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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 return several experienced playmakers on defense

The Bulldogs faced some significant challenges on offense by establishing their starters. Fresno State faced a series of challenges on the defensive side of the ball last season.

Not only were the Bulldogs changing defensive coordinators, but they were changing schemes. William Inge enters his second season as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator with more time to prepare his defense. Last season was tough for Inge to install his 4-2-5 defensive scheme with COVID-19 not allowing proper execution and practice on the field.

The Bulldogs will be more efficient than last season as they faced significant growing pains. The Bulldogs’ defense ranked 68th in the nation in points allowed per game (30) and were tied for 84th in the nation in total yards allowed per game (430). As a defense, the Bulldogs crashed into the opposing offense’s backfield consistently as Fresno State accounted for 45 tackles for loss and 24 sacks.

Last season, Fresno State’s defensive line was highly impactful in making plays in the backfield. The Bulldogs had several players that liked to switch up players on the defensive line. They return three starters on the defensive line from last season, including two at the defensive end. Senior Kwami Jones returns after accumulating 16 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and five sacks last season.

Fresno State’s other defensive end, senior David Perales, returns after accumulating 27 total tackles, 19 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles.

The Bulldogs return senior Kenny Atkins, a dynamic pass rusher from the interior defensive line, at one of the defensive tackles. Junior Alex Dumais projects to start at the other defensive tackle for the Bulldogs’ efficient defensive line.

The Bulldogs expect some competition at the two linebacker spots. This is a group that needs to be more efficient in stopping the run. Last season, the defense of Fresno State ranked 94th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (193.7).

Redshirt sophomore Malachi Langley is likely to return as one of the starters after accumulating 24 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Bulldogs will have Levelle Bailey returning, but he will continue to compete for the other starting spot against former FIU Panthers linebacker Tyson Maeva. The Bulldogs will likely have Maeva, who started in 29 of the last 30 games he played for FIU (2020) and Boise State (2018 and 2017), starting at the other linebacker spot.

Fresno State’s defense was efficient in stopping the passing game. Last season, Fresno State ranked 19th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (195.3). They will return three main starters from their five-man secondary unit. Senior Wylan Free and sophomore Bralyn Lux return as the starting cornerbacks of the Bulldogs.

Free and Lux were highly efficient in man coverage against their receivers. Each of them accounted for four pass breakups and an interception last season. Lux was also the leading tackler of the Bulldogs last season with 30. Their second-leading tackler in junior free safety Evan Williams returns as well. He will be the leader of the Bulldogs secondary along with sophomore husky (a linebacker/safety) Justin Houston, who emerged as a full-time starter late last season. There is expected to be some competition for the final spot of starting strong safety between LJ Early and Deonte Perry, who started last season.

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