Here's an idea...WEAR RED!!!

Seriously, what the heck is this gimmicky junk the athletic department keeps coming up with? We are the Red Wave -- not the White Wave, not the Black Wave. RED! Got it?

So why then are fans now being told to "blackout" the Boise State game? Why not just hammer home the point for everyone to wear red? Do you think it looks cool for a national television audience to see the Red Wave wearing...black? I don't. Especially not against the hated Boise State Broncos.

More than any other game, that should be the one where school spirit permeates across the stadium, from fan to fan, with everyone screaming at the top of his/her lungs and proudly displaying their school color -- Bulldog Red.

Sure, this game is supposed to be a funeral of sorts for Boise State, and black is common at funerals, but the whole ideas just cheapens the longest-standing and most original tradition Fresno State has ever had, the nickname Red Wave.

Which Way Is The Gym?

Whichever direction it is, Fresno State fans are about to find out that Bulldogs mascot Timeout has been spending much of his time there. Like many Bulldogs fans, I am cautiously anxious about the new costume, which is supposed to be a leaner, meaner version of college football's best mascot. Protein shakes anyone?

Hopefully, the costume will become as recognizable and powerful as the stickers on the football helmets are, because we all know people be lovin' that four-paw dog. Still, the former Timeout was indeed a popular one, and will be missed, so the new one must be an upgrade.

I just hope that person behind the costume design is as talented as the person who designed the four-paw mascot. Just don't let it look like a carbon copy of the Georgia mascot, or any of the other Bulldog mascots, for that matter.

Regardless of what Timeout looks like, this we know: whomever lines up across from our boy Timeout on the football field is in deep doo-doo.

Just ask the La. Tech bulldog and the boise bronco.

One long Pitt stop

We remember it being a Fresno State-Colorado State game back in 1997.

Stuck in slow-moving traffic on our way to the game, Simpletext, his uncle and 12-year-old cousin had to listen to the beginning of the game on KMJ when disaster struck.

Bulldogs running back Michael Pittman caughed up a costly fumble.

"YOU SEE, SON!!," uncle screamed. "That's why Pittman won't go pro! He can't hang on to the ball!"

The cab of the truck got silent, the aromas of 12-year-old tears and fear sweat permeating the air. Nobody stood up for Pittman.

But here we are 10 years later, and Pittman is still in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's switching to fullback, according to the Bradenton Herald, to take over for the retiring Mike Allstott.

Sorry for not getting your back that night, Michael P. You showed 'im.

Coo-coo cachoo, Mr. Robnett

For those of you wondering where he'd gone, Richie Robnett is playing AA ball in Texas.

Robnett, who had one of the best hitting seasons in Fresno State baseball history, was a No. 1 pick of the A's in 2004, but has batted just .264 in three minor league seasons with a 2.6:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

This year, however, it seems he's blossomed into one of the best hitters in the AA Texas League. At least that's what the article in the Midland Reporter-Telegram says, and when are they ever wrong?

So, the point here is Robnett may be on the fast track now that he's playing better (.277 avg, 16 HR, 69 RBI in 2007). At least, we hope to see him in the major leagues soon. It'd be quite a blow to the Bulldogs fan's ego if it turns out the A's swung and missed on two first-rounders from Fresno State.

Anyone got a read on Ben Fritz?

Disrespect to the WAC

It seems like this guy was just looking for reasons to hate on the WAC.

What a buffoon ....

I emailed him. Here's what I said:

"If you're going to mention that Alabama barely beat Hawaii last season, and lost to Hawaii in 2003, when "The Tide" had bad years. You've should be consistent and mention how Fresno State had it's worst season in 31 years (finished 4-8), and lost to LSU 38-6 last season. You shouldn't only point out certain things to make your column more favorable for your "point."
But hey, I guess you've got to write your stories, and make your BCS/SEC friends happy.


Thanks for your time,

mizarkn - Fresno, CA"

There are other columns about conference matchups, but he was looking for something bad about the WAC.

