Jeff Tedford has quickly turned around a Fresno State program that was struggling prior to his arrival in 2017. Tedford led the Bulldogs to their first 12-win season in 2018. They will have to replace most of their offense if they want to reach the same heights as last season.
Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel ranked all 130 FBS teams in the country entering the 2019 season. The Sentinel staff will take a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 130 to our projected No. 1 team.
Today at No. 46: Fresno State
Coach: Jeff Tedford (22-6, entering third season, 104-63 overall)
2018 record: 12-2, 7-1 in Mountain West, first in West Division
Look back: Fresno State enjoyed a historic season in 2018.
The Bulldogs won their third Mountain West Conference championship since joining the league in 2012. Fresno State lost 24-17 to Boise State on the road during the regular season.
However, the Bulldogs avenged their loss to the Broncos in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game, earning a 19-16 win in overtime.
The Bulldogs capped the season with a 31-20 win over Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Led by quarterback Marcus McMaryion, the Fresno State offense ranked 47th in the country, averaging 421.5 yards per game. McMaryion threw for 25 touchdowns and rushed for another eight.
Offensive starters returning: 3
Offensive starters lost: 8
Defensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters lost: 5
Key losses: QB Marcus McMaryion, WR KeeSean Johnson, WR Jamire Jordan, OL Christian Cronk, OL Logan Hughes, OL Markus Boyer, OL Micah St. Andrew, LB Jeff Allison, LB George Helmuth, LB James Bailey, DB Mike Bell, DB Tank Kelly
Top returnees: RB Ronnie Rivers, RB Jordan Mims, TE Jared Rice, OL Syrus Tuitele, OL Netane Muti, DL/LB Mykal Walker, DL Jasad Haynes, DL Kevin Atkins, DL Kwami Jones, DB Juju Hughes, DB Jaron Bryant
Strengths: With McMaryion graduating, running back Ronnie Rivers is the top returning offensive threat after leading the team with 743 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. His backup, Jordan Mims, also returns after rushing for 436 yards and six touchdowns.
Offensive lineman Netane Muti is back after starting the first two games last season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Mykal Walker, who will be switching from defensive end to linebacker, will lead the Bulldogs’ defense. Fresno State has continuity returning on defense, with six starters back, including the entire defensive line.
Weaknesses: Jorge Reyna will be replacing McMaryion as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. Reyna will be working without any of the team’s top 2018 receivers, including KeeSean Johnson who finished last year with 1,340 yards and eight touchdowns.
Fresno State will also have to replace four starters on the offensive line.
Outlook: Reyna spent the last two seasons learning from McMaryion. Reyna appeared in 11 games last season, completing 8 of his 12 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown.
Reyna will be tested early — the Bulldogs open the season with games against USC and Minnesota.
Finding weapons at wide receiver for Reyna will be key.
The Fresno State ranked 17th in the country last season in total defense. While it might take a step back due to player departures, the Bulldogs return enough talent to avoid a major tumble.
2019 Schedule:
Aug. 31 at USC
Sept. 7 Minnesota
Sept. 21 Sacramento State
Sept. 28 at New Mexico State
Oct. 12 at Air Force
Oct. 18 UNLV
Oct. 26 Colorado State
Nov. 2 at Hawaii
Nov. 9 Utah State
Nov. 15 at San Diego State
Nov. 23 Nevada
Nov. 30 at San Jose State
