We don't bash the Bee (unless they deserve it)

It never fails.

A Fresno Bee reporter will write something critical about Fresno State, and the Bee bashers are right there with allegations of the local newspaper "hating" Fresno State — as if the Bee has some agenda to be the negative publicity machine for the Bulldogs.

There was a headline about Fresno State"wobbling" after the Boise loss, and someone on BarkBoard.com started complaining about the negative slant because the headline didn't match the story.

It's a conspiracy, DAMMIT!!

Well, actually, it's not. The Bee has had some awesome sports writers over the past 15 years who have advanced to the apex of the sports journalism profession. Read on.

First off, I assure anyone pissed about the headline that B.J. Anteola did not write it. But that's beside the point. Here's the real issue.

There are no staff meetings where the Bee's bigwigs tell the reporters how Fresno State look like a pile of crap. There is no "the man" sitting in an office telling all of the underlings to screw Fresno State.

There might be some in charge who instruct the journalists to be more critical, but only because they see that as their job. Just as in every other career out there, some people go about their business in an aggressive cutthroat manner. Some don't.

It's not just the media. The same could be said of investing, insurance, retail, computers, entertainment or any number of other industries.

Many journalists think to get ahead they have to be very critical and almost pessimistic. They have to agressively report people's faults or mistakes and overlook or take for granted their positives. It's the nature of the business in a lot of places inside and out of Fresno. It's not just the Bee.

So don't support the Bee for what they've done if you want to, but knowing that in the past 15 or so years you've been treated to some of the best sportswriting around, it would be stupid.

In journalism circles, guys like John Canzano, Adrian Wojnaraowski, Andy Katz, Eric Prisbell, Jeff Passan and John Branch — all Bee alums — are revered for having climbed the rungs of the business. Even lesser-known guys like David White, Vaughn McClure, Anthony Witrado and Milo Bryant have left the Bee and gone to bigtime professional sports markets.

Those guys are why you think the Bee is against Fresno State. But they're also heroes to guys like Matt James and Daniel Lyght who are hoping to follow in their footsteps.

So you say you don't like the Bee because they have some agenda against Fresno State? Well the experts say the Fresno Bee is one of the best training grounds for up-and-coming sports journalists.

And as long as Bee reporters continue to get promoted, they'll practice the same style of reporting that's worked for them all this time.

Cheer up, guys

Now, I know plenty of you guys are bummed about the Bwa-zay loss.

Shoot, we're down right pissed! We're tired of seeing Bwa-zay roll around like they're the toast of the town.

Two members of this blog were walking past some unnamed Bwa-zay player back in 2001 when the Broncos upset David Carr and them. And this bozo says, "I knew we would win!"

DC3 almost gave him his patented choke lift. That's how we feel right now. We wanna take the entire state of Idaho and Sprewell its neck.

But here's something that will cheer you up. We saw this today and laughed our asses off for for like 10 minutes.

Washington State's kicker's last name is — get this — wait for it... wait for it...

Abdollmohammadi.

Romeen Abdollmohammadi. Read the name. Say it out loud and try not to laugh.

And if that doesn't work. Here, look at his picture.

We were very surprised to find out that this guy does not have some fan site dedicated to celebrating his last name. He's seriously our new favorite non-Fresno State player.

He's probably the reason Washington State fans have become so complacent about losing. You read Abdollmohammadi, and who can stop laughing long enough to want to make an angry message board post calling for Pat Hill's head or for Brandstater to get benched?

Sucks to be a journalist in Pullman and have to type his name all the time though.

Dear Marty Tadman...

I saw your quotes in this morning's Fresno Bee. Do you remember? According to the story, you said this:

"They weren't going to out-tough us," Boise State safety Marty Tadman said. "We out-toughed them."

And this:

"That walk is so fun coming up [the ramp] after you just beat them," Tadman said. "You just walk and smile and they can't say anything except, 'take your potatoes and go home' or something stupid like that.

"They can say whatever they want. Because we walked out of here with a victory."

Well guess what Marty Tadman. If I saw you walking up that ramp (the Red Mile), smiling, I would have said something else to you.

I would have said you, Marty Tadman, didn't out-tough anybody. I would have invited you over to my house, pulled the game up on DVR, and showed yourself an early hit on Bear Pascoe in the first quarter that should have been called interference.

Then I would have showed Pascoe dragging FIVE Boise State defenders across the field for an extra six or seven yards before he went down. Were you one of those five Marty? You're too tough for that right? I think that's you over there on the left...No. 20 right?

Speaking of toughness, how fun was that walk the last time you took it? In 2005...? You know, when Fresno State beat you 27-7...?

Your team beat Fresno State this time, and has won six of the past seven meetings. Your success against WAC teams is unbelievable. Really, it is. I can't even figure out how you do it?

But I also figured something else out. You guys really haven't done that much to prove yourselves. It's a bit of smoke and mirrors, this juggernaut personality players like you have. You see, I looked up a few stats.

Boise State has NEVER, EVER beaten a BCS-conference team on the road. Ever. And that's what I would have said to you Marty.

Because, while your offensive line did a heckuva job out-toughing Fresno State, I can't really say anything else. But I'm not gonna just stand there and let you over-inflate your head...

Grading the 'Dogs (5-3, 4-1): vs. Boise State (7-1, 4-0)

Quarterbacks: C
Despite Brandstater's 268 yards, 'Dogs hurt by overthrow of Ajirotutu on would-be TD and lack of awareness in the pocket.

Running Backs: C
'Dogs abandoned the run and chose questionable (predictable) times to use it on third-and-long. Injured Miller was sorely missed, and lining up Mathews at QB was too predictable.

Receivers: B-
Moore, Pascoe, Smith and Ajirotutu all made plays and got open. But absence of running threat negated any positives in the passing game.

Offensive Line: D-
What happened to the physical run blocking? After the first two possessions, no holes were opened for Mathews. 'Dogs never figured out an answer for Broncos' blitzing schemes.

Defensive Line: D-
Boise State O-line dominated up front and it was the difference in the game. Ramos struggled against Clady, and Tharp had far too much time to throw.

Linebackers: D
Another standout game by Riley, but Broncos running backs ate up 'Dogs for 282 yards on 6.6 per carry. Without the big runs and third-down conversions, Boise State loses this game.

