Pat Hill has had a largely successful run in the Central Valley of California in the last decade. Amazingly enough, he's never won the WAC title outright and hasn't even shared it in this decade. With Boise continuing on their runaway freight train-like status, it looks like the Bulldogs will likely be relegated to another minor bowl once again - if they do THAT well. The negatives? Fresno once again plays three BCS teams, all of them away from home. The Bulldogs are just 10-29-1 against the number (!) their last 40 on the board, dating back to 2005. They must replace a three-year starter at quarterback (there are three vying for the role, with no one having impressed in the spring), and the defense has to get a LOT better.

Get your FREE copy NOW!

The Bulldogs were gashed to the tune of 5.6 ypc last fall, so perhaps the nine starters back might not be such a good thing. When it was all said and done, Fresno's defense was 108th against the run and 97th overall last year, easily the lows for the Hill era. The new defensive coordinator is trying to simplify the 4-3, and is looking for his two best players (DE Chris Carter and MLB Ben Jacobs) to come up with a pass rush without forcing many blitzes. The offense now has two coordinators, one for the rushing game and one for the passing game, to take the place of departed Doug Nussmeier (off to Washington HC Steve Sarkisian's staff). Three backs who had 113 or more carries last fall all return, as do three O-linemen and all but one of the leading receivers.

get your 2009 NCAA Football Preview Guide.