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Fresno State Football: Are Bulldogs ready for a breakout season?

By Michael Hanich

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Gaston #2 of the Fresno State Bulldogs celebrates with teammates after an interception against the UNLV Rebels during the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fresno State won 40-27. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Gaston #2 of the Fresno State Bulldogs celebrates with teammates after an interception against the UNLV Rebels during the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fresno State won 40-27. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

Bulldogs looks to be explosive on offense this season

The Bulldogs were a legitimate powerhouse on offense this past season. They had an offense ranked 36th in the nation in points per game (32.8) and 17th in total yards per game (479.3). This was due to the Bulldogs’ devotion to an explosive passing game, which ranked fifth in the nation in passing yards per game (356.3).

The Bulldogs are entering into the third season with Ryan Grubb as the offensive coordinator. In his west coast offense, the Bulldogs have a more pass-orientated offense that demands complete efficiency at the quarterback position.

It also requires perfect blocking from the offensive line and complete reliability of the receiver corps. Last season, the Bulldogs offense only converted 43% of their third-down attempts (38-of-88). This was, however, a result of COVID-19 affecting their scheduling and ability to play.

For the Bulldogs’ West Coast offense to flourish, they need a high-powered quarterback to lead them. They found that quarterback in former Washington Huskie Jake Haener, who started his first full season in his collegiate career this past season.

In the six games played last season, Haener passed for 2,021 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 150 completions (out of 232 passing attempts). Haener accumulated a quarterback rating of 153.4 this past season. Haener has the arm strength and the accuracy to become one of the Mountain West’s best quarterbacks. This season, Haener was selected by Athlon Sports as a third-team all-conference selection.

Although the Bulldogs do not fully rely on the rushing game, they have one of the most productive running backs in the Mountain West. Senior running back Ronnie Rivers is a first-team all-conference selection by Athlon Sports.

Last season, Rivers rushed for 507 yards and seven touchdowns on 100 carries. He was also a key weapon in the passing game as he caught 27 receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Rivers is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the entire Mountain West Conference. His ability to be a fast and aggressive back as well as becoming a reliable extra receiver in the backfield makes him one of the relied-on players for Fresno State football.

For a West Coast offense to be explosive, a quarterback needs solid weapons. The Bulldogs are returning all of their starting wide receivers from this past season.

In his first full season as a starter, wide receiver Jalen Cooper was on the leaderboards in the Mountain West Conference this past season. Cooper caught 37 receptions for 520 yards and five touchdowns.

Cooper is a second-team all-conference selection by Athlon Sports. The Bulldogs also return senior Keric Wheatfall and sophomore Josh Kelly as the other two starting wide receivers. Wheatfall and Kelly accumulated 45 receptions for 693 yards and two touchdowns this past season.

Tight end Juan Rodriguez returns as the starting tight end for the Bulldogs. Rodriguez only played in one game this past season against Hawaii as he caught three receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown before suffering a season-ending injury.

At the offensive line, the Bulldogs return three main starters from last season. This was an offensive line that allowed 16 sacks this past season in the 264 pass attempts. The Bulldogs return their big left tackle in Dontae Bull, who has started in the 14 games he has played in the last two seasons.

The offense will need a full healthy season from him as he will be the leader of the offensive line. The Bulldogs will have sophomore Dante Adkins Jr as their main rushing guard in the 2021 season after starting four games last season.

Senior center Matt Smith returns for his third season as a starter. Like Bull, Smith has suffered a string of injuries. The right side of the offensive line faces some questions as the battle for the starting spots is expected to go further in the summer.

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