A West side Story: The Rise of the Fresno State Bulldogs!!

[gorillapittpray]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL FINAL


OUT OF LUCK!
By Rece Davis
ESPN.com

Los Angeles, Ca-- Riding on the momentum of wins against #11 Oregon and #17 UCLA within the last three weeks, the USC Trojans were able to decisively disrupts Notre Dame's National Title hopes with a 34-17 win over the Irish. Up 20-17 in the fourth quarter, Heisman hopeful Chase Waller put together a quarter that may have solidified his draft status as well as USC's season. He went 10 of 15 220 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Irish who have relied on a pass heavy offense all season led by quarterback R. Garcia struggled heavily in front of the announced crowd of 92,000 at the coliseum going just 5 of 16 and throwing a pick before getting pulled, his back up D. Nash was no better going 3 of 12. As it stands we will have to see who gets that #3 spot for the BCS.

TOP 25 HEADLINES

• A new Cinderella, Fresno State finishes season 12-0
• Georgia routes Yellow jackets as Rutledge puts icing to his Heisman
• NC State's Bailey gets Kickoff and interception returns to help Wolfpack clinch 11-win season
• Gray has stellar outing as Razorbacks head to SEC championship undefeated
• Blocked field goal leads Bama to Iron bowl win, 28-26
• Ducks clinch Pac-12 North with Civil War victory, await Trojans for rematch
• Utah gets 10-win season with victory over Colorado
• Ohio State upset's Michigan 30-14
• Wisconsin blow outs Nittany Lions and improve to 12-0
• Seminole's rout Gators, 31-12
• Longhorns improve to 10-1 with win over TCU
• Sooners clinch Big 12 with 42-21 win over Cowboys
• Stanford embarrassed by Bruins 37-0
• Boise gets another 11-win season after win over Nevada 37-9

Weekend observations
By Kirk Herbstriet, ESPN.com

ESPN STUDIOS-- What will be the BCS excuse this time around. Fresno State and USC are both tied for the #3 ranking in the BCS. Fresno State sitting at 12-0 could possibly go to not only their first BCS bowl game. But a loss by Arkansas or Wisconsin could send the Bulldogs to the National Championship.
But as my partner Lee Corso would say "NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND" USC's win over #1 Notre Dame has bumped the Trojans up to a tie with Fresno State, and assuming the Trojans win the rematch with the Oregon Ducks whom they beat a few weeks earlier 33-21 the Trojans may jump to that #2 spot.
It was the weekend of rivalries, and in the case of Ohio State Michigan, once again the records for thrown out as Michigan walked into a ambush as Ohio State gave the nation perhaps a glimpse of the future but then again maybe it was the 110,000 at the Horseshoe.
NC State will for sure be robbed if they do not make it to a BCS bowl, they have done everything they were asked and ended the season in dramatic fashion getting a 93 yard touchdown reception, a 100 yard kickoff return and a 80 yard interception return all in the same game. Oh they are 11-1 with a 8-0 conference record. Love should be given to them if they can from out of nowhere win the ACC title game.

[gorillapittpray]

BULLDOG NATION

KING OF THE MWC!
THE FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS ARE YOUR 2012 MWC CHAMPIONS

Next Up (TBD)

FRESNO STATE LOOKS TO BECOME THE NEW BOISE STATE.

FRESNO, CA -- Coming off the worst season in recent memory a year ago the Fresno State Bulldogs looked for new leadership and got it with young head coach Robert Goss. From there his leadership energy and wisdom trickled down to his kids as fall camp got underway. A injury to pre season all conference quarterback Leon Thompson nearly crushed the hopes of the Bulldogs who gave the reigns to sophomore quarterback Chase Kelly. He would struggle at times but those early season learning experiences has him and the Fresno State Bulldogs one of the hottest teams in the country and are now talking about a potential National Championship birth. The Bulldogs ran through the MWC conference with an 8-0 record winning the big one on the road at Boise State 28-24. A final showdown with Nevada saw Fresno and Chase step up to the plate blowing out the wolfpack 33-14. A final home win over Air Force clinched the conference and have the Fresno State campus buzzing.
Congratulations fellas.