Defensive Backs: B-
Owens making a name as great cover corner, although questionable pass interference call on crucial third down handed Broncos the game. Safeties missed a few pivotal open-field tackles early and often.

Special Teams: C
Stitser hurts 'Dogs again with two missed field goals (one blocked), but Jefferson-Smith kick-punt return combo is unparalleled nationally.

Game Preview: Fresno State (5-2, 4-0) vs. Boise State (6-1, 3-0)

Quarterbacks
Tom Brandstater’s efficiency is not a question right now, but Fresno State hasn’t needed him to take the team on his shoulders in weeks. While Brandstater hasn’t thrown an interception in the past three games (he’s tied for fewest in the nation with three), he also hasn’t thrown a touchdown in the same time span. This is the type of win Brandstater needs to prove he’s stepped his game up another level. He’s completed 60% of his passes for 1,248 yards and six touchdowns.

Boise State hasn’t seen much of a fall-off since Jared Zabransky’s departure – senior Taylor Tharp (6-2, 206) actually might be an improvement. The numbers would suggest as much, as Tharp leads the WAC with a 157.25 rating. He’s completed 65.3% of his throws for 1,857 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Boise State could present the biggest passing threat Fresno State has faced so far this season.
Edge: Broncos

Running Backs
True freshman Ryan Mathews is looking more special by the week. After racking up 144 yards and two touchdowns on 9 yards per carry last week against San Jose State, Mathews leads the Bulldogs with 596 yards and nine scores. His 58-yard touchdown run last week was his third run for more than 54 yards on the year. Sophomore Lonyae Miller, who’s missed some practice this week but is expected to play Friday, is second on the team with 402 yards and six touchdowns (4.3 yards per carry). Throw in senior Clifton Smith (176 yards and three touchdowns on 5.9 per carry) and sophomore Anthony Harding (131 yards and two scores) and the Bulldogs have the deepest and most talented backfield in the conference.

But, with all the Bulldogs’ youth, Boise State has the WAC’s best tailback in senior Ian Johnson, an All-American candidate who coach Chris Petersen said won’t play for the second straight week because of a kidney injury. Taking his place as starter is redshirt freshman Jeremy Avery (5-9, 173), who has 383 yards and four touchdowns with a 6.4-yard average. Johnson leads the Broncos with 693 yards and nine touchdowns. True freshman D.J. Harper (5-10, 185) has 162 yards and three scores.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
The Bulldogs’ passing game counts on tight end Bear Pascoe and running back Clifton Smith a great deal. Pascoe is the go-to guy with 28 receptions for 370 yards and four touchdowns. Smith is second with 19 catches for 215 yards. Sophomore wideout Marlon Moore, who returned from injury last week, should give the offense a big boost. Even after missing 2 ½ games, he has 17 catches for 214 yards. The team needs to use sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu to stretch Boise State’s defense and keep it honest.

Sophomore Jeremy Childs (6-0, 196) is in the midst of a breakout year for the Broncos with 47 catches for 679 yards and eight touchdowns (97 yards per game). On his own, Childs has two more touchdown catches than all of Fresno State’s receivers combined. True freshman Titus Young is second with 19 receptions for 372 yards and three scores (19.6 yards per catch). Ian Johnson’s 247 receiving yards will be missed if he doesn’t dress, and the Broncos are also without Vinny Perretta and his 120 yards.
Edge: Broncos

Offensive Line
Bad news for Boise State. Just when Fresno State’s line had solidified with the redshirt freshmen center Joe Bernardi and right guard Andrew Jackson filling in for injured starters – one of them is returning. All-WAC junior guard Cole Popovich is expected back for the fist time since the Texas A&M game on Sept. 8. The question is, if he plays, who does he replace? Fresno State is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and has given up just nine sacks on the year.

Boise State is the team that came into the season with the highly-touted line led by junior left tackle Ryan Clady (6-6, 317), a preseason first-team All-America selection. Seniors Jeff Cavender (6-2, 287) and Tad Miller (6-4, 296) and junior Andrew Woodruff (6-3, 328) add a ton of experience. Like Fresno State, Boise State has allowed just nine sacks this season, and the team averages 4.7 yards per carry (0.1 yards less than the Bulldogs).
Edge: Even

Defensive Line
No Jason Shirley (suspended indefinitely), no Jason Roberts (broken leg), no Chris Lewis (suspended for season), no Ikenna Ike (wrist injury), no Taylor Smith (shoulder injury). Yet – still – Fresno State’s line is thriving. Much credit goes to senior Tyler Clutts and junior Jon Monga, who are tied with a WAC-best six sacks apiece and each have 8 tackles for losses. Monga has developed into one of the best pass-rushing tackles in recent school history and Clutts is playing with a mean streak. Sophomore end Wilson Ramos has stepped up big at the other end spot.

Boise State has a couple talented ends of its own, led by junior Mike T. Williams (6-4, 245) and senior Nick Schlekeway (6-4, 262).Williams leads the team with four sacks and has five tackles for losses. Reserve redshirt freshman end Ryan Winterswyk (6-4, 264) has a team-high 5.5 tackles for losses. They better be on the ball, as the ‘Dogs will try to run right at and through Boise State.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Speaking of players with mean streaks, watch out for senior Marcus Riley, who is hitting with more aggression than ever before. Riley leads the team with 68 tackles (7 for losses) and is tied for a team-high two forced fumbles with sophomore Quaadir Brown, the team’s fastest linebacker. Brown didn’t start last week with the emergence of freshman walk-on Nick Bates, who has 13 tackles, 2 for losses. Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs is second on the team with 52 tackles (4 for losses) and, like Riley, is all over the field.

Boise State is led by junior Kyle Gingg (5-11, 220) and his 52 tackles (4 for losses) and six pass break-ups. Junior Tim Brady (6-1, 207) is third on the team with 33 tackles. Junior David Shields (6-1, 220) was expected to have a breakout year, but has been average so far.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
Hooray – the Bulldogs finally got an interception when sophomore Damion Owens picked off San Jose State’s first attempt last week and returned it 17 yards. When sophomore A.J. Jefferson was beaten for a deep pass in that game, junior Sharrod Davis (a former Oregon corner) saw his first significant playing time, making a key fourth-down stop. Safeties Marvin Haynes, Lorne Bell and Moses Harris have 36, 35 and 35 tackles, respectively. The ‘Dogs defense allows an average of 194.7 yards per game.

