In what is likely the biggest season opener in Head Coach Pat Hill’s 12 years at Fresno State, the Bulldogs will be the only show on tube. The Fresno State-Rutgers game is the first of a Labor Day ESPN nationally televised college football double header. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. PT. This will be the 55th nationally televised game for FS this decade.
This is the first meeting between the two schools and the furthest east Fresno State has ever played a game. Rutgers is scheduled to return the home-and-home series at Bulldog Stadium in 2012.
Both squads possess high-powered offenses led by senior quarterbacks. The team that plays the best defense will likely come away with the victory. However, it could become a classic shootout. The Bulldogs must find a way to contain stud receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood.
Defensively, the Fresno State linebackers have much to prove. Sophomore MLB Ben Jacobs is the only returning starter. Sophomore WLB Chris Carter will make his first start after playing spot duty as a defensive end last season. As well, sophomore Nico Herron makes his first career start at SLB. In spite of not having the services of departed RB Ray Rice, the Scarlet Knights will want to establish the ground game.
The game is a virtual toss up, but the ‘Dogs have more experience on offense at every position while Rutgers has the edge on defense. The Knights will move the ball, but the Fresno State defense could improve just enough to create a few turnovers. The Bulldog defense was inept at creating turnovers the last two seasons. Nonetheless, it will likely be the difference in the outcome Monday afternoon.
FS QB Tom Brandstater should pick up where he left off from last season, a little help from the defense could help neutralize the Scarlet Knights’ home field advantage and open up a relatively even matchup. Regardless, the ‘Dogs have the talent, experience, and determination to win on the road.
About Rutgers
Rutgers starts the season against a Top 25 opponent for just the second time in its history. The Scarlett Knights lost to No. 13 Penn State 45-7 in 1977 in its only previous opener against a ranked team.
The Scarlet Knights hosted the first college football game ever played, beating Princeton 6-4 in 1869. At that time, the state of California was just 19 years old.
Rutgers has won 11 of its last 13 games non-conference games at Rutgers Stadium.
Fifth-year senior Mike Teel enters his final season as quarterback for the Scarlet Knights. He needs just 35 passing yards for 6,000 in his career.
Senior defensive end Jamaal Westerman has 20 career sacks, fifth-most in Rutgers history.
With the loss of standout running back Ray Rice, Rutgers' top returning ball carrier is Mason Robinson. He had 202 yards but did not score a touchdown last season.
Greg Schiano is 38-46 in seven seasons as head coach at Rutgers. Schiano was the 2006 national coach of the year.
Challenge for the ‘Dogs
Fresno State must overcome a long travel day on Saturday. The team left the Fresno State campus at 8 a.m. PT and arrived at the team hotel at 7:45 p.m. ET. The team had a short layover in Wichita, Kans., where the plane stopped to refuel but no one was allowed to leave the plane. The ‘Dogs stretched upon reaching the hotel and Coach Hill is keeping the players hydrated to avoid jet lag or cramping during the game. This is one of two trips to the Eastern Time zone this season. FS plays at Toledo September 20.
GAMEDAY FEATURES
Coach Hill Talks Rutgers
BB.C FS-RU QB Preview
BB.C FS-RU RB/WR Preview
BB.C FS-RU OL/TE Preview
Breaking Down: Fresno State vs. Rutgers – from StateofRutgers.com
Rutgers Offensive Preview – from StateofRutgers.com
Rutgers Defensive Preview – from StateofRutgers.com
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