-----Weekly Press Conference Quotes-----

• "We understand whats at stake, we feel we'll get a BCS opportunity but ultimately its up to the computers to let us go the ship if Arkansas or Wisconsin were to fall, its out of our hands now, so we're going to sit back and watch the weekend play out." ~Head Coach Robert Goss

• "This is an exciting time right now, the campus is buzzing, the media is here, I would have never thought it would be this big of a eal, but Im glad to be a part of it. ~ Linebacker Tim Washington
  

• "We got all of our goals accomplished for the season, whatever else happens is a bonus ~ Quarterback Chase Kelly
  

HEADLINES

• At 12-0 the Bulldogs are hoping for bigger things this postseason
• Bulldogs looking forward to wild conference championship weekend
• Chase Allen has turned the edge, possible QB controversy heading into spring
• Defense ends season ranked No. 1 overall
• Five more commit to 'Dogs raising total to 15
  

2012 Commitments Recruiting - 2012
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Ray Levine	K	HS	Chula Vista, CA	6'1	179
Leroy Stover (GEM)	SS	HS	Stockton, CA	6'1	201
Mile Vincent (GEM)	DE	HS	Parkway, CA	6'4	242
Joshua Robinson	SS	HS	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	6'6	213
Lawrence Mullins	G	HS	Buena Park, CA	6'3	334
Brandon Davis	G	HS	La Mesa, CA	6'3	268
Bo Robinson	WR	HS	Orange, CA	6'2	215
Louis Johnson	FS	HS	Rancho Cordova, CA	6'1	220
Rodney White	CB	HS	Santee, CA	6'1	229
Jason Gray	SS	JUCO	Converse, TX	6'2	196
Steven Dawson	OLB	HS	Modesto, CA	6'4	228
Adam Williams	OLB	HS	Poway, CA	6'1	204
Joe Brantley	RB	HS	Bell Gardens, CA	5'10	203
Carlos Phillips	WR	HS	Glendora, CA	6'5	217
Tyler King	FS	HS	Azle, TX	6'2	214

[gorillapittpray]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL FINAL


#5 OKLAHOMA FALLS ON SEASON'S LAST WEEKEND
By Rece Davis
ESPN.com

Ft. Worth, TX-- Battling for their National Championship lives the #5 Oklahoma Sooners dropped a heartbreaker to the TCU Horned Frogs 27-17. With Fresno State and USC in front of the Sooners a win could have most definitely solidified a BCS Bowl having already clinched the Big 12 Title, No.1 Arkansas, No.2 Wisconsin and No.4 USC all have conference championship games and losses would have slid the Sooners into the BCS national title.
"Its very disappointing, but at the same time we didnt do our part, we over looked a very good and athletic TCU team and they put it to us." Head Coach Bob Stoops said. The Sooners finish the season with a 10-2 record while the Horned Frogs improve to 7-5

TOP 25 HEADLINES

• A Longhorns edge Wildcats 31-24, in reach of BCS Bowl
• Navy gets Army in OT
• Tough defense gives Arkansas State the Sun Belt Title with 1-point win
• Utah State clinches WAC title after amazing finish to season
• Nelson's pick six helps UConn close out the Big East
• SMU's dramatic 31-24 win over Tulsa sends them to the Conf-USA Championship Game, now on 7 game win streak
• Ohio hangs on to a 17-14 win over Kent State, heads to MAC Championship

Weekend observations
By Kirk Herbstriet, ESPN.com

ESPN STUDIOS-- Only four top 25 games were on this weekend all from the Big 12 conference. But before we saw TCU shutdown Oklahoma's attack in the second half other conferences still had to figure out its championship participants and its conference champion. In the Conference USA ECU already clinched the East Division. But the West Division came down to the final game between SMU and Tulsa both at 6-1 in the conference. It also came down to the final minutes. As SMU edged out Tulsa, Arkansas State's 1-point win over Middle Tennessee State gave them the Sun Belt while Ohio's big kick, kicked them into the MAC Championship game.
Sometimes we're so caught up in the big time match ups in the top 10 that we tend to forget about the little guys who go to work every weekend too. Was definitely a great weekend of hard fought college football.

[gorillapittpray]

---

ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY PRESENTED BY HOME DEPOT

FOR ALL THE MARBLES!
RAZORBACKS, BADGER AND TROJANS, OH MY!
By Brad Nessler
ESPN.COM

Atlanta, GA-- No.1 Arkansas, No.2 Wisconsin and No.4 USC put it on the line for a chance to head to the BCS National Championship. For Arkansas and Wisconsin it's simple, win and you're in. But this may not be that simple, usually teams have played a game against each other up to this point. Not the Case for the Razorbacks when they face the once favored Missouri Tigers who started the season off at 8-0 but since have just won once in their last four games. The same can be said for Wisconsin who faces a Michigan team who reeled off 7 consecutive wins after a OT lost to previous No.1 Notre Dame. A loss to Ohio State to end the season could have the Wolverines looking for their own upset.
For the Trojans, they just need to win and it will pan out. They face a Oregon Duck team who lost to No.3 Fresno State earlier this season in OT (44-41) then won six straight before falling to these Trojans 33-21. The loss sparked the Trojans miraculous end of season run beating UCLA and Notre Dame in back to back weeks. Should be a great weekend of Big Time Football.

