Fresno State Red vs. Fresno State White
Matt Weir/The Collegian
Breakdown: Offense
The long-awaited time for Derek Carr to take over as Fresno State’s starting quarterback is finally here, and the makeup of the Bulldog offense could see big changes in 2011.
With the Carr era beginning, and an abundance of returning wide receivers on the roster, a spread attack on opposing defenses could be in the works.
But easily the biggest question mark as the new season approaches is filling out an offensive line that lost four seniors. Bryce Harris is the only returning full-year starter from a season ago at right tackle.
Whatever starting five the Fresno State coaching staff fields along the offensive front will have the task of paving the way for thousand-yard rusher Robbie Rouse. The junior battled injuries much of last year, but had breakout performances against Louisiana Tech and Nevada. Rouse could split considerable time with Milton Knox, who transfered from UCLA and sat out last year due to NCAA transfer rules.
Breakdown: Defense
Fresno State took a giant leap in the right direction defensively from 2009 to 2010, but the question looms of what head coach Pat Hill and company has in store for an encore.
The ‘Dogs improved in all major defensive statistical categories from 2009 to 2010, most notably in the sacks department.
The defense has the tall task of replacing the 2010 Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in Chris Carter who led the WAC in sacks with 11. But Carter’s departure doesn’t figure to doom the Bulldogs’ defensive front, which returns first team All-WAC defensive tackle Logan Harrell (10.5 sacks).
All-WAC middle linebacker Ben Jacobs is also gone, as is free safety Lorne Bell, but plenty of capable players from 2010 are in line to fill out the depth chart.
L.J. Jones and Isaiah Green saw considerable playing time at cornerback a season ago, and safety Derron Smith impressed the coaching staff as a true freshman. Travis Brown should anchor the linebacking corps after an impressive 2010 campaign.
Things to Watch
1. Will Carr act like a vet?
It will be the first official action of Carr’s starting quarterback career. Although it’s simply an exhibition game, it will be interesting to see how comfortable No. 4 plays.
2. Who will fill Ben Jacobs shoes?
Arguably the biggest hole left from a year ago is at middle linebacker. Jacobs started all four years, giving his replacement plenty to live up to.
3. Wylie returns from injury
The NCAA granted Wylie another year after he sat out most of 2010 with a foot injury. He could become Carr’s go-to target, but staying healthy in his last season will be key to the offense’s success.
Position match-ups
Spring Game Player to Watch:
Derek Carr, quarterback
Fresno State Run Game:
Key Player – Robbie Rouse
The ‘Dogs return last year’s leading rusher Robbie Rouse (1,177 yards) but UCLA transfer Milton Knox could figure into the mix.
Fresno State Run Defense:
Key Player – Logan Harrell
Although Harrell made his name last year for his pass rushing, he may need to take it up a notch this season and become a run-stuffing defensive tackle.
Fresno State Pass Game:
Key Player – Derek Carr
With a new Carr under center, the Bulldog passing attack will have the biggest spotlight this season. Carr’s main targets will be Rashad Evans, Devon Wylie and Jalen Saunders.
Fresno State Pass Defense:
Key Player – Phillip Thomas
The secondary loses key components in Desia Dunn and Lorne Bell, but Phillip Thomas is a front runner to be the defense’s best player in 2011. There is also plenty of depth at cornerback with Isaiah Green and L.J. Jones.
Fresno State Special teams:
Key Player – Devon Wylie
If Wylie can stay healthy, he is a dangerous return man. Kevin Goessling is also one of the nation’s premier kickers and was first team All WAC in 2010.