A T H L E T I C S M E D I A R E L A T I O N S N. Campus Drive, Rm. 153, Fresno, CA (559) Fax: (559)

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1 FRESNO STATE F RESNO STATE A T H L E T I C S M E D I A R E L A T I O N S N. Campus Drive, Rm. 153, Fresno, CA (559) Fax: (559) Fresno State Schedule S 4 at Ohio State...L S 9 at UCLA (FoxWest2)...L S 16 Open S 23 Cal (Fox Sports Net)...7:15 p.m. S 30 Open O 5 at Rice*(Fox Sports Net)...4 p.m. O 14 Nevada *...7 p.m. O 21 at UTEP *...7 p.m. O 28 Tulsa *...4 p.m. N 4 Hawai'i*...7 p.m. N 11 at TCU *(KMPH)...12:05 p.m. N 18 SMU*...4 p.m. N 25 at San Jose St. *(KMPH) 12:30 p.m. Times subject to change All times listed Pacific * WAC Game 2000 WAC Standings Conference Overall W L W L TCU UTEP Rice San Jose St Hawai'i Fresno State Tulsa SMU Nevada Ticket Information Single-game tickets for all home games ranging in price from $16 to $30 can be purchased at the Bulldog Ticket Office. The Bulldog Ticket Office is open M-F from 9-6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For ticket information or to order, call the Bulldog Ticket Office (559) 278-DOGS or online at Interviews Please call the Fresno State Athletics Media Relations office to arrange interviews with head coach Pat Hill, the staff and players. Players are available via phone on Mondays at 5 p.m. or for 15 minutes after practices. Fresno State's practices are closed to the general public. Members of the media are welcome to attend practice but must stay on the berms. Contact the Fresno State Athletics Media Relations Office for practice times. Bulldogs on Radio Every Fresno State football game is broadcast live throughout the San Joaquin Valley on KMJ (AM 580). Veteran sportscaster Bill Woodward will handle play-by-play duties with Jon Anabo as the analyst and Ron Shapley on the sidelines. KMJ begins game-day coverage with a 90-minute call-in show "Dog Talk," and is followed by a half hour pregame show. A onehour "'Dog Talk" postgame show follows each broadcast. Pat Hill Press Conference Fresno State football coach Pat Hill will conduct a weekly press conference every Monday of the football season at 11 a.m. in the Duncan Building. Contact: Steve Weakland Sept. 11, 2000 BULLDOG FOOTBALL Game No. 3: Fresno State (0-2, 0-0) vs. Cal (1-0, 0-0) Date: Sat., Sept. 23 Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. PDT Site: Fresno, Calif. Stadium: Bulldog Stadium/Jim Sweeney Field (41,031) Radio: KMJ (AM 580); 'Dog Talk at 5 p.m., Pregame Show 6:30 p.m. Play-by-play: Bill Woodward; Analyst: Jon Anabo; Sideline: Ron Shapley TV: Fox Sports Net/KMPH Fox 26 Play-by-play: Ralph Wood; Analyst: Randy Rosenbloom; Sideline: Vince Wesson Series: Fresno State leads 1-0 This Week The Bulldogs have the week off to prepare for their home opener on Sept. 23 vs. California of the Pacific-10 Conference. Cal plays at Illinois this week before its trip to Fresno. Last Week For the second consecutive week, the Bulldogs played a nationally ranked opponent, No. 16 UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Despite being down 24-7, Fresno State rallied with two fourth quarter touchdowns and was driving the football in Bruin territory with less than two minutes remaining before a fumbled snap ended the drive and left the 'Dogs with their second consecutive loss, It was the closest scoring margin in the six-game history of the series. All-Time vs. Cal The Bulldogs own a 1-0 lead in the series which began in Fresno State defeated Cal at Berkeley. Last Time vs. Cal (Berkeley, Calif. Sept. 9, 1995) In the first-ever meeting between the schools, the Bulldogs ruined the 1995 home debut of California, rallying from a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Golden Bears The Bears held a 7-6 halftime lead before scoring 10 unanswered points. Richie Donati came off the bench in place of injured Jim Arellanes to throw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Brown at the end of the third quarter to bring the 'Dogs within seven points. Brown, who scored three touchdowns, caught a 30-yard touchdown pass and Michael Pittman scored the game-winner on a six-yard run with five minutes remaining. The Bears drove to the Fresno State 37-yard line with less than two minutes remaining, but Cal kicker Ryan Longwell's a 56-yard field goal with 1:08 left was short. All-Time vs. Pac-10 The Bulldogs have played every team from the Pac-10 but have failed to register wins over four programs. The 'Dogs are vs. Pac-10 schools and 2-8 vs. California Pac-10 schools. Fresno State was 0-2 vs. Pac-10 teams last year, losing at Oregon State and UCLA in in consecutive games. Fresno State will play another Pac-10 opponent in its next game, the home opener on Sept. 23 vs. Cal. The Bulldogs are winless in their last five games vs. Pac-10 opponents with the last win coming five years ago, Sept. 9, 1995, at California FS has winning records against Arizona (2-0), California (1-0), Oregon State (6-4) and USC (1-0).

