FRESNO STATE
Great expectations!

Robbie Rouse and Derek Carr showing off the new Fresno State uniforms.

The 2011 football season ushers in a new era for the Fresno State Bulldogs.

A lot has changed for the 'Dogs in the past few months. First came word that Derek Carr will finally have his opportunity to play quarterback after two years of waiting. Second, head coach Pat Hill and the team got what they've been wanting for years: Field Turf. Yes, the synthetic Field Turf was installed at Bulldog Stadium and made its debut when the Bulldogs took on North Dakota in the first home game of the season. Fresno State also got new uniforms, which the Bulldogs wore when they hit the field against the California Golden Bears Sept. 3 at Candlestick Park.

Bulldog fans have been waiting for the much anticipated debut of Carr at quarterback. The Red Wave has high hopes for Carr, the brother of former Bulldog quarterback David Carr, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft. While at Fresno State he led the Bulldogs to national acclaim — ranking No. 8 in the nation — and broke multiple Bulldog records.

Fresno State may add the long ball to its repertoire this season. For the first time in years Coach Hill has vowed to throw the football more than run. "I think we have the athletes at receiver this year to throw the ball down the field," Hill said. He believes that receivers such as Devon Wylie, Jalen Saunders and Rashad Evans can give the Bulldogs the deep threat they have been lacking.

Hill will not go completely away from the ground game, as a trio of running backs return from last season's team. Juniors Robbie Rouse, A.J. Ellis and Michael Harris are expected to handle the load. Look for UCLA transfer Milton Knox to also get a chance to show his skills.

Defensively, look for Logan Harrell, the lone returner from last season's defensive line, to have an impact as he tries to top a stellar 2010 season that saw him record 10.5 sacks. Hill believes this may be the best group of linebackers he has had at Fresno State. Junior Travis Brown will lead the attack, followed by senior Kyle Knox and sophomore Jeremiah Toma. In the secondary, Fresno State will go with two seniors, Phillip Thomas and Isaiah Green. Also look for sophomores Derron Smith and L.J. Jones to show what they can do this season.

Fresno State opened against Cal in San Francisco, followed by a road game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln. Fresno State also had home games against SEC opponent Ole Miss and Mountain West favorite Boise State. The team finishes up the season Dec. 3 against San Diego State in San Diego. The game will be played at Qualcomm Park.

"Adding San Diego State back to the schedule was a win-win situation for both schools," Hill said. "They are a longtime rival, a Cal State school and a program on the rise. We are looking forward to it."

The players are just as excited as Hill is about playing such a tough nonconference schedule.

I love that we schedule this way every year," junior linebacker Travis Brown said. "I like playing tough competition and going up against good teams. It's the Fresno State Way."

The Bulldogs will try to cap their final season in the Western Athletic Conference with the title that has eluded them since being crowned co-champs in 1999, Hill's only WAC title in his 15 seasons as head coach. Fresno State is looking for its 14th winning season under Hill and 12th bowl appearance in 13 seasons.