Scrimmage News & Notes

For the sake of time and sanity (a WHOLE lot went on at the scrimmage) here's a quick keyword rundown:

Offense: wow, improved, constant new looks
Defense: gonna have to do better than that

Ahijah Lane: will be sorely missed
Ryan Mathews: star in the waiting, smooth, light on the feet, big-time jukes
Lonyae Miller: featured back
Marcus Riley: got the speed back with more size
Tom Brandstater: much more accurate, quick routes, always has been a good practice player
Ryan Colburn: much improved from spring
Matt Faulkner: gamer, ate up third-team D
Jason Crawley: most improved receiver, could start with seamless transition
Clifton Smith: faster, stronger, X-factor keeps the D guessing
Drew Lubinsky: team never seems to capitalize when he's open
Tim Lang: working at WR and QB, big-time speed, strong arm
Ryan Wendell: in for a monster year
Bobby Lepori: may have turned in to the best LT in the WAC, Mankins-esque size
Ben Jacobs: now a starter, will have to mature even quicker than he already has
Jason Roberts: sorely needed for breakout year, must keep the motor going
Tyler Clutts: must assume leadership of D

A Leader Lost

Want proof that Ahijah Lane was the emotional leader of this Fresno State football team? Look no further than the outpooring of emotions that came from the 'Dogs as he was stretched out on the field near the sideline, unable to move, after the second play of last night's Fan Preview scrimmage at Bulldog Stadium.

Marcus Riley yelled and pleaded for Haji to get up. Quaadir Brown did the same. Ben Jacobs -- the man who will now take Haji's place as the starting MLB -- yelled just as much. The crowd went dead silent as the players' shouts rang over the field.

"Haji, get up! You're OK Haji! COME ON Haji, get up man, get up! You're OK! ..."

He never did. Couldn't hardly move. Teammates and a former teammate, Dwayne Andrews, had to pick him up and sit him on a cart. It's likely the last time he'll touch the field this season (torn patella tendon).

So, who's going to lead the defense now? Who's going to dominate RBs in blitzing drills? Who's going to amp this team up enough to get back to playing Bulldog Football? Who's going to lead the new team cheer of "Bulldog born, Bulldog bred, gonna be a Bulldog 'til the day I'm dead" ...?

Hopefully, somebody...

Anybody know the Mexican national anthem?

Because Fresno State's Hector Hernandez (nickname: Double H) is playing on the Mexican national basketball team.

Check that, the undefeated powerhouse Mexican national basketball team.

We have no clue how prominent a role Hernandez plays on the team. His stats weren't mentioned in a recent article in the El Paso Times. But apparently, he starts.

And he was the only player quoted on the team.

As a practicing journalist, Simpletext assumes that means he probably speaks better English than some of the other players. Either that or he was the last player left in the locker room.

Or maybe it was his thoughtful, charismatic — definitely-not-coachspeak — answers. (Sarcasm rocks! Read on.)

"I think we played pretty good; most of the time ... not the whole time," Hernandez was quoted as saying in the El Paso Article after a 116-87 win over a team of New Mexico All-Stars at UTEP. "We had our ups and downs. We've got to fix that, fix it where we play the same for 40 minutes and not for 20 or 30 minutes."

Is he talking about basketball or a booty call?

Anyway, Mexico, which was 16-0 after the win and is coached by former UTEP and Arkansas legend Nolan Richardson, is hoping to make it to the Olympics in Beijing.

That would be pretty cool for Hector. We wish him luck.

Greater Expectations

That's exactly what true freshman RB Ryan Mathews just brought upon himself. He told Pat Hill he wants No. 21, so Hill called and asked blast-from-the-past Dale Messer if he would mind letting his jersey come out of retirement for this new kid on the block.

Messer said yes. Alls I know, is the kid better live up to the hype now. Hill must think he will, otherwise he wouldn't have gone to all that trouble.

