Youngsters Get Many Reps in 2nd Scrimmage

Nearly 500 fans watched Fresno State's second scrimmage at Bulldog Stadium Saturday afternoon in 90-plus degree heat. The scrimmage included sessions of "over the field", "second down and long" and "compete zone", from the 25-yard line. 63 total plays were conducted, QB Tom Brandstater played only in the first seven.

Fresno State's phenomenal sophomore RB Ryan Mathews touched the ball just three times but electrified the crowd and his team mates nonetheless.

On the first play of the scrimmage from the 10 yard line, Mathews stiff-armed WLB Quaadir Brown and bounced to the outside and would have scored on a 90 yard run but Coach Pat Hill whistled the play dead once Mathews cleared the secondary. He added a five yard carry on the second play of the scrimmage, which he was tackled by Bronw. On his last carry, he showed his excellent vision and cutting ability on a run up the middle for a 42-yard touchdown.

Other scrimmage highlights include some nice plays by RB Kyle Duffy, who scored on a 2-yard run and added a 16 yard reception.

RFr. K Kevin Goessling continued to perform well in the spring. He made five of seven field goal attempts, including long-range shots from 43, 49 and 50 yards.

SR. QB Tom Brandstater was in for just two series of the scrimmage and completed 3-of-5 passes for 28 yards. He connected on a 19-yard pass play to Bear Pascoe, who also saw limited action.

So. QB Ryan Colburn completed 4-of-9 passes for 60 yards while RFr. Matt Faulkner went 3-for-8 for 26 yards.

RB Lonyae Miller had 23 yards and six rushing attempts and added two receptions for 13 yards.

Jamel Hamler led the receiving corps with 35 yards on two receptions. Redshirt freshman tight end Ryan Skidmore had two receptions for 25 yards. BB.C caught up with Skidmore after the scrimmage.

BB.C Ryan Skidmore Interview -- Listen to Audio

The defensive highlight was provided by OLB Nick Bates, who came up with the only turnover on an interception. Chris Carter started the play with good pressure on Faulker and tipped the attempted pass. Bates grabbed the tipped ball and made a nice return. Bates had two tackles in the scrimmage as well.

RFr. SLB Kyle Knox had three tackles in scrimmage, as did CB Sharrod Davis. Brown had two tackles, including one for a loss of two yards. Sr. DE Ikenna Ike was credited with a quarterback sack.

"We saw some good things out there," said Hill. "It was hot and the guys were tired but some of the young guys are getting plenty of reps. We don't have the numbers right now to do as many live plays as we would like. We only have three healthy offensive tackles and they are rotating through, but we don't want to beat them up." Hill is also using the scrimmage situations to work on the 40-second play clock, a change to college football that will emulate what the NFL had done for the last few years. The play clock begins at 40 seconds once the previous play is whistled dead.

"This new 40-second play clock is going to create a faster pace to the game of college football," said Hill. "We need to continue to work on that. We always strive for a fast pace but this will be something new we will have to get used to."

At the end of the scrimmage, Hill once again recognized the 2007 seniors by presenting each with a framed jersey. The jerseys were donated by members of the Fresno State Quarterback Club. Several members of the 2007 senior class attending the scrimmage, including team MVP Clifton Smith, All-WAC end Tyler Clutts, All-WAC center Ryan Wendell and kicker Clint Stitser.

The Bulldog will hold their final scrimmage next Saturday at 2 p.m. in Bulldog Stadium. The public is invited and admission is free. A reminder to fans, that Fresno State has requested fans not take any video footage of the final scrimmage.