2 Head Coach Pat Hill All of the credit for the resurgence of Bulldog football can be traced to head coach Pat Hill. Hill took over a declining program and within three years won a championship and guided his team to a bowl game. More importantly, Hill infused academic integrity to the program. Since his arrival, the team GPA has steadily risen from a 2.21 to Last season was the first significant step in the reclamation project. The Bulldogs earned a share of the WAC championship, made their first bowl appearance since 1993 and produced a league-best six first-team All-WAC players. In addition, Fresno State led the WAC academic scholars with 14 and produced the program's first Academic All-American, Payton Williams. Hill has worked as a tireless fund-raiser to improve the facilities. Under his direction, money was raised to build a new football practice facility that rivals any NFL franchise. In addition, the two soccer practice facilities received a face lift. One of the most visible signs of improvement has been in the Duncan Building training room, which was expanded and modified providing all student-athletes with a state of the art complex. Hill is in his fourth season at Fresno State but is no stranger to Bulldog football, having spent six seasons as an assistant coach ( ) under Jim Sweeney when the Bulldogs were among the nation's most successful teams. Fresno State posted a overall record during those six seasons, won three league titles and three bowl games. Hill was Fresno State's offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator. Hill became a hot young assistant coach and left FS to become offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Arizona ( ). After two seasons in Tucson, he left for the NFL where he spent five seasons ( ) as an assistant with the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens franchise. In addition, Hill was the offensive coordinator for the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL (1983), offensive coordinator/offensive line/recruiting coordinator at UNLV ( ), recruiting coordinator/offensive line coach at Utah ( ) and offensive line coach at L.A. Valley College ( ). Pat Hill's Resume 1997-present Fresno State, Head Coach 1996 Baltimore Ravens, Asst. Coach (tight ends/offensive line) Cleveland Browns, Asst. Coach (tight ends/offensive line) Arizona, Asst. Coach (offensive coordinator/line) Fresno State, Asst. Coach (offensive line/recruiting) 1983 Calgary (CFL), Asst. Coach (offensive coordinator/line) UNLV, Asst. Coach (offensive coordinator/line) Utah, Asst. Coach (offensive line/recruiting) LA Valley College, Asst. Coach (offensive line) Pat Hill Year by Year Overall WAC Home Road Neu Totals First Time Against Back-to-Back Ranked Opponents Since head coach Pat Hill took over prior to the 1997 season, the Bulldogs have faced one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the West. However, last week marked the first time in Fresno State history the Bulldogs played ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks. On Sept. 2, FS opened its 2000 season at then-no. 15 Ohio State. Last week, Fresno State lost to to No. 16 UCLA vs. California Schools The Bulldogs have a record of all-time vs. teams from the state of California. Pat Hill is 3-4 vs. California schools (3-0 vs. San Jose State; 0-2 vs. UCLA; 0-2 vs. San Diego State). Best in the West Fresno State has been one of hottest teams in the West, having won 12 of its last 20 games. Of the Division I-A schools located in the Mountain, Pacific and Hawaiian time zones, only five schools have better records than the Bulldogs during that time. Best in the West (last 19 games) Air Force 14-6 Arizona 14-6 Colorado State 13-7 Oregon 13-7 Utah 13-7 Fresno State 12-8 BYU 12-8 WAC Coaching Leader Pat Hill is the active WAC coaching leader in winning percentage with a record of 15-8 (.652). Here's how the other WAC coaches with