So what did Mathews do in his days at West High in Bakersfield to deserve such amenities...?

Well, he led the nation in rushing. He turned down a late offer from USC (which should earn him bonus points in everyones' book) and his parents left one of the Ts out of his last name...on purpose!

Try that one on for size Evan O'Dorney!

You're talkin' about PRACTICE!?

That's right, Day 3 of practice (the veteran session of fall camp, perfectly timed to catch about 30 mins. during your lunch break), to be exact. For mizarkn, the highlight would have been that Heidi Watney was in attendance (media day).

But for the rest of us, here's a rundown:

The WRs and DBs did isolated one-on-one drills...talk about pressure. It's basically a defender on an island going against the speediest guys on the team.

Sharrod Davis worked with the vets today, and was exposed. That's cause for concern, because he's expected to possibly be the No. 2 or 3 CB (and no less than No. 4). Hopefully he still will be, but he's got a lot of technique work to do, and coach Randy Stewart was letting him know it. Gotta love Stewart's hands-on fundamental teaching by the way. He's a great (albeit sweaty) coach and it shows in the recent factory of NFL DBs to come out of FS (James Sanders, Marcus McCauley, Richard Marshall, Tyrone Culver, Vernon Fox, Therrian Fontenot).

CBs A.J. Jefferson and Damion Owens both stood out in the drill. S Jake Jorde seemed to lack confidence in his ability to stay with the quicker WRs, namely Seyi Ajirotutu, with coach Stewart calling him out for leaving 10-yard cushions between himself and the WR.

Things heated up in a hurry across the field, as the front 7 of the defense took on the offense (OL, TE, RBs, QB) for handoff drills. The D was fired up in less than a minute when a loud pop rang over the field and everyone turned to see that LB Ahijah Lane had just lowered the boom on FB Nate Adams. After Pat Hill lauded Lane for his efforts, he shouted out, "Hey Nate, Haji Lane is calling you out!"

Lane was popping pads all day long, the coaches were like broken records praising him.

Though RB Jamal Rashad has looked great so far (he worked with the vets today too), his weakness was exposed in a pass-blocking drill where the RB is isolated against a blitzing LB. Every LB Rashad faced easily juked and poked around him, with Ryan Machado abusing him. In the same drill, Lonyae Miller stood out, locking up the LB on every opportunity, as did Nate Adams.

LB Ben Jacobs also struggled to beat his man in the drill, with assistant Tom Mason pulling him aside to instruct him on a proper club-rip technique.

The team was only in shoulder pads and shorts today, and will be up to full pads by Friday, in anticipation of Saturday's 7 p.m. scrimmage at Bulldog Stadium (free admission).

SPECIAL TEAMS

It’s an area that’s often overlooked in football – a place where the backups flood the field to see their only playing time – but special teams has never been overlooked at Fresno State. The Bulldogs were among the nation’s best under assistant John Baxter ever since he came to Fresno with Pat Hill 10 years ago.

But something went awry last year, and the Bulldogs went from the nation’s best kick coverage team to one of the worst. That’s got to change this season, with field position being more important than ever to help an offense that needs to build confidence.

At least dependable kick returners are available. Clifton Smith is one of the nation’s most electrifying return men and is finally back at 100% after his injury in Eugene in 2005. He tried to come back too soon from injury last year and averaged just 7.3 yards per punt return and had no touchdowns. But in 2004 he returned his first-ever attempt for a touchdown, and then had two touchdown returns in three attempts in the 2005 opener before being injured.

Chastin West doesn’t have the agility of Smith, but he wastes no time catching the ball and heading straight up field. He averaged 22 yards per attempt last year, including a 93-yard touchdown return. Others to watch for are Sharrod Davis, who returned kicks as a freshman at Oregon before transferring to a JC and then Fresno State, and true freshman Devon Wylie, who has 4.4 speed.

