Fresno State College Football Preview

FRESNO STATE
After watching Boise State and Hawaii crack the BCS bowl ice the past two seasons, it is now Fresno State's turn to make a run with so much talent back in the lineup and some Top 25 early predictions floating their way. The only difference with this aspect is that 11-year head coach Pat Hill isn't afraid to play anyone and 2008 will be no different with the first three games containing Wisconsin, Rutgers and UCLA with the latter two on the road. Why are they the favorite though to win the WAC? Well, ten starters are back for an offense that is highlighted by a three-pronged RB attack that accumulated 2,100 yards and 26 touchdowns a year ago. In front of them is senior QB Tom Brandstater, who had modest passing numbers last year by today's standards (2,654 yards) but only threw five interceptions. He is very efficient and Pat Hill knows how to use his run game to set up the pass. The OL responsible for opening the holes remains in place and maybe the best blocking TE in the country is senior Bear Pascoe who also is a sure pass catcher. The defense is all that stands in the way of a conference championship. Gone is 2007 WAC Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Riley from his LB position. They do return down lineman Jon Monga, who is the top returning sack man in the league. For Fresno State to take the next step the secondary has to improve after only snagging four picks a year ago, worst in the league. The Bulldogs are not going to the BCS Promised Land with this schedule, but they are the favorite to secure their second WAC title in a dozen years. This team will start off slow in the win department (see schedule) but they will finish strong without a national target on their chest