Senior free safety Marty Tadman (5-11, 185), a preseason All-America candidate, is second on the team with 50 tackles and tied for the lead with two interceptions. Junior corner Orlando Scandrick (5-11, 198) is fourth on the team with 32 tackles and also has two picks, as does sophomore corner Kyle Wilson (5-10, 190). The Broncos’ 187.9 passing yards per game against average leads the WAC. Fresno State averages 186.6 yards in the air.
Edge: Broncos

Special Teams
A.J. Jefferson built on his nation-best 36.1-yard kick return average with a 61-yarder in his only attempt last week. He and punt returner Clifton Smith will need to put the Bulldogs in good field position to win the game. Kicker Clint Stitser has quietly put together a streak, making 6 of his past 7 field goals, including 3 of 3 last week in strong winds. Punter Kyle Zimmerman is the reigning WAC special teams player of the week after averaging 49.8 yards on four punts last week. Zimmerman leads the WAC with a 42.6-yard average on the season. One of the Bulldogs’ trademark blocked kicks could be pivotal in this type of game.

Senior corner Rashaun Scott (5-10, 197) averages 23.9 yards per kick return, while Marty Tadman averages 11.4 per punt return. Redshirt freshman Kyle Brotzman (5-10, 170) has hit 7 of 9 field goals this year, with a long of 40 yards. True freshman punter Brad Elkin (6-3, 188) averages 38.3 yards and has landed 6 of 18 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Pat Hill has his Bulldogs back in position to contend for a WAC title with a win over Boise State. A year after finishing a stunning 4-8, Fresno State is 5-2, 4-0 in the WAC and with a renewed confidence that will skyrocket if Fresno State wins this one.

Boise State’s Chris Petersen is the only coach since 1900 to win 13 games in his first season with a Division I team. He’s now 19-1 all-time since moving from offensive coordinator to head coach. Petersen led the Broncos to a 45-21 win in last season’s meeting. Boise State is 5-1 against Fresno State since joining the WAC, with the all-time series at 5-4.
Edge: Broncos

Intangibles
If you can’t get up for this game, you might not have a heartbeat. Bulldog Stadium will be rocking Friday evening with a Red Wave that might show up in black to "turn the lights out on Boise State." The crowd was loud and fired up for San Jose State, but the dislike for Boise State is exponentially higher. Boise State has won 42 of its past 43 WAC games – the lone loss in that span coming in its last visit to Fresno, when the Bulldogs laid a 27-7 spanking on the Broncos.
Edge: Bulldogs

Boise's defense better? Hmmm ...

I found this column through yahoo on rivals.com ...

scroll down to the WAC section of it, and read what it says ...

here's my email to him...

"I am just curious as to how you know for a fact that Boise State's defense is better than Fresno State's?

Didn't Boise give up 31 pts to La. Tech at home, and 44 in regulation (leading to 67 in 4OT) to Nevada at home?

Fresno held La. Tech to 6 points when they played them at home. Not to mention, the 'Dogs just shut out San Jose State this past Saturday, 30-0. Boise's only good defensive game was against New Mexico State, when the Aggies' QB Chase Holbrook went down with an injury.

Fresno's DEs John Monga and Tyler Clutts each have 7 sacks to lead the WAC.

I think Boise's offense is better, by far. But to say that Boise's defense is better without flinching, at this point in the season is ridiculous.

We won't know much until Hawai'i, Boise, and Fresno have all played each other.

-Mark, Fresno, CA"

I've gone back and forth with him a little bit since .... My response in red, his in blue.

Hey, I think boise’s defense is better. You’re right, though: we will see if that’s true.


thanks for actually responding ... a lot of people just ignore these emails


No, I respond to all of them.

Figure if someone took the time to write, I should take the time to write back. Have watched some of fresno’s games this season. Matthews a real nice TB. And miller not that bad, either.

Yes, us Fresno fans are really excited that Mathews came in right away and is performing so nicely. Miller was slated to be the next big thing for FS RBs, but Mathews "cut in line." Can't complain about that though...

also ...my friends and I have a Fresno State sports blog ...check it out www.bulldogbounce.blogspot.com

That’s some pretty good stuff. Thanks for the link.

Grading the 'Dogs (5-2, 4-0): vs. San Jose State (3-5, 2-2)

Quarterbacks: B-
Hard to argue with winning and efficiency, but Brandstater has got to quit overthrowing receivers.

Running Backs: A
Team averages 5.8 yards per carry, led by Mathews' 144 yards and two TDs (9 yards per carry).

Receivers: C+
Pascoe and Smith found the open spaces, but deep threats need to emerge.

Offensive Line: A-
Another dominant running day and only one sack allowed, even the backups got to play.

Defensive Line: B+
Clutts is playing at another level right now, as he and Monga each got their seventh sack of the season (WAC best), and Tolbert and Borg also had one.

Linebackers: B-
While Riley was making head-turning plays one after another, and Bates had a career-best day, Tafralis was allowed way too many scrambling yards.

Defensive Backs: A-
A breakout game for Davis, as 'Dogs held pure passing SJSU to 254 yards and no scores. Owens grabs the team's first interception on the first play.

Special Teams: A
Stitser hits all three field goal attempts (6 of his last 7), and Jefferson nearly returns his only kick return all the way (61 yards). Zimmerman averages 49.8 yards on four punts.

The New Timeout

Okay. Let me just say that about 3 weeks ago, I was not happy with the new timeout. I didn't like how they just completely changed his entire look. I felt as though the marketing department through tradition out the window.

But, that was before our road trip to Reno, Nevada for the football game against the Nevada Wolfpack.

About 2 hours before game time, me and my pals were looking for a grassy area to play catch near Mackay Stadium. So we decided to hang out by the Alumni tailgate. After about 5 minutes of tossing the ball around, we see the new Timeout walking with the cheerleaders.

Suddenly, the new Timeout begins walking towards us, and sticks his fuzzy paws out, as if he wanted us to throw him the ball. So we did. And let me tell you, the new Timeout has to be the most athletic mascot in all of college football. He was making leaping catches, tackling, kicking, and even chest bumping!











This awesome interaction with the new Timeout, allowed me to accept him as a definite formidable mascot. In fact, I'll go further to say that I won't refer to him as "new Timeout" anymore. He is Timeout, and he is our new tradition.