The kicking game is a little tough to figure out. Senior Clint Stitser (6-1, 200) likely has the strongest leg in school history, but had a long of only 43 yards last year, making 11 of 16 attempts. He’s capable of a far better percentage than that, and has to erase his PAT problems (he missed two last season). Potentially, he should be the WAC’s best kicker, and that’s the expectation for his senior season.

With Mike Lingua injured all of last season, freshman Robert Malone (6-2, 215) took over (only to get injured himself). Senior Kyle Zimmerman (5-11, 200), who’s natural position is placekicker, took the reigns and averaged 36.8 yards per punt. The problem is he forced just 11 fair catches in 42 attempts and pinned just 14 inside the 20. Malone had 20 attempts last year, and is a capable starter as well. He’ll be the punter of the future.

Assuming backup kicking duties is redshirt freshman walk-on Dustin Abrams (6-0, 170). But true freshman Kevin Goessling (5-10, 165) was on of the state’s top kickers out of high school, and will be groomed as Stitser’s eventual replacement.

Rating: 7 of 10

Wright eats wrong stuff

Dwayne Wright spent 13 hours in the hospital being treated for an allergic reaction, according to reports.

The former Fresno State running back said he's fine, but he's apparently allergic to tomato and avocado. That sorry killer tomatoes movie probably scared the crap out of him back in the day.

And we're guessing that's something college defenders wish they knew last year.

What desperate player who'd just been run over for the third time wouldn't have snuck in some tomato soup to smear it on the guy in hopes of getting him out of the game? It's not like those little cans of Campbell's don't cost like 10 cents.

Sucks for Wright, who's expected back at practice Wednesday. He was having a good camp by all accounts.

It also sucks, you know, because he can't eat things like: pizza, ketchup, catsup, spaghetti sauce, V-8, barbecue sauce, and chimichangas (because who'd even want one without guacamole on it?)

Studys show eating tomato can even decrease the risk of prostate cancer by 19 percent.

Good luck with that, Dwayne.

The fuzzy memories of bad columnists

David Teel of the Newport News Daily Press really likes Al Groh.

We can tell because Simpletext read his column Wednesday, and the bozo actually claimed that his favorite coach would be 4-0 in bowl games "had instant replay been around to erase a bogus Fresno State touchdown."

Teel, Teel, Teel.

While it's true that Stephen Spach went down before he got into the end zone in that MPC Computers bowl back in 2004, nobody currently off drugs would claim it wasn't a catch.

The 24-ish-yard pass to Spach came on Fresno State's first play of overtime. The reason nobody made a stink about him being down inches away from scoring a touchdown is because there wasn't one person in the stadium or watching at home that wasn't 100% confident the Bulldogs would nudge it in with four downs from the half-foot line.

But Teel gets a couple years away from something and tries to muddy the waters from his perch on the throne of stupidity.

Listen Teel, take that TD call away, and Fresno State still has an overwhelming chance to win. Not even Groh himself thinks the game would have gone differently. He might be a bad coach, but he's not mentally retarded.

Anybody want to e-mail this moron? Here's his addy: dteel@dailypress.com. Tell him The Bulldog Bounce sent you.

I miss you James

I miss some of our players like James Sanders. He's one of those guys that you knew would give it his all on every single play, no matter what the scoreboard said, or what our record was, or even who we we're playing.

He's responsible.

You can count on him.

He's dedicated.

In order to get back to playing "Bulldog Football" our young guys need to follow suit of men like James Sanders. By no means do I want to discredit our team, but I think we didn't give some of our players from past years enough credit for leading our team to great victories.

The young Bulldogs, I believe, are very capable of great things. Let's just see how it translates onto the field.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Returning: 10
Lost: 4 (Marcus McCauley, Elgin Simmons, Josh Sherley, Vincent Mays)
Incoming: 7

If there’s one area of defense a WAC team needs to be able to count on, it’s the secondary – yet it’s the least solidified of the team’s units. After struggling last season (no interceptions until the eighth game), the Bulldogs now have to do without Marcus McCauley (Vikings).

