The Fresno State Bulldogs finished last season strong, winning their last five games, including a bowl victory over Georgia Tech. And the best thing about it was that they achieved said success with a new QB and such a young team.

Now they come back with something to prove- and believe us, they will, but how much can they against the following schedule. It doesn't start easy - the first three games are (at) Tennessee, Oregon State, and (at) Oklahoma. After all that is done, they must play at Colorado State and then the biggest game of the year. They host the Boise State Broncos, a team who pummeled the 'Dogs last season, on November 22nd. This game may not only decide the WAC Champion, but it could very well be Fresno's only ticket into a BCS game, provided they win all three games against previously mentioned BCS big boys and are undefeated at that point.

What needs to be done for this happen? Simple- the 'Dogs must make the big plays when the time comes and win the games they are expected to win. Sounds simple…Paul Pinegar is going to have to play better than any QB in the nation to accumulate these wins, and to do so, his line is going to have to stay in tact.

Run-stopping looks improved. The defense will, in turn, need to again be tough against the pass. The secondary will have to step up and take away the deep ball. If teams can again score 125 fourth quarter points, there will be no 2003 magic. The motto this season should be Start strong, finish stronger.

The Bulldogs have all the cards lying face up. If they play them right, there will be no reason for anyone or any system to keep them from the next level and possibly the Top 10, at times. Will it actually happen? We don't think so- not quite anyway. The Dog's will win one of the three early games then lose at Colorado State and drop (at the most) one WAC game.

The first WAC team to recruit a big, fast team (especially linemen) will rise above the rest and into nationally competitive circles.

Passing: Paul Pinegar, 403-230-10, 2929 yds., 20 TD's

Rushing: Rodney Davis, 313 att., 1586 yds., 9 TD's

Receiving: Marque Davis, 64 rec., 956 yds., 7 TD's

Scoring: Rodney Davis, 9 TD's, 54 pts.

Punting: none

Kicking: none

Tackles: James Sanders, 82 tot., 36 solo

Sacks: Bryce McGill, 6 sacks

Interceptions: Dee Meza, 3 for 128 yds.

Kickoff returns: Marque Davis, 19 ret., 22.1 avg.

Punt returns: Adam Jennings, 36 ret., 8.6 avg.

The wave of noise coming from the backfield this off-season was from FB James Cummings. James attracted the acclaim of all who are Fresno State football this spring, making their already dynamite offense even more of a fear factor. He and Davis should compliment each other's style and will, in turn, make Pinnegar and posse that much more accessible. Another player who has emerged in the backfield is FB Jamal Jones. Jones has been noted strictly for his blocking, bulldozing Bulldog linebackers all spring. He may be the most important, under appreciated player on the offense this year… As if the Bulldogs needed another WR to step up, they got just that in Joe Fernandez. Although undersized, he is a quick and comes from great lineage- his father, Mervin Fernandez, was a WR for the Raiders… Hill is excited for two JUCO players' arrival this fall- RB Dwayne Wright and WR Chico Mackey. Both are dangerous with the ball in their hands and should be notable contributors in 2003.

CB Marcus McCauley has received a warm welcome to the secondary, following his spring performance. McCauley was a constant around the ball and showed magnificent closing speed, which will help in taking away the deep throws. Coming over from the offensive side of the ball is Therrian Fontenot. A special teams regular the last few years, Fontenot should make a level transition to defense… Demanding attention and, at times, some double teams was Donyell Booker. He will be tough to maintain this season, which brings hope of great things for the linebackers… FS Dee Meza has provided outstanding leadership along with strict defensive fundamentals, heading that secondary… In an effort to bring speed to this side of the ball, the Bulldogs nabbed Keith Venson, who is among the nation's best relay men in the 100 and 400-meter relays. He will be playing DE/OLB.

Punter Mike Lingua has shown he has a very strong leg, but has not been as consistent as coaches would like. With the offense so balanced and so compelling, his work will likely be minimal this season, but still, he must prove reliable. Kicking wasn't much better, as Brett Visintainer struggled with his range and accuracy. Freshman Clint Stitser may have a shot upon arrival this fall. For the Bulldogs to be a complete (championship) team, they must bolster these areas. As far as blocking kicks, Hill's gang has this down. We may be seeing the next wave of special teams dynamos (sorry VA Tech).

FYI- Pat Hill said two things stood out to him the most this spring- intensity and chemistry, two things that are vital to a successful football team. Don't underestimate this team folks- not for one second! They play their first two games against Tennessee and Oregon State on the ESPN network, where the Bulldogs are 4-1 against BCS teams the last two years. Both these games are winnable, and IF (somehow, someway) they were to get by Oklahoma, LOOK OUT!