To further my liking of Timeout, he remembered who we were. Tonight, myself, fsdogs1, and DC3, went to the Homecoming Rally at Bulldog Boulevard. While playing catch, Timeout noticed and recognized us, and immediately threw his poms-poms to the ground, and stuck out his fuzzy paws out just like he did in Reno! It was great!

He then tackled me again, and then caught a pass and chest-bumped me again. It was like we could see him smiling, even though he has a permanent-sewn-fuzzy face.

Timeout definitely grew on me and is completely awesome. I formally apologize for not liking him from the get-go.

P.S. San Jose State sucks.

Game Preview: Fresno State (4-2, 3-0) vs. San Jose State (3-4, 1-2)

Quarterbacks
Right now, Fresno State junior Tom Brandstater (6-5, 220) is doing everything he needs to to get the job done. He’s not putting up huge passing numbers, but he’s efficient, completing 60% of his passes for 1,116 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

On the other hand, San Jose State’s Adam Tafralis (6-2, 219) has to air it out to give the Spartans the best chance to win. He’s completed 65.7% of his throws for 1,663 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Tafralis threw 3 picks in last week’s soggy 42-35 overtime loss to Hawaii. Backups junior Jordan LaSecla (6-3, 198), Sean Flynn (6-4, 220) and sophomore Myles Eden (6-0, 182) have each seen action in multiple games this season.
Edge: Spartans

Running Backs
Sophomore Lonyae Miller (5-11, 215) and true freshman Ryan Mathews (5-11, 205) are getting scarier and scarier for opposing teams each week. Miller led the Bulldogs with 18 carries for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns at Idaho last week, while Mathews added 67 yards and two more scores. On the year, Mathews leads the team with 452 yards and 7 touchdowns, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Miller has 360 yards and 5 touchdowns with 4.4 yards per carry. And don’t forget the most versatile weapon of them all Clifton Smith, who has 168 yards and 3 scores on the ground (6 yards per carry) with 177 yards receiving (11.1 per catch). Coach Pat Hill said on his weekly radio show that fullback Nate Adams (5-11, 240) was the offensive MVP against Idaho without ever touching the ball. And watch for sophomore tailback Anthony Harding (6-0, 215), who has 113 yards and 2 scores, to see more time at fullback this week because of a loaded backfield.

The Bulldogs’ strength is the Spartans’ weakness. The running game has been sad at best, with San Jose State averaging 2 yards per carry as a team with Yonus Davis, who rushed for 1,007 yards in 2006, and Patrick Perry out with injuries. Jacob French (5-10, 205) leads the team with 132 yards on 45 carries and James T. Callier (6-0, 220) has 131 yards and 3 touchdowns on 52 attempts.
Edge: Bulldogs

Receivers
Junior tight end Bear Pascoe (6-5, 260) was back in the mix at Idaho with 6 catches for 69 yards. Pascoe leads the team with 24 receptions for 332 yards and 4 touchdowns. Sophomore Marlon Moore (6-1, 185), who’s been out with injury for the past 2 ½ games but returned to practice, will be a big boost if he can return this week. He remains second on the team with 193 yards.Sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu (6-3, 205) has quietly developed into the team’s deep threat with 9 catches for 174 yards (19.3 yards per grab). And sophomore Jason Crawley (6-1, 185) is the possession receiver with 14 catches for 108 yards and is the only Bulldogs’ wideout with a touchdown.

The Spartans have plenty of guys racking up stats, with three receivers with as many or more receptions as Fresno State’s leader. Junior Kevin Jurovich, who had 117 yards against Hawaii, leads the team with 44 catches for 638 yards and 5 scores. JC junior transfer David Richmond (6-4, 200) has 34 grabs for 472 yards and 3 touchdowns, and running back French has 24 catches for 216 yards and a score. Big sophomore Jalal Beauchman (6-4, 220) has 122 yards on 18 receptions.
Edge: Spartans

Offensive Line
Fresno State had a shaky start with injuries to All-WAC Cole Popovich and Adam McDowell (season). They’re still out, but the line has solidified with redshirt freshmen Joe Bernardi (6-3, 280) and Andrew Jackson (6-5, 290) stepping in. The way Ryan Wendell (6-2, 285) has played since sliding over from center to left guard, he might be the WAC’s best up front. The team has given up just one sack in the past two games and plowed the way for a team average of 4.6 yards per carry.

San Jose State’s line is filled with youth, with three true freshmen starting in left tackle Fred Koloto (6-3, 290), left guard Isaac Leatiota (6-4, 295) and right guard Moa Ngatuvai (6-2, 303). The team has given up 13 sacks this year – one more than Fresno State gave up all of last season.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
NFL-bound tackle Jason Shirley remains suspended indefinitely, but end Tyler Clutts (6-2, 245) and junior tackle Jon Monga (6-2, 280) should have their way with the Spartans’ inexperienced line. Clutts and Monga are tied for the WAC lead with 5 sacks apiece. Charles Tolbert (5-11, 265) had 5 tackles (1 for loss) and a forced fumble last week.

Though listed as a reserve, sophomore end Carl Ihenacho (6-3, 245) leads the team with 4 sacks and 5 tackles for losses. Junior end Jarron Gilbert (6-6, 280) has 22 tackles (4 for losses) with 2 sacks. If this group can’t stop the run up front, the Spartans could be in trouble.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
The Marcus Riley and Ben Jacobs show continues in Fresno State’s bend-but-don’t-break defense that is allowing teams to score red zone touchdowns just 50% of the time (13 of 26). Riley (6-2, 220) is making a case for WAC defensive player of the year with a team-high 58 tackles (7 for losses) and 2 forced fumbles. Redshirt freshman Jacobs (6-3, 225) is second with 48 tackles (3 for losses). Sophomore Quaadir Brown (6-2, 215) is the fastest of the group and capable of being the impact player any given day.

Matt Castelo (5-10, 228) is the leader of the defense with a team-high 71 tackles (7.5 for losses) and an interception. Demetrius Jones (6-1, 230) is second with 67 tackles. Expect these two guys to be helping to stack the box against Fresno State’s run on Saturday.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Backs
The Bulldogs remain the only team in the country without an interception. But so far this year, they’ve given up very few big-play passes, holding opponents to 184.8 yards per game. The ‘Dogs know they can rely on a couple of safeties to deliver big hits in sophomore Moses Harris (6-1, 200) and redshirt freshman Lorne Bell (5-10, 195).

