If there is one thing Fresno State football fans can take away from last season it’s that the Bulldogs’ defense struggled against the run.

In 2008, the Bulldogs’ defense allowed three separate running backs to set new career highs in rushing, including Colorado State’s Gartrell Johnson, who set a single-game bowl record with 285 yards on the ground.

Not only were tailbacks successful against Fresno State, but mobile quarterbacks were able to scramble for extra yardage and turn almost-certain sacks into first-down plays.

Hence the concern with Saturday’s tilt against the Utah State Aggies.

In his first career start last season, Aggie signal-caller Diondre Borel ran for 74 yards and a score against the Bulldogs to go along with 174 yards passing – and he’s only getting better.

Borel has attempted 220 throws this season and has only thrown one interception. Now that is called efficiency my friends.

He only ranks second behind Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick in total offense, averaging 274 yards per game and throws for the second-most yards in the conference.

And Utah State might be catching the Bulldogs at just the right time.

Looking back through the schedule thus far, the Bulldogs haven’t faced a mobile quarterback that can make plays with his legs. This will be the defense’s first true test to see how far the unit has progressed from its struggles with running quarterbacks last season.

The toughest part about facing a team like Utah State is the fact that Borel can hand it off to tailback Robert Turbin, who by the way ranks second in the conference in rushing behind Ryan Mathews.

Borel can beat you in three different ways – using his arm, legs, or giving the ball to Turbin. Hope you enjoyed the last three weeks Red Wave; Saturday could be a nailbiter.

As scary as Utah State’s offense may be, Fresno State should look in the mirror because it could implement the same exact system.

Mobile quarterback? Check. Excellent tailback? Check. Capable receivers? Yup. So what’s the hold up? Why don’t the ‘Dogs run the spread?

Well for starters, Ebahn Feathers hasn’t proved he can be a consistent passer. Although he has great athletic ability, Feathers will need to work on his arm first.

However, in the last four games Feathers has only received one offensive series to play in so it’s not like we have a lot to judge him on.
He’s 2-for-3 with a touchdown pass, so things look promising.

It would be interesting to see a backfield with Feathers and Ryan Mathews. Talk about a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.

As we have seen this season though, the spread is only affective if the quarterback can keep opposing defenses honest by using his arm.

Anytime Feathers comes into the game, the defense stacks at least eight defenders into the box because they know it’s going to be a running play.

Kaepernick and Borel both are excellent runners like Feathers, but they also both have more than 1,200 yards passing this season.

Last season, former Utah quarterback Brian Johnson led his team to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl victory because of his dynamic play-making ability.

Why do you think Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators are so successful?

It will probably take a few years and it all depends on the personnel Fresno State has, but the spread offense is a proven system that works.

The days of straight up “pocket passers” are fading fast. Division I programs are looking for quarterbacks who can not only run the offense, but make things happen with athleticism.

Fresno State has seen this system burn them too many times not to consider using it.