College Football Preview: Fresno State

Fresno State Bulldogs

2015 Results: 3-9 (2-6, 4th in West)

Returning Starters: 5 OFF, 4 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

3rd at Nebraska

10th SACRAMENTO STATE

17th at Toledo

24th TULSA

October

1st at UNLV

8th at Nevada

15th SAN DIEGO STATE

22nd at Utah State

28th AIR FORCE

November

5th at Colorado State

19th HAWAII
26th SAN JOSE STATE

Fresno State has a rough go of late. After going 11-2 in his second year as head coach, Tim DeRuyter has seen his only go 9-17 over the past two. The seat is warm. DeRuyter has yet to find Derek Carr's replacement as the Bulldogs have gone through 6 starting quarterbacks in two years. The team hopes that they have the right guy on the roster now.

Chason Virgil was a 4-star recruit when he came to Fresno. Starting as a true freshman, Virgil's season was cut short when he was out for the season after only three games with a broken clavicle. Virgil wasn't setting any records with his performances, but was playing as well as any true freshman would be expected to. DeRuyter is hoping that Virgil can turn the corner this year, and be the future for the Bulldogs. The offense has been simplified. Senior center Jacob Vazquez will be calling line protection audibles pre-snap and that should take a load off the young quarterback. The skill positions are deep. Wide receivers KeeSean Johnson and Da'Mari Scott are going to be relied upon to provide a spark that was lacking a year ago.

The defense has had a hard time adjusting to DeRuyter's 3-4 philosophy. Statistically, the Bulldogs were ranked near the bottom of the nation last season in all major categories. Long run, they have consistently given up more points per game each season for the previous four. In 2012, they gave up 23.8. Last year, that number ballooned up to 38.1. With only four starters returning, it is shaping up to be another long year. The secondary will be the Bulldogs' calling card. Senior cornerbacks Tyquwan Glass and Jamal Ellis lead the group.

Player to Watch: Tyquwan Glass

The senior corner was named to the second team preseason All-MWC. Last year, he recorded 62 tackles, 4 INTs, and 6 pass breakups. This is the glue that will hold the back line together for the Bulldogs. Opposing quarterbacks will know where he is on the field at all times.

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/19 Hawaii

This contest will feature two programs that are rebuilding in the Mountain West. It is safe to say that the game might not be as glamorous as others this season, but it could decide who is fifth in the western division

What to Expect

The Bulldogs have nowhere to go but up. There will be plenty of growing pains, but for the most part, they have a young nucleus. If Virgil can get going and establish himself as "the guy", this team is a year or two away. 

Prediction

2-10 (1-7, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th