Fresno State

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

· Run/Pass %: 57/43

· Run/Pass Attempts: 494/364

· Points Per Game: 32.8

· Points Allowed Per Game: 27.0

Key Returning Players:

· Robbie Rouse, RB: Leading rusher in 2010 with over 1000 yards and 8 TDs. Should be able to get closer to 1100-1200 yards in 2011.

· Rashad Evans, WR: 2^nd leading receiver in 2010 with 39 receptions and 4 TDs. Will need to catch closer to 50 balls in 2010 to keep the offense running smoothly.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

· Malique Micenkeimer, LB: 3 star LB out of Stockton, California has good size (6-2) and decent weight (220) to play a role at OLB. Maybe growing into a MLB as he matures but has the chance to make plays as a freshman for Fresno State.

· Marcus McDade, QB: Product of Hargrave Military Academy has the physical tools that are expected out of a QB but lacks the maturity of an upperclassman. May sit for a year or two but should be able to at least fight for the backup position and best-case  scenario even find himself on the field for some plays.

Overall Assessment: A perennial bowl team with a chip on their shoulder from being manhandled last season in the bowl by NIU, Pat Hill should have his squad ready to be world beaters again in 2011. The “anytime, anyplace” mentality works well for the program and allows them to get national recognition but makes it hard to make a Boise or TCU run to a BCS bowl game. Starting the season at Cal then at Nebraska with later home games versus Ole Miss and Boise State may be too daunting for the Bulldogs. They can probably pull one of the three games and claw their way to 9-4 or so season. Don’t sleep on their October 22^nd game at Nevada, that should be a thriller.