INSIDE SLANT
Coach Pat Hill agreed to a contract extension before the bowl game, ending what was the biggest subtext to Fresno State’s season—Hill’s future. Hill’s contract was set to expire after the 2010 season and no one seemed quite certain if the longtime coach was going to remain in Fresno.
Would he bolt for another job? Or would the school simply get rid of a coach who has guided them to 10 bowl games in 11 seasons, but has not taken the program to an outright WAC title?
Fresno State fans are definitely divided on Hill, who is 100-66 leading the Bulldogs. Hill’s current deal pays him between $900,000 and $1.2 million.
The length and contract value of Hill’s extension was not immediately made public as the details, the sides said, were being ironed out after the season.
Hill and his Bulldogs had a very Fresno State-like season in 2009, playing a bevy of entertaining games, making a bowl and leaving most fans feeling a bit disappointed. A second straight New Mexico Bowl loss and an 8-5 record is not what many Bulldog fans had in mind for the season.
Running back Ryan Mathews established himself as one of the premier rushers in the country, leading the nation in rushing yards per game. Mathews is expected to turn enter the NFL Draft, depriving the Bulldogs of their best offensive weapon entering next season.
NOTES, QUOTES
Game Of The Year: Wyoming 35, Fresno State 28 (2 OT): Fresno State led by 11 in the fourth quarter, but could not hold off the Cowboys in the New Mexico Bowl. Fresno State was stopped on four consecutive tries inside the Wyoming 1 in overtime. It was yet another close call in a season filled with them for the Bulldogs, who finished the season 8-5. Fresno State dropped an overtime game at Wisconsin and close games with Boise State and Cincinnati. Fresno State also pulled out dramatic wins against Utah State, Louisiana Tech and Illinois. That’s the way it goes with the Bulldogs under coach Pat Hill—very entertaining.
Players Of The Year:
RB Ryan Mathews—The junior led the nation in rushing with 151.3 yards per game in the regular season and added 17 rushing touchdowns. In the bowl game, Mathews tacked on 144 yards and two touchdowns. Mathews rushed for more than 100 yards in every game he finished, 11 in all. He was knocked out of the Nevada game early with a concussion and missed the Louisiana Tech game. Mathews, who had battled injury issues during his sophomore year, proved a durable back carrying more than 20 times seven times, including 38 carries for 145 yards against Cincinnati and 31 rushes for 144 yards against Wyoming. His breakout game was a 19-carry, 234-yard game against Boise State. Mathews was a second-team All-America (Associated Press).
K Kevin Goessling—The sophomore made his final 15 field goal attempts of the season. He missed his first try against UC Davis and then finished 15-of-16 on the season. Goessling made a 35-yard game-winner against Louisiana Tech and became one of the most dependable kickers in the country. Goessling was a first-team All-WAC selection.
Fast Forward: Now that coach Pat Hill is returning, will he make staff changes, especially on defense? The Bulldogs struggled on defense this year, ranking 112th against the run and 98th in total defense. Fresno State failed to force turnovers, ranking 109th nationally in turnover margin.
Fresno State loses two senior starters on defense—safety Moses Harris and cornerback A.J. Jefferson. But the Bulldogs return their entire front seven, including defensive end Chris Carter and linebacker Ben Jacobs.
The losses on offense are more damaging, including receivers Seyi Ajirotutu, Marlon Moore and Chastin West and running back Lonyae Miller. Star rusher Ryan Mathews is also expected to leave.
Quarterback will be an interesting issue for Fresno State. Junior Ryan Colburn played well in his first season as a starter, but freshman Derek Carr pushed him during fall camp and it should be an open competition once again.
Recruiting Trail: There has been talk that uncertainty of coach Pat Hill’s job status was beginning to affect the Bulldogs’ recruiting efforts. Fresno State has 10 commitments, nine from California and many in offensive skill positions, including three wide receivers, two running backs and two quarterbacks.
Quote To Note: “Take him in the first round. He needs to go in the first round and dominate the NFL. That’s what I want him to do.”—Fresno State defensive lineman Chris Lewis told the Fresno Bee about the draft status of junior running back Ryan Mathews.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Players To Watch In 2010: QB Ryan Colburn—The junior had a solid first season as a starter, completing 181-of-298 passes for 2,459 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also threw 11 interceptions, but seven of them came in the first four games of the season, which included losses to Wisconsin, Boise State and Cincinnati. Colburn is sure to be pushed by sophomore-to-be Derek Carr again this off-season.
WR Jamel Hamler—The sophomore had 37 catches for 503 yards and five touchdowns, but really emerged late in the season. He had seven grabs for 85 yards and two touchdowns against Wyoming in the bowl game, extending his stretch with at least two catches to seven games. Hamler will have a bigger role in the offense next season.
LB Ben Jacobs—The junior led the Bulldogs in tackles again. He had 46 solo tackles and 60 assists, including four solos and six assists for losses. Jacobs also had an interception, two passes defended, three forced fumbles and three blocked kicks.
Pro Prospects:
RB Ryan Mathews—Though just a junior, Mathews is expected to turn pro where he is projected to be among the top five running backs selected.
RB Lonyae Miller—Overshadowed by Mathews for most of his senior season, Miller could find a place in the NFL. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder has good speed and a strong running style.
CB/KR A.J. Jefferson—An electric kickoff returner, Jefferson improved as a cornerback throughout his career. Might need time to ease into defense, but should be able to make a special teams difference.
Roster Report:
• DE Kenny Borg missed the bowl game, forcing DT Chris Lewis to play defensive end and inserting Logan Harrell into the lineup.