more than one year of experience rank. Current School (years) Overall (years) Ken Hatfield, Rice (4) (.645) (21) (.542) Dennis Franchione, TCU 9-6 (2) (.600) (8) (.476) Mike Cavan, SMU (3) (.545) (3) (.545) Dave Baldwin, San Jose St (3) (.364) 8-14 (3) (.364) In Case You Missed It Fresno State's loss to UCLA was the closest margin of victory in the six-game history of the series... Fresno State had four interceptions vs. Ohio State, one more than it threw all of the 1999 season... redshirt freshman tight end Alec Greco's first career catch was for a 3-yard touchdown vs. UCLA... running back Derrick Ward did not play on offense vs. UCLA because of a sprained ankle... Jeremy Johnson had a career-high five receptions for 49 yards vs. UCLA... the Bulldogs had 11 tackles for losses vs. UCLA, compared to the Bruins' five. For the season, Fresno State leads its opponents in tackles for losses Devon Banks made his first career start vs. UCLA in place of injured Anthony Limbrick and responded with a career-high 14 tackles... Fresno State's turnover margin is minus six (four interceptions and three fumbles lost) to one fumble recovery... the 'Dogs have gone consecutive games without getting an interception for the first time since the middle of the 1998 season. The Bulldogs had interceptions in 14 of their last 17 games entering this season... the Bulldogs held the Bruins to 3.3 yards per play of total offense. Fresno State averaged 4.9 yards per play of total offense vs. UCLA. For the season, Fresno State is outgaining its opponents 4.8 to 4.4 yards per play...fs led the WAC in third down conversions in 1999 at 50%. So far in 2000, the Bulldogs are averaging 31% on third down plays... Fresno State leads the NCAA in punt returns, 38.0 yards per return. Close, but... Under Pat Hill, the Bulldogs have lost 11 non-conference games, nine of which have come on the road. Of those 11 losses, six have been by six points or less. One of those losses was in overtime and five were by three points or less. Close Non-Conference Losses Opponent Date Score Differential vs. Utah* vs. Baylor at Oregon (ot) -3 at UCLA vs. Nevada * EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl

3 Media Information Fresno State Information Information - including press releases, notes and statistics - about Fresno State football can be obtained by calling the Fresno State Media Relations Office (559) or online at WAC Teleconference The WAC will hold a weekly football coaches' teleconference every Monday beginning Aug. 28 and running through Nov. 20. The teleconference will begin at 9:30 a.m. (PT). Coaches will be available for seven minutes for questions and answers. The number to call to participate is (913) Identify yourself and your outlet to the operator. There will be a replay of the complete teleconference available each Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. (PT). Media may dial (402) The schedule for the teleconference is: 9:30 a.m. Dave Chaffin, WAC 9:32 a.m. June Jones, Hawai'i 9:39 a.m. Ken Hatfield, Rice 9:46 a.m. Keith Burns, Tulsa 9:53 a.m. Dennis Franchione, TCU 10 a.m. Mike Cavan, SMU 10:07 a.m. Gary Nord, UTEP 10:14 a.m. Dave Baldwin, San Jose St. 10:21 am Pat Hill, Fresno State 10:28 a.m. Chris Tormey, Nevada 10:35 a.m. Karl Benson, WAC Commisioner Times subject to change All times Pacific WAC Games on Fox Sports Net Fox Sports Net is the first truly national, regional and local supplier of sports programming, and reaches 70 million homes through 21 regional sports networks. The WAC nationaltv schedule is as follows: Sept. 16 Northwestern at TCU 9 a.m. Sept. 23 California at Fresno State 7:15 p.m. Sept. 30 TCU at Navy 9 a.m. Oct. 5 Fresno State at Rice 4 p.m. Times subject to change KMPH Broadcast Schedule KMPH Fox 26 is the flagship televion station for Fresno State football. KMPH Fox 57 in Bakersfield also carries the games. KMPH Sports Director Ralph Wood handles