Taking over the No. 1 cornerback role is senior Damon Jenkins (5-11, 185), who was the only member of the secondary to record an interception last season with three. A former highly-touted recruit, Jenkins will be counted on to not only step up his game and cover the top opposing receiver, but also to lead a squad of underclassmen.

Damion Owens (5-11, 185) and A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 180) both saw time as true freshmen last season, and it’s a good thing, since they’ll be competing for the other starting spot. Jefferson showed a knack for making plays in limited time last season, and has the athleticism reminiscent of a young McCauley. Owens has become a verbal leader in practice, but saw mostly special teams action in 2006.

Junior college transfer Sharrod Davis (5-11, 190), a former Oregon corner and kick returner, is also likely to make an impact. He should be a big boost to a unit that lacks depth and experience. Sophomore walk-on Jason Blackmon (5-10, 170) isn’t likely to see much time.

As many as four true freshmen will start the grooming process in J.J. Stallworth (5-11, 185), Jermaine Thomas (5-11, 180), Isaiah Green (5-10, 180) and Phillip Thomas (6-0, 190). Stallworth, the younger brother of NFL receiver Donte Stallworth is likely to redshirt, as is speedy Green. Jermaine Thomas, the most touted of the newcomers and one of the highest-rated WAC recruits, could compete for immediate playing time. Phillip Thomas has the size that could also allow him to play safety down the road.

Holding down the starting safety spots, for now, are free safety Marvin Haynes (6-1, 195) who became a starter last season, and is capable of running step-for-step with most receivers. His size and long strides make him a weapon. Strong safety Moses Harris (6-1, 200), a former scout team MVP, is known for his hitting the books and his opponents. He didn’t get off to as well of a start as expected last season, but showed maturity in the Spring Game. He’ll have talented redshirt freshman Lorne Bell (5-10, 195) pushing him every step of the way. Bell can lay the hits as well, and has more of a nose for picking off passes. Don't be surprised if Hill finds a way to get him on the field ASAP.

Junior Jake Jorde (6-0, 195) backs up Haynes, and has speed but hasn’t shown the playmaking instincts to become a starter yet. Senior walk-on Brian Gridiron (6-2, 220) adds depth along with true freshmen Terrance Dennis (5-11, 170) and Zak Hill (6-2, 190), Pat Hill’s youngest son. Dennis should be an impact player down the road, but will likely redshirt this season, as will Hill, who was injured during the playoffs for Clovis West last season.

Rating: 6 of 10

He's the Man(kins)

The Boston Herald has a report on Logan Mankins, and you know you must be a damn good left guard if you're getting feature stories.

In fact, we were thinking about it today while listening to all the Pro Football Hall of Fame talk, and Mankins strikes Simpletext as one of those Bruce Matthews type of lineman who could eventually make the Hall if he hangs around at a dominant level for an extended period.

Heck, they could induct him next year. With that big red Santa beard he has going on, it's hard to tell how old he is.

Seriously, though, who told him to grow that thing. He looks like the red-headed love child of Fidel Castro and Amanda Beard (you know, cause of her last name).

The D.C. area be lovin' Fresno State today

Not only does Maryland/Virginia/D.C. overcredit Bulldogs softball (see below), the Washington Wizards also apparently like second-round pick Dominic McGuire, who left Fresno State this season with one more year of college eligibility.

It was a big topic of discussion wether or not McGuire should leave for the NBA or stay with the Bulldogs this past year, but he's getting treated like a first-round pick by Washington. The Wizards saw him play five summer league games and gave him three years, which means they can go over the salary cap to sign him when he eventually becomes a free agent.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Basketball and softball? Let's get back to the gridiron.

I wish we could claim them

Somebody might be doing some resume inflation.

Either that, or The Connection newspaper in Fairfax, Va., bows five times a day toward Fresno, which Virginians believe to be the Mecca of all softball.

