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| Quarterback Derek Carr |
As I noted in the BYB Countdown preface strength of schedule and conference affiliation play a part in these rankings. Case in point – the Fresno State Bulldogs.
I actually have Fresno State at 9-0-3 in my schedule breakdown but due to a weak conference slate and no impressive non-conference opponents the sky is not the limit for Fresno State. Even if the Bulldogs went undefeated they likely wouldn’t have a chance at playing for a national title.
Retro college football fans checking back in on Fresno State after not being nationally prominent for some time will see a familiar name at quarterback – Carr.
Derek Carr, the younger brother of former top draft pick David Carr, leads the Bulldog offense and Fresno had the 12th best passing offense in the nation last season. Carr has returning starters at receiver in Isaiah Burse and Davante Adams and Josh Harper returns after being out with an injury.
The offensive line returns three starters and will need to keep Carr off the ground if the Bulldogs have any chance at an undefeated season.
Defensively the Bulldogs play a 3-4 base and return all three defensive linemen in Andy Jennings, Nikko Motta and noseguard Tyeler Davison, who will be tasked with clogging the middle and improving a run defense that finished 71st nationally. The Bulldogs were much better against the pass, finishing second nationally, with corners Sean Alston and L.J. Jones back this season.
I have Fresno State pegged for push games against Boise State and at San Diego State and San Jose State.
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