the play-by-play with veteran announcer Randy Rosenbloom as analyst and former Fresno State player Vince Wesson with reports from the sidelines. KMPH Broadcast Schedule Sept. 2 Fresno State at Ohio State 9 a.m. (ESPN Regional) Sept. 9 Fresno State at UCLA 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23 California at Fresno State 7 p.m. Nov. 11 Fresno State at TCU Noon Nov. 25 Fresno State at San Jose State12:30p.m. Times subject to change Pat Hill's Coaches Corner on KMPH Pat Hill's Coaches Corner airs Wednesdays on KMPH Fox 26 during the Ten O'Clock News. Pat Hill's Radio Show on KMJ KMJ (AM 580) airs the Pat Hill Show Mondays at 1 p.m. from the World Sports Cafe. The one-hour call-in show is hosted by KMJ's Ray Appleton. 'Dogs Picked Second in WAC Preseason Poll Despite returning the most first-team All-WAC players of any team in the league, Fresno State was the second choice of media members in the 2000 Preseason Poll. The Bulldogs received 178 total points and six first place votes. TCU, 20th in the AP preseason poll, with 16 first place votes, received 206 points, as the predicted league champion WAC Football Media Poll (first-place votes in parenthesis) 1. TCU (16) Fresno State (6) Hawai'i (2) Rice SMU UTEP Nevada Tulsa San Jose State 62 All-WAC Back The Bulldogs welcome back four first-team All-WAC players from 1999 and one who was a first-team All-WAC selection in 1998 (Tim Skipper). In addition, the Bulldogs return two second-team All-WAC players and six others who were honorable mention All-WAC in First-Team All-WAC: Tim Skipper, Linebacker 1999 First-Team All-WAC: Alan Harper, Defensive Tackle; Orlando Huff, Linebacker; Anthony Limbrick, Safety; Rodney Wright, Receiver 1999 Second-Team All-WAC: Tim Skipper, Linebacker; Charles Smith, Return Specialist 1999 Honorable Mention All-WAC: Nick Burley, Defensive End; Giachino Chiaramonte, Linebacker; Vernon Fox, Safety; Paris Gaines, Running Back; Charles Smith, Wide Receiver; Derrick Ward, Running Back Little Big Man Senior middle linebacker Tim Skipper (Kenner, La.) continues to be Fresno State's leader on defense and will be the defensive captain for the second consecutive year. Skipper is an excellent student who has been a WAC scholar-athlete. Despite being the smallest middle linebacker in the country (5-7, 215 lbs.), Skipper has played very large throughout his career. Skipper, who has has started 33 of 36 games in his career, was a first-team All-WAC selection as a sophomore and despite missing two-and-a-half games and four starts with a knee injury, was selected second-team All-WAC last season. He had started 27 consecutive games before the injury. He finished second on the team in tackles last season with 86, missing his third consecutive 100-tackle season. He ranks third on the Fresno State career tackle chart. He was a consensus preseason All-WAC selection and called the WAC's Most Underrated Player by The Sporting News. Information on Skipper can be found on Skipper's Slate Fresno State record 17 tackles for a loss in 1998 First-team All-WAC in 1998 Second-team All-WAC in 1999 Third on Fresno State's career tackle list with 306 tackles WAC's Most Underrated Player by The Sporting News No. 10 on Fresno State list for most tackles in a single season with 117 in 1998 Ninth in the WAC in tackles in 1999, 8.1 per game Career-high 17 tackles vs. Baylor in 1997 Has 12 games of double-digit tackles in his career Fresno State Career Tackle Leaders 1. Omar Stoutmire ( ) A.J. Goss ( ) Tim Skipper (1997-) 317 Who's Watching Ohio Stadium's record attendance total of 96,583 was the most fans ever to watch a Fresno State game. For the second consecutive week, the Bulldogs played in a stadium with a capacity over 90,000 at the Rose Bowl, capacity 94,000. The attendance at the UCLA game was 45,605 for a two-game attendance total of 142,188, the highest total for consecutive Fresno State games in history.