The strength of the Spartans’ defense lies here. Junior corner Christopher Owens (5-10, 170) leads the team with 4 interceptions and is third with 52 tackles. All-WAC corner Dwight Lowery (6-1, 185) has 3 picks after finishing with 9 last season. Junior safety Jonathan Harris (6-0, 190) also has 3 picks, after swiping 2 against Hawaii.
Edge: Spartans

Special Teams
Spartans coach Dick Tomey calls this the strength of Fresno State’s team. Kicker Clint Stitser finally put together a solid 3 for 4 performance in Idaho and Kyle Zimmerman averages 41.5 yards per punt. But the biggest threat might be sophomore corner A.J. Jefferson (5-11, 180), who leads the nation with 33.3 yards per kick return. And don’t forget about Clifton Smith, one of the nation’s most dangerous punt returners. And don’t forget the ‘Dogs are one of the best kick-blocking teams in the country, as usual, with three this season.

San Jose State has struggled mightily in the kicking game, Jared Strubeck is 2 for 9 on field goals and Will Johnson is 0 for 1. Punter Waylon Prather averages 39.3 yards. Dwight Lowery is dangerous on punts, averaging 16.2 yards per return – with an 84-yard touchdown return.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
It’s too close to call here. Pat Hill has established Fresno State as one of the most powerful non-BCS conference programs around, and looks to have the ‘Dogs headed in the right direction after last season’s stunning 4-8 record. The ‘Dogs have already matched that win total this year. But San Jose State’s Dick Tomey, who once had Hill and Bulldogs special teams coach John Baxter on his staff at Arizona, is a longtime proven winner. He came in last season to breathe life into a downward spiraling San Jose State team that was once proud.
Edge: Even

Intangibles
The Bulldogs have played just two home games all season and are hungry to see the Red Wave. San Jose State hasn’t won at Bulldog Stadium since 1991 (losing in the past seven meetings in Fresno). The Spartans’ win last season was their first in 13 tries against the Bulldogs.
Edge: Bulldogs

San Jose State fans crack me up

In all the nation, those have to be the only fans who can still find ways to talk trash when they've lost to a team 12 times in a row. That's what they did before last season's Fresno State game, and then when they finally beat the 'Dogs, it got even worse.

Walking out of Spartan Stadium, five things were on my mind:
1. San Jose State fans love Fresno's Shaw and Blackstone avenues. That's where several of them kept yelling for us to go back to.

2. The series is still so lopsided that they're trash talk ends as soon as you tell them it'll be another decade and a half before they beat the 'Dogs again.

3. What in tarnation!? I just realized -- for the first time ever at Spartan Stadium -- the tailgate area isn't a swampland. I didn't ruin another pair of shoes walking to my truck and I didn't see one single person's tires get stuck in the mud.

4. Is San Jose State struggling so much for fans that they held a special season finale promotion of Gangsta Appreciation Night? Or was it buy one ticket, get four gang bangers in for free? Seriously, I thought I was at a Raiders game with all the thugs bumping their gangsta rap and getting drunk in the parking lot (even before the game). I've seen WWE pay-per-view events with less fighting words tossed around.

5. I can't wait 'til they come to Bulldog Stadium in '07!

Grading the 'Dogs (4-2): at Idaho (1-6)

Quarterbacks: B-
Brandstater was efficient, throwing for 178 yards on 17 of 22 passing with no picks -- but he had no touchdowns either.

Running Backs: B+
While Miller lost two fumbles, he also had his season-best 108 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Mathews added two more scores on 67 yards and Smith had 42 yards on 5 attempts.

Receivers: B
Pascoe was again the go-to target with 69 yards on 6 grabs, but short-armed a sure deep touchdown pass and dropped it. Crawley added 41 yards and Smith 38. The big pass plays are still missing.

Offensive Line: A-
Unit seems to have gelled, paving way for 5.1 yards per carry and allowing one sack. Even when Popovich returns, Bernardi or Jackson will be tough to bench.

Defensive Line: C+
Despite never being in the game after the second quarter, Idaho averaged 6.2 yards per carry and kept its QB out of Clutts' and Monga's grasp. Shamblee let tight end loose for garbage-time TD.

Linebackers: B-
Jacobs led team with 9 tackles, Bates had only sack and 'Dogs were layin' big hits. But gave up too many yards.

Defensive Backs: B
Gave up one big play but held Vandals to 9 of 26 passing. Davis shows he knows how to drop the hits. Still no interceptions on the year...

Special Teams: B
No big plays either way. Stitser badly missed 51-yarder but made two from 44 yards to finish 3 of 4 on field goals. Allowed Idaho 27 yards per kick return.

Radio Tradio

So an Idaho radio personality came on Fresno's Tony D. Show (Sporting News Radio) yesterday and claime the Idaho defense can stop Fresno State's offense?

That got me thinking...this calls for a poll (so vote in it, directly to the right of this blog posting). Can Idaho shut down Fresno State?

I don't know what would make anyone think so...? After all, the 'Dogs won 34-0 last season and 40-10 at Kibbie Dome in 2005.

Idahope this bit's as funny here as it was in our head

Yeah, we weren't going to pile on Idaho this week because, well... Idaho. Sheesh.

But with his mashed taters smack, mizarkn got us in the mood to tizalkn some trizashn.

We used to work with an Idaho grad a few years back. Some chick named Janice or something like that. This was when the Fresno State fight song was our celly's ring tone.

Remember that night the Bulldogs put up like 5 million yards rushing and 70-something points on Hawaii? We played the ring tone every time Fresno State scored until Janice had a nervous breakdown in the office.

She didn't like that tradition. But here's one she did like: She told us the Vandals fans throw potatoes on the field in some pregame ceremony.

Stupid right? Well, we thought that since a dis blog on Idaho wouldn't really serve much purpose (it's not like their fans ((all four of them)) are familiar enough with the internet to even be offended) -- we thought we'd extrapolate their stupid potato-throwing crap out to include other teams.

Like, what if every team's fans took something that people identified their community with and threw it on the field?

We already know what Fresno State fans throw. Beers. Go ask Oregon State. Oh, and we throw fictional screwdrivers.

Duck, June Jones, duck!! As in Donald Duck Orange Juice, so Jones can go mix it with some vodka. Liar.

Anyway, here's our take on what some other Fresno State opponents should throw on their fields.

