Phong Ly / Collegian File Photo
Breakdown: Bulldogs
Pat Hill is undefeated in the last seven season openers as head coach of the Fresno State football team.He will try to extend that streak when the ‘Dogs travel to San Francisco to battle California on Saturday.
Hill will rely on the run game to ease new starting quarterback Derek Carr into his first start. With junior Robbie Rouse and a stable of running backs, the ‘Dogs can set the tone with the run game.
As a first-time starter, Carr will be thrown into the fire against the top-ranked defense in the Pac-10 from last season. Carr will feel at home with almost 15,000 Bulldogs’ faithful in the stands.
On defense, there will be a bunch of first time starters. Last season, the ‘Dogs went from last in the WAC with 11 sacks in 2009 to second with 37 sacks in 2010. Much due to former Bulldog Chris Carter and senior Logan Harrell.
Harrell returns and now the defensive line will have to contain California quarterback Zach Maynard.
If the ‘Dogs can contain the California offense and make enough plays on the offensive side of the ball, look for the ‘Dogs to extend Hill’s season opener streak to seven.
Breakdown: Golden Bears
If California has any hope of improving on last season’s 5-7 record, it will most likely be in the form of defense.
The Golden Bears return middle linebacker Mychal Kendricks and safety Sean Catthouse from the Pac-10’s top ranked defense from last season.
Kendricks (6-feet, 240 pounds) will be Fresno State’s main problem on the defensive side of the ball. Senior Catthouse (6-foot-3 218 pounds)had 59 tackles and a team -tying seven pass breakups last season.
California’s head coach Jeff Tedford is very familiar with Fresno State since he is an alumnus. Since Tedford has been the face of the program, Fresno State has yet to play the Golden Bears. In the past, Fresno State has played California twice with the Bulldogs winning both meetings.
The Golden Bears have one suspect area and that is in their passing game. Last season, they averaged 175 passing yards per game. This could be more of problem with a brand new quarterback starting for them this year. Junior Zach Maynard will make his first start for California on Saturday at Candlestick Park.
Keys to Victory
1. Contain Maynard
California’s starting quarterback Zach Maynard hasn’t played since 2009. Going into Saturday’s game, the ‘Dogs don’t know much about Maynard, but reports are saying he is a mobile quarterback which has given the Bulldogs problems in the past.
2. Establish a run game
A lot of eyes will be on starting quarterback Derek Carr. A decent game from Robbie Rouse will take some heat off the quarterback and will establish some balance.
3. Be ‘special’ on special teams
In what is expected to be a close game, field goals and extra points will be cruicial. The ‘Dogs will need to make a special field goal or punt block that could swing the momentum in their favor.
Position Match-ups
When Fresno State runs:
Advantage – Even
Cal’s defense ranked first in the Pac-10 last year, and are experienced in its front seven. The ‘Dogs return 1,000-yard speedster in junior Robbie Rouse.
When California runs:
Advantage – Even
Fresno State’s rush defense was better than in 2009, but still allowed 150 yards per game last season. California’s running back Isi Sofele will be starting in just his third game as a Golden Bear.
When Fresno State passes:
Advantage – Fresno State
The ‘Dogs have a lot of speed on the edges and a QB that can deliver the ball. California only returns one playmaker in the secondary.
When California passes:
Advantage – Even
California only averaged 175 yards per game through the air and is ushering in a new starting quarterback.
Special teams:
Advantage – Even
Fresno State return All-American candidate Kevin Goessling at place kicker. The Golden Bears return senior punter Bryan Anger, who has been named to numerous preseason watch lists.