4 Fresno State Facts Bulldog Stadium at Jim Sweeney Field Since taking over Bulldog Stadium in 1980, Fresno State has one of the best home records in college football. One of the most beautiful stadiums in the Western Athletic Conference, Bulldog Stadium underwent a two-phase expansion project in 1991, increasing seating by 10,000 - to a capacity of 41,031 - and adding 22 sky suites. Jim Sweeney was Fresno State s head coach ( , ) who won eight conference championships, five bowl game titles and guided the Bulldogs to a record and won 200 games as a college coach, 16th most in NCAA history, including stints at Montana State and Washington State. The Bulldogs have been undefeated in nine of 20 seasons in Bulldog Stadium, including Bulldog Stadium Records Overall: (.798) WAC Record: 37-7 (.841) : (.817) : (.779) "V" is for Valley Fresno State prides itself on being the "Valley's team." This pride can be seen in the form of a large green V on the back of the Bulldog helmets as a symbol to the agricultural community of Central Valley of California. The San Joaquin Valley is the world's richest agricultural valley in export dollars. Academic Gameplan Since Pat Hill took over the Fresno State program, the Bulldogs have become leaders in academic success. One of Hill's first tasks was hiring John Baxter as associate head coach. Baxter's trademarked Academic Gameplan is a proven winner across the nation. In the third years of Academic Gameplan, the football program produced a WAC-best 14 scholar-athletes, the school's first Academic All-American and the number of honored athletes at the annual Kiwanis Torch of Excellence dinner grew from four to 33. The team's GPA was raised from 2.12 to 2.77 in three seasons. Academic Gameplan has been featured in many publications, including the Dec. 20, 1999, issue of Sports Illustrated. Nine of Fresno State's 14 seniors are on track to graduate in December. Academic Gameplan is used by Oregon, Washington State, Southern Miss and is being implemented by Notre Dame. The Bulldog Foundation Fresno State's famous Bulldog Foundation has been the No. 1 fund-raising organization in the nation for 14 consecutive years. This volunteer organization raises over $7 million annually for the Fresno State Athletics Department. The BDF is headed by executive director Pat Ogle, the 1996 National Fundraiser of the Year. The monies raised by the BDF go towards scholarships, recruiting and special needs of the athletics department. Fresno State Identification The official name of the school is California State University, Fresno. For athletics department purposes, the University prefers to be called simply Fresno State never Fresno State University. For graphics or abbreviations, we ask that you please use FS not FSU or CSUF. Huffing Holding His Own Senior outside linebacker Orlando Huff has been simply dominating through the first two games. Against Ohio State in the season opener, Huff was all over the field, finishing with a game-high 12 tackles, including two for a loss and a fumble recovery, which he returned 46 yards deep into OSU territory. A Butkus Award candidate, Huff backed that performance up with an equally impressive 10-tackle, two-sack performance which saw him manhandle Bruins offensive lineman on several occasions. So far this season, the 1999 first-team All- WAC honoree has 22 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection. No Holding Harper Junior defensive tackle Alan Harper (Fontana, Calif.) was a one man wrecking crew during his sophomore season, earning first-team All-WAC honors, making him the youngest player selected. Harper, who as the potential to become the best defensive lineman in school history, was Fresno State's nominee for WAC Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 15 tackles for losses, second-most in school history and second-most in the WAC. He is a consensus preseason All-WAC selection and was rated the 20th best defensive tackle in the nation by The Sporting News, one of seven underclassmen honored. Harper has three tackles for losses in his first two games of the season. The Bodyguard Senior left tackle Kevin Jordan (Los Angeles, Calif.) should be one of the WAC's best this season. Jordan, who started 12 games at right tackle last season, switched to left tackle to protect David Carr's blind side this season. Jordan, a defensive tackle in his first two years in the program, is a good athlete who ran a yard dash as a defensive lineman. He currently runs just under 5.0 seconds. Jordan is very strong, bench pressing 405 pounds. He allowed just one quarterback sack last season in over 340 pass plays. Jordan has not allowed a sack this season. He suffered a hand injury against UCLA and his status will be determined later this week. Smurfs Despite their diminutive stature, the duo of Charles Smith and Rodney Wright could be the most explosive receiving combo in the nation this season. With his five catches for 96 yards, Smith moved up on the career receiving yardage and receptions list. His two touchdowns catches matched a career high. He is averaging 22.1 yards per catch in the first two games. They are also Fresno State's top two return specialists and rank in Fresno State's career top 10 list for receptions and yards Dynamic Duo Rec. Yards Avg. TDs Charles Smith 105 1, Rodney Wright 93 1, Totals 198 2, Fresno State Career Receptions Rec. Yards Avg. TDs 5. Jaime Kimbrough ('95-98) 116 1, Charles Smith ('98-) 105 1, John Sexton ('68-70) 102 1, Tydus Wynans ('91-93) 96 1, Rodney Wright ('98-) 93 1, Fresno State Career Receiving Yards 6. John Sexton ('68-70) 102 1, Charles Smith ('98-) 105 1, Rodney Wright ('98-) 93 1, Extra Points The Bulldogs had a hotly contested battle for the starting kicking job vacated by the graduation of All-WAC performer Jeff Hanna, a three-year starter and one of the most accurate in school history. Freshman Brett Visintainer and junior college transfer Asen Asparuhov kicked well in fall camp but Asparuhov won the place kicking duties despite never kicking in a real game in his life. He made a 25-yard field goal and a PAT in his first game of his career. He attempted a 44-yard field goal that was blocked. Visintainer handles the kickoff responsibilities. The punting duties are handled by transfer Jason Simpson, the only punter on the team.