Former Bulldog Carie Dever-Boaz, a three-time All-American at Fresno State from 1989-90, is coaching some professional team out there. And according to The Connection's bio on her for a recent story, she competed in four College World Series and won three NCAA titles with the Bulldogs.

That's three more than Fresno State is claiming before their first-ever national championship in 1998. In a little place we call reality, Fresno State did finish second in the nation to UCLA in all three of Dever-Boaz's All-American years and took fifth in 1997.

Maybe this Dever-Boaz in Virginia is really an imposter from an alternate dimension where Fresno State actually won all those national titles. Or maybe she figures no one will ever call her on a little white lie. She might have never heard of George O'Leary.

Or maybe it's none of those and just a big misunderstanding.

Either way, you know how Pat Hill is always saying the national perception of Fresno State is much better than it is in Fresno? Here's proof he's right.

LINEBACKERS

Returning: 13
Lost: 2
Incoming: 3

It’s an area where Fresno State was exposed last season, and even the year before, being consistently outrun to the edges. The hope is that changes this year, with an injury-plagued unit back in tact.

Senior Ahijah Lane (6-1, 225) has been the constant and has stepped up and played very well, but he’s far from the most talented of the bunch. That title belongs to senior Marcus Riley (6-0, 220) who wasn’t the same last year after injuring his knee against USC in 2005. But Riley was back to his all-over-the-field, pad-popping antics in the Spring Game. The other starting job is likely to go to either senior Trevor Shamblee (once he returns from injury) or sophomore Quaadir Brown (who's suspended for the first game for off-field issues). Both were injured last season, with Brown missing the whole year and getting a medical redshirt. Brown (6-0, 210), a converted running back, played as a true freshman and was impressive, but Shamblee (6-1, 220), a walk-on junior college transfer last year, offers more speed.

This is the deepest unit on the team and probably the toughest to figure out the depth chart. A trio of redshirt freshmen have all looked like potential superstars in practice and scrimmages. The discussion starts with Nico Herron (6-3, 240) who is already showing all the signs of being a team leader – he’s vocal, hard-hitting and talented. He came in highly-touted along with Robert Schenck (6-2, 250), but Ben Jacobs (6-3, 225) has been as impressive, if not more so, than either of them – enough so that he has teammates talking about future All-America talent. But how close are these guys to seeing playing time? That will be decided in fall camp.

Junior Ryan McKinley (6-2, 220) is experienced and was also formerly highly-touted, though he hasn’t yet broken onto the scene the way he was expected to. Sophomore Todd Chisom (6-1, 220) made huge strides in the offseason and could start fall camp with the second string. Sophomore Ryan Machado (6-0, 210) is a former walk-on who botched the blocked field goal that cost Fresno State the Oregon game last season, but also currently sits second-string on the depth chart. Fellow former walk-ons Frankie Manquero (6-1, 190), Max Navo 6-0, 220) and Tommy Gatta (6-1, 215) are all likely to be passed up by the younger studs about to hit their prime.

All new signees are likely to redshirt, though if this unit wasn’t so deep Kaiser-Fontana’s Chris Carter (6-2, 220) could compete for immediate playing time. He’s a specimen built as well as anyone already in the program and was recruited by several Pac-10 schools. And on tape, Kyle Knox (6-1, 215) looked every bit as impressive on the field, with a knack for getting into the backfield. Austin Raphael (6-2, 225) is more of a raw prospect.

Rating: 7 of 10

Solving Title IX

Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh came out and said the school will implement a new plan to get the department more Title IX compliant. That plan apparently includes adding new women's sports.

Despite producing national championships and Olympic success, the wrestling program, which was dropped last year, won't be brought back to the dismay of many Bulldogs fans.

But before Boeh cements a move to bring in women's bowling, rowing or water polo, we have another suggestion for him. One that will pacify the feminist scholarship dollar counters and the wrestling-starved fans of the central valley.

A women's wrestling team.

Think about it. Who wouldn't want to pay to see this?


You're welcome, Boeh.