Fresno State Bulldogs Football Tickets - Games - Buy Fresno State Bulldogs Football Tickets

Fresno has gained the most national notoriety of the WAC teams since Pat Hill took over. One of the most surprising stats is that FSU has not finished any higherthan 2nd in the WAC since 1999 and their last outright conference title came in 1989. In 2001 FSU was ranked #8 at one point finishing 11 -3 including upsets of Colorado, Ore St and Wisconsin in 3 straight weeks. The 2002 squad finished 6-2 in WAC play but only outgained league foes by 3.8 ypg. In 2003 they were 6-2 in the WAC but outgained conf foes by 48.5 ypg. 2004 was one of Hill's most experienced squads with 16 starters returning. They beat BCS member Washington 35-16 then destroyed (45-21) defending Big 12 champ Kansas St (#13) on the road. Surprisingly FSU lost 3 games in WAC play and finished 9-3 but did win their 3rd consecutive bowl game over a BCS foe. Heading into last year they were actually 6-2 in their last 8 vs BCS schools. Last year FSU led Oregon 17-0 but ended up losing by 3. They rebounded and appeared to have clinched the WAC Title when they destroyed Boise St 27-7 at home to move to 8-1 and #16 in the polls. They travelled to face #1 USC and nearly came away with the upset as they suffered 4 int including 2 at the goaline and fumbled at their own 15. At that point FSU stood 9-2 and both of their losses were to Top 10 teams and there was talk that they were the greatest team in school history. They accepted the bid to the Liberty Bowl. FSU suffered a massive letdown at Nevada and lost by 3 and then amazingly lost vs LT at home (thanks to 5 TO's) and did not gain even a share of the WAC Title despite outgaining conf foes by 137.0 ypg, (#1 in WAC, 57.7 ypg better -than #2 Hawaii). FSU also blew a lead in the bowl and stumbled to an 8-5 finish despite eight 1st Tm WAC members, the most since 2001. FSU was -3 net in close losses (pg 299) and also had their first negative turnover ratio since 1996. The offense loses 3 year starting QB Pinegar, along with their top three rushers but have a veteran 0-line and Dwayne Wright was a 1,000 yard rusher in 2003. They probably won't match last year's 37.8 ppg. The defense has allowed 22.6,21.1 and 22.5 ppg the lasts years and with 8 starters back on that side, could improve despite the loss of the WAC Def POY and 1 st and 2nd Tm WAC DB's. Two of my 7 sets of power ratings call Fresno the most talented team in the league but unfortunately to win their first WAC Title, they must win on the blue turf of Boise.