5 2000 Bulldog Breakdown Fresno State's Record when... Scoring first Opponent scores first Overtime games Leading after First Quarter Trailing after First Quarter Tied after First Quarter Leading at the Half Trailing at the Half Tied at the Half Leading after Three Quarters Trailing after Three Quarters Tied after Three Quarters Rushing More rushing yards than opponent Fewer rushing yards than opponent Rushes for less than 100 yards Rushes for more than 100 yards Rushes for more than 150 yards Rushes for more than 200 yards Passing More passing yards than opponent Fewer passing yards than opponent Passes for less than 150 yards Passes for more than 150 yards Passes for more than 200 yards Passes for more than 250 yards Total Yards More total yards than opponent Fewer total yards than opponent Has less than 250 total yards Has more than 250 total yards Has more than 300 total yards Has more than 350 total yards Has more than 400 total yards Has more than 450 total yards First Downs More than opponent Fewer than opponent Same Turnovers More than opponent Fewer than opponent Same Penalties More than opponent Fewer than opponent Same Time of Possesion Had more time Had less time Derrick Ward Rushes for fewer than 75 yards Rushes for more than 75 yards Rushes for more than 100 yards Rushes for more than 125 yards Rushes for more than 150 yards Rushes for more than 175 yards David Carr Throws for less than 175 yards Throws for more than175 yards Throws for more than 200 yards Throws for more than 225 yards Throws for more than 250 yards Throws for more than 275 yards Throws for more than 300 yards Does not throw an interception Throws an interception Counting on Carr In just his second career start vs. UCLA, David Carr showed signs of brilliance. While spending most of the day avoiding the rush, Carr was more comfortable in the pocket and did not force throws like he did in the season opener vs. Ohio State, in which threw four interceptions. Against the Bruins, Carr completed 20 of 33 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception. Carr, who has played in just 13 games in his three-year career, redshirted last season and worked with the Bulldog scout teams, earning the scout team MVP award given by the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said the best quarterback the Bulldog defense faced last season was Carr. In addition, Carr spend the entire season in the coaching booth on a headset with offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig learning more about the offense. Before this season, Carr had completed passes for 281 yards and one touchdown and two interceptions in his career. Carr could be the best all-around athlete to play quarterback for the 'Dogs ever. He bench presses 390 pounds, power cleans 300 pounds and squats 500 pounds. At 6-3, 225 pounds, he runs a yard dash. Carr by the Numbers Year G-GS Att. Comp Int Yds. Pct. TD LG Ohio State UCLA Totals Career Highs Underlined Ward Watch After a spectacular freshman season, running back Derrick Ward (Moreno Valley, Calif.) found himself off the team. Ward rushed for a freshman record 875 yards, averaged 6.0 yards per carry, and a team-best seven touchdowns. He was selected a freshman All-American. In February, Ward was dismissed from the team by head coach Pat Hill. Ward rejoined the team following spring ball and has been impressive in fall camp. Last season, he showed big-play capability, scoring on runs of 86 yards vs. Nevada, the fourth-longest in Fresno State history, and 75 yards vs. Colorado State, the seventh-longest. He also blocked two punts that were returned for touchdowns. Ward set a freshman single game rushing record with 176 yards vs. Nevada. Over the last five games, Ward has rushed for more than 50 yards in a game once, with 51 yards in the EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl. He opened the season with 33 yards on 11 carries against Ohio State. He did have three receptions for 49 yards including a 27-yarder on a screen pass. It was the first reception of his career. Ward, who