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Tomas Kassahun

Sep 07
0

Week 2 Study Guide: SI picks Fresno State, new fun zone set, Gophers’ size worth noting

By | Feature, Feature Length Story | No Comments

The Fresno State Bulldogs came in as the heavy underdogs against USC in week 1 and fell just short. The Bulldogs are getting more love from the critics this week, but still have to prove some doubters as they host the Minnesota Gophers.

Here are this week’s notable notes . . .

“Combined with a shaky running game and a potentially erratic quarterback, it strikes me as the kind of game Fresno State might let slip away with one too many mistakes… again.” https://mwwire.com/2019/09/05/minnesota-vs-fresno-state-game-preview-kick-time-tv-radio-schedule-livestream-prediction/


“I see this as a slug it out type of game on offense, where both defenses are winning their sides of the ball going into the fourth quarter, but then Minnesota’s running attack gets one final drive to seal the game for the Gophers.” —
https://247sports.com/college/minnesota/LongFormArticle/Minnesota-Gophers-Football-Fresno-State-Preview-PJ-Fleck-Gophers-Fresno-135055747/#135055747_3

“With first-year starter QB Jorge Reyna gaining confidence from his 344-yard (this includes his 88 rushing yards), two-TD performance, Fresno State might have the momentum here against a Minnesota team that narrowly beat FCS team South Dakota State,” —
https://www.si.com/college-football/2019/09/05/week-2-picks-expert-predictions-schedule-tv-times

“Minnesota out there in Fresno, I gave the Gophers a look there. A little lean, but we didn’t take them,”— Scott Van Pelt, Sports Center.

Reads to consider  .  .  .

Fresno State has seen its share of struggles with attendance in recent years, but this article from the Star Tribune explains how other schools around the country are facing the same problem. http://www.startribune.com/dropping-college-football-attendance-is-not-just-a-gophers-thing/558388532/

And if you’d like to know how the Gophers’ size can make an impact, here’s an article that will give you an idea
https://www.twincities.com/2019/08/09/size-of-some-gophers-football-players-turns-heads-in-preseason-camp/

Gamdeday Festivities


https://gobulldogs.com/news/2019/9/4/football-what-to-know-on-game-day-dogs-vs-minnesota.aspx

Photo via gobulldogs.com

Point After

Minnesota (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) at Fresno State (0-1, 0-0 MW)
Sept. 7, 2019 • Bulldog Stadium (40,727) – Fresno, Calif.  / 7:30 p.m. PT

Watch: CBS Sports Network (channel guide)
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio
• Gameday Live (4:30 p.m. PT); Pregame Show (6:30 p.m. PT)
Live Stats:http://www.sidearmstats.com/fresnostate/football/

Aug 31
0

Pregame Study Guide: Fresno State vs USC.

By | Feature | No Comments

Fresno State football is finally here. That of course means there’s plenty to talk about on the internet.

Fresno State Magazine is here to give you a snippet of the talking points on the web as the Bulldogs prepare for their road game against USC on Saturday.

First, let’s take a look at some of the analysts doubting the ‘Dogs . . .

” The Bulldogs haven’t beaten a better-than-.500 Power 5 team (which USC seems likely to be) on the road since 2009 and will probably need one more year to break that slide. USC 27, Fresno State 24″— mwwire.com


‘They have an established coach in Jeff Tedford who led the Bulldogs to a 12-win season last year . . . However, Fresno State loses their starting quarterback, offensive coordinator, and two leading receivers from last season. That’s a lot of production to replace in week one. I expect the Trojans to come out fast, especially on defense .  .   .” — uscscoop.com

“The Trojans know that this is a make-or-break year and it starts with this game. Take care of business at home and get things started on the right foot. Fresno State ought to make it interesting, but USC should have more than enough talent to pull away at the end.” —
athlonsports.com

Meanwhile, Bulldog fans are making the case for their team.

Pregame reads to consider. . .

“USC football’s first depth chart reveals a few surprises ahead of season opener”— latimes.com

“Fresno State-USC Round 1 was win that put Bulldogs on the map. Players relive ’92 Freedom Bowl”— fresnobee.com

“USC DC Clancy Pendergast on playing Fresno State Saturday”— 247sports.com

Gameday Footnotes . . .

The ‘Dogs will go with all white for the season opener on the road

The Dogs’ captains are Juju Hughes, Netane Muti, Jorge Reyna and Mykal Walker.

“To be voted captain among a great group of guys like we have is a real honor. It’s a blessing to know my teammates not only trust me, but respect me enough to lead them this season.” –
Juju Hughes

Gameday Festivities . . .

Broadcast

TV: ESPN
• Play-by-Play: Jason Benetti; Analyst: Rod Gilmore; Sideline: Quint Kessenich
Radio: 940 AM ESPN Radio
• Gameday Live (4 p.m. PT); Pregame Show (6:30 p.m. PT)
• Play-by-Play:Paul Loeffler; Analyst: Pat Hill; Sideline: Cameron Worrell
Satellite Radio: Sirius Ch. 146; XM Ch. 198; Internet Radio Ch. 986