Bulldogs battle through devastating preseason

This is the ninth story in a series on UH's opponents

The buzz last month was Fresno State would bounce back this season to its rightful roost near the top of the Western Athletic Conference, rebounding from an uncharacteristic 4-8 campaign in 2006. There's just too much talent in the San Joaquin Valley, and Pat Hill is just too good a coach to let that happen again, the wags reasoned.

But can anyone expect even Hill to weather the recent storm of setbacks striking the Bulldogs?

Sophomore receiver Chastin West is out for the year after tearing up a knee during a scrimmage a week-and-a-half ago. He led Fresno State with 33 catches last year, and expectations were high for him this season.

Defensive coordinator Dan Brown could also miss the year, after surgery earlier this month to remove a tumor in his head.

Starting linebacker Ahijah Lane was also lost for the season with two torn patella tendons in another scrimmage earlier in fall camp.

Despite losing Brown and Lane, the defense could still be a strength for the Bulldogs because of an experienced front line. Nose tackle Jason Shirley (6-foot-5, 330) can be a huge force and end Tyler Clutts (6-2, 245) has 14 career sacks.

"Tyler is the one senior on that defense who has played a lot," Hill said. "He understands what things were like when things were good and when things were bad."

Things were always good until last year (seven consecutive winning seasons) because of stability at quarterback.

That didn't happen last year as Tom Brandstater (6-5, 220) threw more picks than TDs (14 and 13) as a sophomore, and had to share time with Sean Norton. Norton transferred, and the job is all Brandstater's now.

Stud running back Dwayne Wright is gone, replaced by Lonyae Miller (5-11, 205), the team's second-leading rusher with 287 yards as a freshman in 2006.

The top returning receiver with West out is tight end Bear Pascoe (6-5, 260), with 22 catches for 307 yards.

Senior center Ryan Wendell (6-2, 260) has seen more good than bad.

But all of the Bulldogs are trying to get rid of the ugly taste of 4-8.

"We've got to go out and prove ourselves," Hill said. "Hungry dogs hunt best. In any sport."

Fresno State

2006 results (4-8)

2007 schedule