Matt Weir / The Collegian
The last time Fresno State played Cincinnati, quarterback Zac Collaros was on the sidelines wearing a headset. Collaros was the backup to now NFL rookie Tony Pike, but in the season opener on Saturday, Collaros will be the man in charge, leading the Bearcats down the ramp at Bulldog Stadium.
Collaros is going to be the first test of the season for a Bulldogs’ defense that is desperately trying to improve.
“It’s going to be a great test for our defense,” head coach Pat Hill said. “Obviously, the thing that we struggle with in the past are mobile quarterbacks, spread-option type teams.”
Last season Fresno State had trouble containing teams that were equipped with a quarterback who had the ability to beat teams through the air and on the ground.
Utah State’s Diondre Borel had a record-setting day against the ‘Dogs in 2009 when he accounted for 345 total yards and two touchdowns. Borel ran for 105 yards and passed for 240 yards in the loss to the ‘Dogs.
Colin Kaepernick, who some consider to be the best dual-threat quarterback in college football, sliced and diced his way past the ‘Dogs defense last year, rushing for 95 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Fresno State.
Hill said that Collaros’ style of play is similar to both Borel and Kaepernick. However, Hill believes he’s a better passer.
“This guy also brings another dimension to the game, he’s a very accurate passer,” Hill said. “This guy’s a very good quarterback. When he played last year against the Big East opponents, he went up and down the field.”
Collaros started four games last season when he filled in for an injured Pike. He finished the year with 1,434 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. Collaros was also a threat on the ground, rushing for 371 yards with four touchdowns. He finished third on the team in rushing last year.
Hill said that Collaros’ versatility can possibly change the outcome of a game.
“I think this guy’s pretty sharp,” Hill said. “This quarterback’s going to make some plays, we just got to make sure he doesn’t make more than we make.”
Collaros won’t be the only problem on offense for the ‘Dogs. Hill believes that the Bearcats’ receiving corps will be the best the team faces all year.
“Their wide receivers are outstanding,” Hill said. “I think their receiving corps is going to be as strong as anybody, probably the strongest we see.”
The Bearcats lose their All-Big East receiver Mardy Gilyard to the NFL, but they return two tall-rangy receivers in Armon Binns and former USC transfer Vidal Hazelton.
Binns finished second on the team in receiving last year after catching 61 passes for 888 yards and 11 touchdowns. Hazelton sat out last fall because of transfer rules.
Hill said that Binns, the six-foot-three receiver, along with Hazelton might cause some matchup problems for the ‘Dogs.
“Binns, that’s where they’ll try to get the mismatch with the height,” he said. “Hazelton’s a big target also.”
Collaros and the receivers will be an early test for a ‘Dogs defense that finished last year the 111th-ranked team in run defense and 101st in interceptions.
“They’re going to be a very explosive offensive team,” Hill said. “That’ll be great challenge for us.”
Getting to know the Bearcats…
2009 Record: 12-1 (7-0 Big East)
The story so far: The Cincinnati Bearcats begin the season with new coach Butch Jones at the helm. Jones joins the Bearcats after spending the last three years as head coach at Central Michigan. He employs a spread, no-huddle offense and is switching the defensive scheme from a 3-4 to a 4-3.
Offensive impact player: Running back Isaiah Pead led the team in rushing last season after running for 806 yards and nine touchdowns. Coach Jones has hinted that he might run the ball much more often than former coach Brian kelly.
Defensive impact player: Linebacker J.K. Schaffer brought the wood last year as a first-time starter. Schaffer finished second on the team recording 100 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions. Schaffer takes over as the defensive leader for the Bearcats.