San Jose State: Hot dogs. Yeah, the Spartans' football team got so bad (as have the rest of their sports), school officials toyed with the idea of dropping the program. Since then, their best known "athlete" is Joey Chestnut.

Oregon: Fat, ugly broads. Seriously, on this year's trip to Eugene, all we saw were hephers. We had planned to take some pics and maybe video of Oregon's hot chicks and post it up here just to exploit them. We'll spare you. All we saw were unshaven pits and multi-chins.

Nevada: Crank. We'd say gaming chips, but who goes there to gamble anymore? Now all Reno is known for is a parody show about bad cops in short shorts and making the biggest little pots of meth.

Hawaii: How 'bout instead of throwing things, you just pickup your damn litter, OK? Has anyone else seen a game in Hawaii on TV? Jesus, why is there so much paper garbage always blowing around on the field? Better not take that tear-shedding old Native American guy from the anti-littering commercials over there. He'd have a heart attack.

Bwa-zay State: The finger. No wait, that's what we'd throw at their racist fans. Seriously, what better way to ruin one of the greatest stories in the country than to have the star football player who helps fuel the upset of the century and proposes to his cheerleader girlfriend after the game than to round up all your redneck fans to send him death threats?

Oh, and our prediction for this week: Idaho loses.

Game Preview: Fresno State (3-2) at Idaho (1-5)

Quarterbacks
Tom Brandstater isn’t taking games into his own hands right now, but he’s winning and for the most part playing mistake-free football. That’s saying quite a lot considering he keeps losing major weapons to injuries. Brandstater has completed 57% of his passes for 938 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.

Idaho senior Brian Nooy (6-2, 199) gets his second straight start after starter Nathan Enderle went down with an injury in a 48-20 loss to Hawaii. Nooy was 8 of 15 for 68 yards and threw two interceptions in the loss, and is 20 of 38 on the year with four picks and no touchdowns.
Edge: Bulldogs

Running Backs
The talent has been there all year – and now it should have plenty of confidence. True freshman Ryan Mathews dissected Nevada for 171 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries (12.2 yards per attempt). Sophomore starter Lonyae Miller had 98 yards and a score on 12 carries (7.9-yard average). Mathews scored on runs of 54 and 67 yards, with Miller scoring on a 72-yard spinning dash across the field. Clifton Smith added 20 yards and a touchdown on two carries and five catches for 74 yards.

Idaho redshirt freshman Deonte Jackson (5-8, 181) leads the WAC with 772 yards rushing. He averages 5.1 per carry with three touchdowns on the year. Senior Brian Flowers (5-9, 190) is second on the team with 195 yards and had a career-high 114 in last year’s loss to Fresno State. Sophomore Jayson Bird (6-0, 221) had 116 yards on the year.
Edge: Even

Receivers
With top receiver Marlon Moore missing against Nevada with an injury and questionable this week, sophomore Seyi Ajirotutu emerged as the deep threat he should be with three catches for 81 yards, including a 42- and 38-yard grabs. The Bulldogs need to find a way to keep tight end Bear Pascoe more involved. He had just one catch for six yards last week.

Sophomores Eddie Williams (6-1, 249) and Max Komar (5-10, 185) lead the way. The much larger Williams has 23 catches for 277 yards and two scores. But Komar leads the team with 14.6 yards per catch and has 18 grabs for 262 yards and three touchdowns. These are the two who can do damage if Nooy can get them the ball – if.
Edge: Bulldogs

Offensive Line
Fresno State’s blocking was much improved now that the line finally seems to have solidified with redshirt freshmen Joe Bernardi at center and Andrew Jackson at right guard. No sacks were allowed against Nevada and the group paved the way for 307 rushing yards, including three runs of more than 50 yards. When and if Cole Popovich returns, will only boost this unit. But it still must work on cutting out the unnecessary penalties (Jackson’s personal foul last week).

Despite running back Deonte Jackson leading the WAC in rushing, Idaho gets just 3.6 yards per carry as a team. And the line has given up 21 sacks in six games. Junior center Adam Korby (6-2, 292) is a third-year starter and team captain.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
The depth keeps on dwindling. With Chris Lewis (suspension), Taylor Smith (injury), Jason Roberts (injury) and Ikenna Ike (injury) all out for the season, the Bulldogs learned this week they may have seen the last of NFL tackle prospect Jason Shirley (suspended indefinitely for conduct). The good news is end Tyler Clutts and tackle Jon Monga are tied for the WAC lead with five sacks apiece. Charles Tolbert, with six tackles, two for losses and a sack, gets the chore of trying to fill Shirley’s shoes.

With just three down linemen, the Vandals could be in trouble one week after the ‘Dogs torched Nevada’s 3-4 defense on the ground. Junior nose Siua Musika (6-1, 293) leads the team with three sacks and has 26 tackles. Junior end Taylor Rust (6-2, 232) has two sacks.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
The Bulldogs’ starters are amongst the best in the WAC as a unit and individually. Marcus Riley leads the team with 52 tackles, six for losses and a forced fumble. Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs is second with 39 tackles, three for losses and a fumble recovery. Sophomore Quaadir Brown missed much of the Nevada game with an injury but should be back to help cause fits for Idaho. The big loss to depth came with news that key reserve Ryan Machado’s season is over after a knee injury at Nevada.

This is undoubtedly Idaho’s strength. Senior David Vobora (6-1, 240) is all over the field with 83 tackles (3.5 for losses) already this season. His 10.83 per game rank 14th in the nation. Vobora had a career-high 18 last week against San Jose State. He also has an interception. And he’s got plenty of help with junior Brandon Ogletree (6-3, 224), senior Jo’Artis Ratti (6-1, 220) and junior Ben Alexander (6-1, 224). Ogletree is second on the team with 57 tackles (5.5 for losses), Ratti is fourth with 44 tackles (3 for losses) and Alexander has 41 tackles (7 for losses) and a sack.
Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
So much for Fresno State’s No. 2 in the nation pass defense. The ‘Dogs gave up 491 yards to Nevada’s two quarterbacks, although 259 of them came during the garbage-time fourth quarter. But that’s still no excuse for allowing that many yards and letting the game appear far closer than it was. On a positive note, sophomore A.J. Jefferson seems to have blossomed into a key player and future star. But sophomore Damion Owens was reportedly carted out of practice with a hand injury Wednesday. The ‘Dogs are the only team in the country without an interception.

