2022 opener in Fresno has new date

Jalen Cropper celebrates a touchdown against UNLV

Photo by: Samuel Marshall

2022 opener in Fresno has new date

4/11/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football

Football Season Opener vs. Cal Poly at Bulldog Stadium has been moved to Thursday, September 1

By: Savannah Stoeckle / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. - Officially announced on Monday morning, the Fresno State football season opener against Cal Poly will be played on Thursday, September 1 at Bulldog Stadium. Monday's announcement officially pushes the start of the 2022 season ahead, giving the Red Wave the opportunity to see the Bulldogs a couple of days earlier than originally planned.

Expectations are high for the Bulldogs in 2022 as Fresno State returns 14 total starters - six on offense, seven on defense and one specialist. Among those 14 are All-Mountain West selections in QB Jake Haener, WR Jalen Cropper, WR Josh Kelly, DB Evan Williams, DE David Perales and LB Levelle Bailey.

The Bulldogs also bring back 10 players as sixth-year seniors this season - Elijah Gates (DB), Zane Pope (WR), Jordan Mims (RB), Ty Jones (WR), Haener, LJ Early (DB), Jalen Guerrero (OL), Dontae Bull (OL), Raymond Pauwels Jr. (TE), and Perales.

The return of head coach Jeff Tedford sparked the return of a handful of former Bulldog players and coaches to the coaching staff including defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, defensive backs coach J.D. Williams, linebackers coach Tim Skipper and special teams coordinator/tight ends coach John Baxter.

The offense will be led this season by first-year offensive coordinator, but sixth-year Bulldog coach Kirby Moore. Moore served as the Bulldogs' wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator since 2017, beginning his coaching career under Tedford that season.

With the returning talent also comes new talent as Tedford and Co. brought in 10 mid-year enrollees who have been working out with the team since January. The 'Dogs have 16 players who signed their National Letter of Intent to play for Fresno State in the fall, and who will join the team in the summer.

There is a lot to be excited about around Bulldog football this season. Secure your seat at Bulldog Stadium this fall with a $1 deposit for your 2022 season tickets. The home schedule includes games against Cal Poly, Oregon State, San Jose State, San Diego State, Hawaii, and Wyoming. More information on 2022 season tickets can be found here.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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