Bulldog football, a long-time tradition at Fresno State since 1921, will be under new leadership this season. The program announced in July that former Head Coach Jeff Tedford would be stepping down due to ongoing health issues.
Former Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach Tim Skipper took over as interim head coach for Tedford.
With one of the biggest games of the season coming up, what should the Red Wave expect out of Skipper?
Beating the University of Michigan Wolverines would be a tall task, but expect the Bulldogs to make the game competitive.
At worst, a 7-5 record would be disappointing but it would be a positive season for a first-year head coach. The Bulldogs would probably consider Skipper among other options as the permanent guy going forward.
At best, a 12-1 record, with a potential loss to Michigan, and a conference title would be the dream season for both Skipper and the Bulldogs. But of course, ripping off 12 straight wins would be extremely difficult.
Realistically, the Bulldogs will finish with around 10 or 11 wins, and compete for the Mountain West title. Skipper will have earned the trust of his team and the university to continue building the program and traditions moving forward.
The new interim head coach got a taste of the job in December last year when he filled in for Tedford during the New Mexico Bowl. Following a three-game losing streak, Skipper rallied the team to defeat New Mexico State 37-10.
Will Skipper be able to handle all the duties that come with being a head coach?
Well for one, Skipper is not afraid of getting out there on the recruiting trail. He played a role in landing local talent, receiving commitments like linebackers Logan Studt from Buchanan High School and Tytus Khajavi from Clovis West High School.
The Bulldogs have a pretty tough non-conference schedule this season, including a week one test with the Michigan Wolverines, the reigning national champions.
Playing in front of potentially 115,000 people can seem intimidating, though Skipper is ready for the challenge.
“I love hostile environments,” Skipper said in the press conference Monday.
The odds are stacked against Fresno State. ESPN gives the Bulldogs just a 10.9% chance to upset the Wolverines.
However, making the game competitive could set the tone for a big season. The Bulldogs retained a majority of its starters including five members of the 2023 All-Mountain West team; quarterback Mikey Keene, running back Malik Sherrod, offensive lineman Mose Vavao, offensive lineman Jacob Spomer and defensive lineman Devo Bridges.
Skipper should be able to lean on Keene and Offensive Coordinator Pat McCann after scoring 30.5 points per game in 2023.
Defensively, the Bulldogs lost some key starters including Lavelle Bailey, Carlton Johnson and Morice Norris Jr.
Bailey in particular was a crucial loss. The team captain played a huge role both on and off the field. A former linebacker himself at Fresno State from 1997-2000, one of Skipper’s biggest tasks should be finding someone to replace that production.
Seniors Tuasivi Nomura and Malachi Jackson and junior Phoenix Jackson make up a pretty strong and athletic linebacker core.
Nomura in particular is someone who could help replace what Bailey provided in regards to leadership and playmaking. He played in 33 games with USC from 2019 to 2022. He transferred to Fresno State this last year but only played in 8 games after dealing with injuries.
Nomura is one of four team captains, in addition to Keene, Vavao and Bridges.
On paper, the ‘Dogs have a team good enough to compete with anyone in the conference and should be among the favorites to win the Mountain West. The next step is putting it into action.
That all starts on Saturday against the defending national champions. The game in Ann Arbor, Michigan will be on NBC and Peacock with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m.