was nursing a sprained ankle, did not have a carry against UCLA. Welcome Back An area that was racked with injuries last season was the offensive line. Despite the injuries, the 'Dogs patched together a unit that allowed a school record low 13 quarterback sacks. Each of the five starters this year have started games at various times in their careers and the top six linemen have a combined 62 starts in their careers. Of the starters, Russ Harding missed the entire 1999 season with an injury. Ahmad Bhatti and Joe Schey each started the first three games of last season before injuries sidelined them. Projected Starting Offensive Line (# of career starts) RT Kevin Jordan (14) RG Russ Harding (4) C Rodney Michael (12) LG Mike Stovall (18) LT Ahmad Bhatti (10); Joe Schey (4) Young Pups Several first-year players are contributed in the season opener. Here's a look at some of the first-year players who made an impact this season. Redshirt freshman Marc Dailey has seven tackles, one tackle for a loss and one sack. Transfer Asen Asparuhov kicked a 25-yard field goal and has three PATs. Sophomore Jason Simpson, a transfer, averages 36.1 yards per punt. Freshmen Fitu Tu'ua and Antonio Sanchez each have played on the offensive line. Redshirt freshman tight end Jeremy Johnson has seven receptions for 72 yards. Redshirt freshman tight end Alec Greco has a touchdown reception.

6 National Polls USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll As of Sept. 9 No Team Record Last 1. Nebraska (48) Florida State (10) Michigan Florida Wisconsin (1) Texas Kansas State Virginia Tech Tennessee Washington USC Purdue Alabama Miami (Fla.) Ohio State Clemson UCLA Oklahoma Illinois Michigan State TCU Georgia Notre Dame Auburn NR 25. Colorado State NR OTHER RECEIVING VOTES: Southern Mississippi (110), Mississippi (81), Mississippi State (44), Toledo (29), Texas A&M (27), Arkansas (19), Air Force (17), South Carolina (17), Georgia Tech (16), Texas Tech (10), West Virginia (9), Oregon State (7), Colorado (6), Minnesota (5), Arizona (3), Miami (Ohio), 3, Cincinnati (2), Marshall (2), Maryland (2), Northwestern (2), Oregon (2), Utah (2), Arizona State (1), East Carolina (1), North Carolina State (1) Associated Press Poll As of Sept. 9 No Team Record Last 1. Nebraska (41) Florida State (26) Michigan (1) Wisconsin (1) Texas (2) Florida Kansas State Virginia Tech Washington USC Tennessee Miami (Fla.) Purdue UCLA Alabama Clemson Ohio State Oklahoma Illinois TCU Notre Dame Michigan State Georgia Auburn NR 25. Southern Mississippi OTHER RECEIVING VOTES: Colorado State (122), South Carolina (72), Mississippi (54), Oregon State (52), Mississippi State (45), Toledo (34), LSU (14), Air Force (11), Arkansas (9), Texas A&M (7), Georgia Tech (5), Texas Tech (4), Arizona State (3), Colorado (2), East Carolina (2), West Virginia (2) 'Dog Bones (Team) FS is 14-3 under Pat Hill at home. FS is 11-1 in its last 12 WAC home games. The 'Dogs allowed a school record-low 13 quarterback sacks in FS outgained its opponents in punt return yardage in FS had17 more sacks than its opponents over the last two seasons season FS has three more sacks than its opponents this season 6-3. The Bulldogs are averaging just 2.6 punts per game over the last five games. The 'Dogs held NCAA rushing leader LaDainian Tomlinson of TCU to a season-low 49 yards on 20 carries in FS has thrown 36 touchdowns and only seven interceptions over the last two years. FS had three interception returns for touchdowns last season, the same number of total interceptions by the opponents. The Bulldogs have not been shutout in the last 122 home games dating back to Oct. 25, 1980, vs. Utah State (14-0). Fresno State has scored in 146 of the last 147 home games. FS was 6-1 last seaon when rushing for more than 140 yards in game. The lone loss was at Hawai'i. FS was 6-0 last season when throwing more touchdowns than its opponents. FS is 14-3 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs throw more touchdown passes than their opponents. FS is 14-5 under Pat Hill when the 