season openers at Bulldog Stadium ... the Dogs are 2-0 all-time against the Hornets and 24-18 against teams from the Big Sky Conference ... Fresno State is 122-87-9 all-team against over California State University schools ... the Dogs travel to No. 25 Texas A&M next week ... Fresno State is 3-0 in games played on September 1 ... Pat Hill picked up win No. 77 in his coaching career.