Idaho, on the other hand, has plenty of interceptions. Senior corner Stanley Franks (5-11, 167) is the star of the unit and had nine picks last season. Franks has one so far this year, but sophomore safety Shiloh Keo (5-10, 175) has four and is third on the team with 51 tackles. Redshirt freshman corner Eric Hunter (5-6, 154) hasn’t let his small stature stop him from picking off three passes. With turnovers as Idaho’s best chance to win, Tom Brandstater better not throw too close to these three.
Edge: Vandals

Special Teams
It looks like the ‘Dogs might be up to their old tricks again. Clifton Smith returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown against Nevada, Bear Pascoe blocked a field goal that A.J. Jefferson returned 40 yards for a score and Jefferson added three kick returns for 108 yards to set up good field position. Oh, and Kyle Zimmerman averaged 42 yards a punt. The only question mark right now is kicker Clint Stitser, who is a disappointing 3 of 7 on field goals this season.

Idaho kicker Tino Amancio is solid at 9 of 11 on the year, with a long of 51 yards. But he has had one blocked, which doesn’t bode well as no one blocks kicks better than the Bulldogs. Punter T.J. Conley has seen a lot of action, averaging 37.7 yards per punt and placing just 10 of 43 inside the 20. The Bulldogs will have to watch for Shiloh Keo, who had a 100-yard touchdown return on a punt in a 42-35 loss to Northern Illinois.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Pat Hill has led the ‘Dogs to wins over Idaho in each of the teams’ two previous WAC meetings by a combined score of 74-10, including last season’s 34-0 victory. First-year Idaho coach Robb Akey has plenty of energy, but is 1-5 so far this season, and will have to do more to prove himself and his team has what it takes to beat the WAC’s headline programs.
Edge: Bulldogs

Intangibles
As far as homefield advantage goes, Idaho’s 16,000-seat Kibbie Dome, an old airplane hangar, doesn’t do much to intimidate. If anything, it could lull the Bulldogs to sleep and help Idaho catch them off guard with a quick start. But don’t count on it, as Fresno State can’t take any game for granted this season. Idaho’s new grass-like artificial playing surface is a big advantage of the worn-down health-threat turf it had when these teams met in 2005.
Edge: Even

Mashed Taters

I want this upcoming game with the Potato Vandals to be a statement game. I want the 'Dogs to smash them into what I like to call "Mashed Taters."

Alright, enough with the potato puns. But really, this Fresno State team needs a game where they dominate both sides of the ball, every play, every step. Smash! Smash! And more then more smashing!

Like most games, keys to a great domination game lies in the hands of the offensive and defensive lines. I want the 'Dogs to be 6 to 7 steps ahead of the Vandals of every play! I want to see the D-Line crashing through, pushing over Idaho's O-Line, and completely crushing their QB, Brian Nooy, even before he tries to hand the ball off. Every single play!

Idaho sucks.

We all know that.

Even Brian Nooy's mom knows it.

So me wanting these things to happen ... isn't too far fetched ... is it?

Grading the 'Dogs at Nevada

Quarterbacks: B
Brandstater did what he needed to do -- manage the game. He had some long completions to Ajirotutu and kept things under control minus his top two wideouts.

Running Backs: A+
Mathews averages 12.2 yards per carry with 3 TDs and Miller 7.9 with 1 TD. Mathews had a 54-yard and 67-yard TD, and Miller a 72-yarder.

Receivers: B-
Ajirotutu is on the cusp of breaking out, a huge plus with Moore and West injured. Guys got open deep but Brandstater missed on a couple throws.

Offensive Line: B+
Brandstater wasn't sacked and the running lanes were opened. But penalties are still hurtful, including Jackson's personal foul that turned a third-and-1 into a third-and-16.

Defensive Line: C+
Clutts had another standout game with sack and near-pick, with Stuart (two batted passes) and Ramos filling in nicely for injured Ike. But pressure was inconsistent.

Linebackers: C+
Jacobs tied for team-high 7 tackles and first-year walk-on Bates got a sack filling in for injured Brown. But late-game lull was unecessary.

Defensive Backs: C-
Pass defense was exposed late in the fourth quarter with most of the starters in. Dropped passes helped the unit early, but that won't cut it against better WAC teams.

Special Teams: A-
Only blemish was Stitser's missed field goal, but he had great distance on early kickoffs, Pascoe blocked a field goal and Jefferson returned it for a TD and Smith returned a punt for a TD. Jefferson also had several big kick returns.

Game Preview: FS (2-2) at Nevada (2-2)

Quarterbacks
Just when it looked like Tom Brandstater was on his way to a breakout game, the Fresno State junior flopped against Louisiana Tech with only 92 yards on 8 of 22 passing. He had one touchdown and one interception, dropping to 56.2% passing on the season. He’ll have to have a better showing this week.

Nevada sophomore Nick Graziano (6-1, 220) grew up quick with a clutch performance against UNLV last week, throwing a 43-yard touchdown pass with 27.5 seconds left for the win. Graziano is 61 for 120 with 1,012 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in four games, and has run for 80 yards.
Edge: Wolf Pack

Running Backs
No one has separated himself amongst the Bulldogs’ committee of backs. True freshman Ryan Mathews, sophomores Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding and senior Clifton Smith each have two rushing touchdowns. Mathews leads the group with 214 yards rushing, followed by Miller’s 157, Smith’s 106 and Harding’s 93. But Miller, the starter, is averaging just 3 yards a carry while Mathews is at 4.8 yards.

Junior Luke Lippincott (6-2, 215) is averaging 5.3 yards per carry for the Wolf Pack, with 323 yards and two touchdowns this season. He’s spelled by sophomore Brandon Fragger (5-9, 195), who has 123 yards and one score.
Edge: Even

Receivers
With last year’s leading receiver Chastin West gone for the season with a knee injury, things are only getting worse. Sophomore Marlon Moore (15 catches, 193 yards), who assumed the leadership role, went down with an injury against La Tech and is questionable for the Nevada game. Without him, the team has no proven go-to wideout and will rely heavily on junior tight end Bear Pascoe, who leads the team with 257 yards and four touchdowns on 17 catches. Sophomore Jason Crawley led the team with two catches for 32 yards last week, but that’s not going to translate to wins most of the time.