'Dogs have less turnovers than their opponents. FS has outscored its opponents over the last 19 games ( per game average). The 'Dogs have led the WAC in scoring in three of the last eight years, including a nation's best 40.5 average in FS has produced two quarterbacks (Trent Dilfer and Billy Volek) who set NCAA records in the last seven years. Both are in the NFL, Dilfer with the Baltimore Ravens and Volek with the Tennessee Titans. FS has produced a first-team All-WAC punter (Jeff Roberts, 1998) and kicker (Jeff Hanna, 1999) since the 1998 season. FS leads the NCAA in punt returns with an average of 38.0 yards per return. 'Dog Bones (Individual) Cornerback Marcellus Armstrong was a running back in 1999 who averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns. Safety Devon Banks had a career-high eight tackles in his first career start vs. UCLA. Right tackle Ahmad Bhatti held UCLA All-American Kenyon Coleman to three tackles,no tackles for losses or quarterback sacks. Safety Terence Brown blocked four kicks (three field goals and one PAT) in Brown was named MVP of the EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl with two blocked kicks. Quarterback David Carr ranks seventh in the NCAA in pass completions (26.0/game)and 36th in total offense (235.0/game). David Carr threw for a career-high 238 yards, completing passes vs. Ohio State. Cornerback and special teams captain Lawrence Deck had a career-high nine tackles vs. Utah in the EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl. He missed the season opener vs. Ohio State with a concussion. Lawrence Deck in an honor student who will graduate in December with a degree in kinesiology. Strong safety Vernon Fox has at least one tackle in 22 consecutive games. Vernon Fox led the team with 103 tackles in Running back Paris Gaines suffered a torn ligament in his right knee in the EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl. He needs 31 yards for 1,000 in his career. Defensive tackle Alan Harper has at least one tackle in 23 straight games, the longest streak on the defense. Alan Harper ranked second in the WAC in 1999 in tackles for a loss with 15 for 47 yards. He has three for minus five yards the first two games. Linebacker Orlando Huff has double-figures tackles in each of the first two games vs. Ohio State and UCLA. He leads the Bulldogs in tackles for losses (4-23) and sacks (3-19). Left tackle Kevin Jordan allowed just one quarterback sack in over 340 pass plays in 1999 at right tackle. He has not allowed a sack through the first two games this season. Running back Josh Levi's last carry was a school record 94-yard touchdown vs. San Jose State. Free safety Anthony Limbrick was rated as the ninth-best safety in the nation by Lindy's. Limbrick broke his right thumb vs. Ohio State and had surgery on Monday. He is out indefinitely. Nose tackle Thabiti Lockhart was second-team preseason All-WAC by The Sporting News. Cornerback Dante Marsh tied for the team lead with three interceptions in 1999 and has four in his career. Center Rodney Michael was named second team preseason All-WAC by Lindy's. After the injury to Akka-Ar Moses, FS fullbacks only had three carries in the last eight games. Moses had 30 carries before the season-ending injury. He has not played this season. Cornerback Tierre Sams ran a meters in high school, which was the fastest time by a high school athlete that year for a brief time. Walk-on fullback Luke Slevkoff won the starting job after fall camp. Receiver Charles Smith has caught at least one pass in 25 consecutive games. Charles Smith has six touchdown receptions in the last six games. Defensive end Jason Stewart spent last season as a back-up to All-WAC tackle Alan Harper. Junior guard Mike Stovall has started 18 games on the offensive line, more than any current player. Running Back Derrick Ward averages 35.7 yards per touchdown runs in his career. Receiver Rodney Wright has caught at least four passes in the last 10 games. Rodney Wright's last two touchdown receptions were from 83 and 65 yards.