This time last year, Bulldog fans were most likely hanging their hopes on the phrase “We’ll get ‘em next year.”

Rightfully so, because a year ago the likes of Ryan Mathews, Paul George and a plethora of Bulldog talent in almost every sport were returning in 2009-10 to their respective positions. Experience, if not simply pure excitement, was on the horizon and Bulldog nation actually had something to look forward to.

But with stadium-fillersm, Mathews and George bolting to the big leagues, a huge star power void is in desperate need of being filled. Furthermore, an abundance of impact players such as Ebahn Feathers, Nico Herron, Kenny Borg and recently Brandon Sperling will no longer be in Bulldog uniforms for various reasons.

So, honestly, what is there to look forward to? Sure, you can get giddy over Coach Hill’s seven-game 2010 home schedule, of which two Bowl Championship Series (BCS) opponents will visit Fresno. But even with Mathews in the backfield, the ‘Dogs have taken down only one BCS opponent with a winning record since 2007— and it was Rutgers. Chances are the ‘Dogs will again destroy the cupcake teams, fall to the formidable teams and land a spot in the KFC Boneless Chicken Bowl, and battle with the fifth-place finisher out of the Mountain West Conference.

There’s the promise of anticipated 2009 recruit Derek Carr’s future, but he has only thrown 14 passes. And with Ryan Colburn returning, it is becoming more and more likely he will be forced to redshirt. By the time he actually takes significant snaps under center, half of Fresno State students will be long gone.

After the season freshman Greg Smith had on the hardwood, it’s hard not to be at least a little excited for years to come, right? But men’s hoops hasn’t had a winning season in three years. Even if Smith continues to destroy opponents on both ends of the floor, there aren’t many reasons to believe the future will be brighter than the past.

I don’t mean to sound like a Debby Downer (yeah, I said it), but right now my pessimistic side is overshadowing my optimistic side. We have been fortunate to witness potential first-round draft picks the past few years and have a little something to brag about to family and friends. But those days have been few and far between and will be for a while.

All doubts aside, I truly do hope some athletes step up and steal the stage and keep Bulldog sports on the map. It’s a spotlight athletes both love and hate to be in, but those that embrace the challenge have big shoes to fill and an opportunity to please thousands of fans.
But don’t hold your breath.