Fresno State Athletics
Countdown to Kickoff: 26 Days
8/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 6, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State running backs have shown amazing productivity. The Bulldogs have three tailbacks who have recorded a 100-yard rushing game and the trio combined for 25 touchdowns last season.
With sophomore Ryan Mathews and juniors Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding, the Bulldogs will be about to pound at opponents with speed, finesse and power. Mathews, one of the top freshman running backs in all of college football in 2007, is coming off a season that saw him set a Bulldog rookie record with 866 yards.
He did that despite missing two full games and parts of two others. His 14 touchdowns and 6-yards per carry average were the most by a freshman back in the country last season. Miller was one of the most improved players coming out of spring drills. Coming off a season of more than 600 yards and seven touchdowns, he has been through the battles.
Harding was Fresno State's "go to" back on several occasions last season when Miller and Mathews were sidelined with injuries. The hard-charging Harding was just shy of 450 yards on the season and scored four touchdowns. He's played both fullback and tailback. During the last two regular season games, he rushed for a combined 236 yards against Kansas State and New Mexico State.
Two other Dogs with strong spring sessions were Kyle Duffy and fullback Reynard Camp and both are expected to see time in the Bulldog backfield in the fall. Jamaal Rashad is coming off an injury and he competed for playing time in the spring.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The first Big Ten team will travel to the Valley as the No. 25 `Dogs take on Wisconsin in the home opener on Saturday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen nationally on ESPN2. Be sure to reserve your seat for the Wisconsin game by purchasing a season ticket, family plan or 3-game mini plan for just $99. In the month of August, get your official Wisconsin game day t-shirt at the Bulldog Shop for only $10 with any purchase. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