The Wolf Pack isn’t afraid to go for big plays. Junior Mike McCoy (6-0, 190) averages 22.8 yards per catch, Kyle Sammons (5-11, 195) averages 21.6 yards and junior Marko Mitchell (6-4, 200)19.9. Mitchell leads the team with 11 receptions for 219 yards. Sammons has 216 yards and McCoy has 205. Tight end Adam Bishop (6-4, 245) has nine catches for 147 yards and five touchdowns.
Edge: Wolf Pack

Offensive Line
Even with redshirt freshman Joe Bernardi moving into the starting role at center to make up for injuries to guards Cole Popovich (all-WAC) and Adam McDowell (out for the year), the line allowed way too much pressure on Brandstater last week. He was sacked twice, but hurried all night. The group needs to return to its hard-nosed, physical tradition. It has the manpower with Ryan Wendell and Bobby Lepori.

Nevada junior center Dominic Green (6-3, 295), on the Rimington Award watch list, is coming off a broken foot that sidelined him for the first three games. He played against UNLV but didn’t start. The Wolf Pack will need him this week, and will also need their young tackles, redshirt freshmen John Bender (6-8, 325) and Mike Gallett (6-6, 295) and sophomore Alonzo Durham (6-4, 285) to step up and keep up with the edge rush of Fresno State’s Tyler Clutts and Ikenna Ike.
Edge: Bulldogs

Defensive Line
Sure, losing end Jason Roberts for the year in the Oregon game severely hurt the depth, but it didn’t stop All-WAC end Tyler Clutts from recording his first four sacks of the season against La Tech with junior tackle Jon Monga adding three more. If the ‘Dogs can apply that type of pressure against Nevada, they’ll have a good shot to win.

The Wolf Pack’s 3-4 defense has given up 1,033 yards rushing already this season. Nose Matt Hines (6-1, 285), a Modesto native, is tied for fourth on the team with 20 tackles. End Jay Dixon (6-2, 270) is the only lineman with a sack.
Edge: Bulldogs

Linebackers
Senior Marcus Riley is having the type of year that makes him a WAC defensive MVP candidate. With 14 tackles in the WAC opener, he leads the team with 47 this season (returning from a devastating knee injury against USC in 2005). Redshirt freshman Ben Jacobs isn’t doing too shabby himself with 32 tackles, second-most on the team.

This could be the battle for the WAC’s top linebacker corps. Nevada’s Ezra Butler (6-2, 248) was a preseason favorite for defensive MVP. But junior Joshua Mauga (6-2, 245) leads the team with 47 tackles. Junior Kevin Porter (6-1, 240) is tied for fourth on the team in tackles and Visalia-native Jeremy Engstrom (6-1, 247) is another top returner.
Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
Fresno State’s second-in-the-nation pass defense, yardage-wise, finally gets a real test this week against Nevada’s pistol offense – the first true passing team the ‘Dogs have faced. Senior corner Damon Jenkins, and All-WAC candidate, missed the La Tech game with injury and allowed fans to see just how bright sophomore A.J. Jefferson’s future could be. But the team is in dire need of playmakers, and Jenkins is the only member of the secondary who’s intercepted a pass (three picks last year). For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are the last team in the nation to not have an interception.

Nevada’s secondary has the veteran presence the ‘Dogs lack, with three senior starting and one junior. Corner Paul Pratt (5-10, 185) and strong safety Uche Anyanwu (6-4, 220) each have 15 tackles, tied for eighth on the team.
Edge: Bulldogs

Special Teams
Punter Kyle Zimmerman has gone from being shaky last season to a huge asset this year. He’s averaging 41.7 yards per punt and has landed 8 of 18 inside the 20-yard line. Clint Stitser nailed a 46-yarder last week, but is 3 of 6 on the year. Jefferson’s 56-yard kick return was a career-best and Smith added a 34-yard punt return. The ‘Dogs are due for one of their trademarked blocked kick this week.

Junior kicker Brett Jaekle has hit 5 of 6 field goals this season, including a 50-yarder against UNLV. Punter Zachary Whited averages 36.9 yards per attempt with 8 of 25 inside the 20. Dwayne Sanders had a 45-yard kick return last week.
Edge: Bulldogs

Coaching
Under Pat Hill, Fresno State has won seven of its past eight against Nevada, including last year’s 28-19 win in the season opener at Bulldog Stadium. But if ever his team was vulnerable, it’s right now.

Hall of fame Nevada coach Chris Ault has a stat of his own to boast. He’s 2-0 all-time against Fresno State in Reno. Ault is 127-26-1 all-time at Mackay Stadium.
Edge: Even

Intangibles
The last time these two teams played in Reno, Nevada shocked the country by pulling out a 37-34 win one week after the Bulldogs battled to a narrow loss at then-No. 1 USC. Fresno State has been in a downward spiral ever since. Is this the game that propels them back up?
Edge: Wolf Pack

Pecker smack the Wolf Pack

See, we can think up catchy phrases, too, Nevada.

According to the UNR university propaganda Web site, the Nevada students put on some homecoming contest ths week called Bulldoze the Bulldogs.

This is how Nevada public relations practitioner Scott Gayer (too easy; we'll lay off that one) described the event: "Goggle-eyed fraternity and sorority members stumbled, shouted and jumped their way through a zany obstacle course."

We don't see any goggles. Do you?

Here's what we do see: cardboard boxes, fingerpaint and shame.

And how many of the students pictured, including the girl whose face looks like she's passing a stone, are all wearing red? This is a spirit rally?

What a zany afternoon.

But then again, it wasn't the only piece of Wolf Pack "news" that made little to less-than-zero sense this week.

It seems elderly Nevada coach Chris Ault has either forgotten that the area inside the 20-yard lines is referred to as the "red zone" or he's just one of those stubborn old people who like to make up their own names for things.

To our grandma, Long John Silver's is Hi-Ho Silver. Try telling her otherwise and watch out for the uppercut.

Either way, Ault is now roaming around in his Depends babbling about some gold zone.

And instead of getting any kind of explanation for this dementia, some reporter from the Nevada Appeal just accepted it as fact for what he termed as "obvious reasons" and proceeded to refer to the red zone as the gold zone for the rest of his story.

Nevada, let's clear up the confusion. Your colors are blue and gray. We're red. The zone is red. Maybe your coach's Metamucil has some gold on the label.

And you're going down.