Can Fresno State Football Reclaim Its Winning Legacy This Season?

I remember watching Fresno State's legendary 2007 season when they finished 9-4 under Pat Hill - that was the kind of football that made people genuinely excited about this program. Fast forward to today, and I can't help but wonder if we're about to witness a renaissance of that winning culture. Having followed Mountain West football for over a decade, I've seen programs rise and fall, but Fresno State's situation feels particularly intriguing this year. The Bulldogs have this unique opportunity to reclaim their position as a consistent contender, though I'll be honest - the path won't be easy.

Looking at their schedule, there are about three or four games that will truly define their season. The opener against UCLA on August 31st could set the tone - win that, and suddenly the momentum becomes real. I've always believed that non-conference games against Power Five opponents create measuring sticks for programs like Fresno State. Last season's 9-4 record showed promise, but the way they finished - winning their final three games - makes me think Coach Tedford has something special brewing. Their offense returns seven starters, which in college football terms is massive for continuity. The quarterback situation seems settled with Mikey Keene, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season despite missing three games due to injury.

What really fascinates me about this team's potential comeback story is how it mirrors situations we see in other sports. Take Justin Brownlee's experience that was mentioned in the basketball context - playing through multiple competitions across different countries before getting that necessary break. Similarly, Fresno State's program has been through its own marathon of challenges - coaching changes, player transitions, pandemic disruptions - and now they might be reaching that point where the accumulated experience starts paying dividends. Brownlee played in Indonesia for Pelita Jaya while handling Gilas duties before the Commissioner's Cup Finals, demonstrating how athletes can manage multiple high-pressure environments. The Bulldogs have been building through various competitions and challenges themselves, and this season feels like their version of coming back refreshed from a needed break.

The Mountain West conference landscape has shifted considerably since Fresno State's heyday. Boise State isn't the dominant force they once were, and San Diego State has emerged as a consistent challenger. This creates openings that a program like Fresno State can exploit if they're prepared. I'm particularly optimistic about their defensive line - they recorded 28 sacks last season, and with most of that unit returning, I expect them to improve on that number. Defense wins championships in college football, and if they can hold opponents under 21 points per game like they did in their winning streak to close last season, they'll be in every contest.

Recruiting has been another area where I've noticed positive trends. They've managed to keep more local talent in the Central Valley rather than losing them to Pac-12 programs, which speaks volumes about the cultural shift happening within the program. Their 2024 recruiting class included four three-star recruits from within California, which might not sound impressive to casual observers but represents meaningful progress for a Group of Five program. Building through local talent creates deeper connections with the community and often leads to players who play with extra passion for the program.

The schedule sets up reasonably well for them after that challenging opener. They have winnable conference games against Hawaii and Nevada early, which could build confidence before facing tougher opponents like Boise State and Colorado State. I've always believed that scheduling momentum matters almost as much as talent in college football - string together a few wins, and suddenly players start believing they can't lose. Their bye week comes at a good time too - right before facing Air Force's tricky triple-option offense on October 19th.

What really convinces me this could be a special season is the coaching stability. Tedford has been here before - he led them to double-digit win seasons in 2017 and 2018 before health issues forced him to step away temporarily. His offensive mind remains sharp, and he's adapted his system to fit modern college football while maintaining the physical running game that has always been Fresno State's identity. Having a coach who understands both the strategic and cultural aspects of building a winning program is invaluable.

Still, I have concerns - primarily about their secondary, which lost two starters to graduation and gave up too many big plays last season. They allowed 258 passing yards per game, which ranked them in the bottom half of the conference. If that doesn't improve, they'll struggle against pass-heavy offenses like Wyoming and San Jose State. Special teams also need to be more consistent - their kicker made just 70% of his field goals last season, and in close games, those missed points become magnified.

The fan base deserves this resurgence. I've attended games at Bulldog Stadium when it's rocking, and there are few atmospheres in college football that match its energy when the team is winning. The community support has never wavered, even during down years, which speaks to the deep connection between this program and its fans. Winning seasons create positive cycles - better attendance leads to more revenue, which improves facilities and attracts better recruits. I genuinely believe Fresno State is on the cusp of entering one of those cycles.

As the season approaches, my prediction is that they'll finish 10-2 during the regular season, with losses to UCLA and one conference game they probably should win - that's typically how these resurgent seasons go. They'll be in the Mountain West championship conversation, and if things break right, could potentially secure a New Year's Six bowl bid, though that would require winning the conference and some help elsewhere. The pieces are there - experienced quarterback, solid offensive line, disruptive defensive front, and favorable schedule. More importantly, the timing feels right for Fresno State to reclaim its place among the Group of Five elite. The program has been through its own version of that long basketball season Justin Brownlee endured - multiple competitions, transitions, and challenges - and now arrives at what could be their breakthrough moment.