BCS TOP 10

1. Arkansas 12-0 -----
2. Wisconsin 12-0 (.995)
3. Fresno State 12-0 (.989
4. USC 11-1 (.987)
5. Notre Dame 11-1 (.978)
6. Texas 11-1 (.973)
7. Boise State 11-1 (.967)
8. Alabama 10-2 (.962)
9. Georgia 10-2 (.949)
10. Oregon 10-2 (.942)

__________________________________________________

Heisman Race
In the final weekend of the College football season, the heavy favorite to win the 2012 Heisman Trophy is Georgia's Matthew Rutledge who have put on a show the final 6 weeks of the season. Arkansas Jerrell Baker and Nate Gray have the opportunity to impress one last time in the SEC Championship game however.

1. Matthew Rutledge HB- Georgia

• 347 car, 1,865 yards 24 touchdowns

2. Jerrell Baker HB- Arkansas

• 178 car, 1,003 yards 9 touchdowns
• 40 rec, 701 yards 10 touchdowns

3. Nate Gray QB- Arkansas

• 180.0 rating, 3,468 yards 42td 7int

4. David Sims QB- Utah

• 166.6 rating, 3,525 yards 36td 11int

5. Curtis Harris HB- Wisconsin

• 212 car, 1,217 yards 15 touchdowns

__________________________________________________


TOP 25

1. Arkansas 12-0
2. Wisconsin 12-0
3. Fresno State 12-0
4. USC 11-1
5. Notre Dame 11-1
6. Texas 11-1
7. Boise State 11-1
8. Alabama 10-2
9. Georgia 10-2
10. Oregon 10-2
11. NC State 11-1
12. West Virginia 9-3
13. Oklahoma 10-2
14. Virginia Tech 10-2
15. Utah 10-2
16. UCLA 10-2
17. Oklahoma State 9-3
18. Michigan 9-3
19. Florida State 9-3
20. Nebraska 9-3
21. Michigan State 8-4
22. Miami 8-4
23. Ohio State 8-4
24. Kansas State 8-4
25. FIU 11-1

WEEKEND WATCH

• Gameday travels to Atlanta
• Conference USA matches East Carolina vs SMU
• Despite a better record than the #14 ranked Hokies, NC State plays underdog roll in ACC Championship
• Ohio looks to get to 10 wins in MAC Championship vs Northern Illinois
• Game of the night could be Michigan and Wisconsin at Lucas Oil
• High powered pass attacks meet in SEC Championship
• Waller looks to lead SC to the promise land in rematch vs Ducks
  

[gorillapittpray]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL FINAL


CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP!
By Rece Davis
ESPN.com

ACC - VIRGINIA TECH 34, NORTH CAROLINA STATE 21

• Overcoming last year's lost to Clemson the Hokies beat North Carolina State up and down the Field Saturday for their 5th ACC Title in school history. Horn led the Hokies pass attack throwing 15 for 22 and two touchdowns along with no interceptions as the Hokies jumped out to a 24-7 lead before holding on to the 34-21 win

SEC - ARKANSAS 51, MISSOURI 17

• To complete their undefeated regular season, No.1 Arkansas triumphed over Missouri in the Georgia Dome. Despite accounting for zero first downs in the first quarter, and trailing 10-7 at the half, running back Jerrell Baker just shrugged and anyone who knows even a little bit about college football realized what was coming: Arkansas ripping off 37 straight points and cruising to victory. Jerrell Baker and his dazzling playmaking abilities might have won him the Heisman, his 185 yards and four scores on the ground capped off by 55 yard run gave Arkansas all the momentum they needed in this one. For Missouri it was a promising year and almost winning the SEC is a major plus in the programs first season here.

PAC-12 - USC 45, OREGON 21

• In the 2nd installment of the PAC-12 Championship Oregon found themselves back in it. But unlike last year USC gets the opportunity to take whats there's and quarterback Chance Waller didnt disappoint, the ever so hot Trojans, winners of 8 straight saw Waller pick apart the speedy defense of Oregon throwing 5 touchdown passes. He was a yard off of 400 throwing 21 of 31 for 399 yards. A 21-point third quarter did the trick as the Trojans built a 31-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
  

BIG TEN - WISCONSIN 23, MICHIGAN 20

• The game of the night was happening in Indianapolis on Lucas Oil Field where the Badgers battled their way to a tough 3-point win. A back and forth affair saw both teams tied at the break 10-a piece. With Heisman candidate C. Harris out the Badgers went to the arm of A. Golden who passed the Badgers to their first lead of the night with a 20 yard touchdown pass to open up the fourth quarter 17-13 a field goal soon after had the Badgers up 20-13 but a physical drive led by quarterback J. Heinz saw him tie the game on a 17 yard third down quarterback draw with just 37 seconds left. All it took was one play for Wisconsin to get in field goal range when returner L. Tyler broke down the sideline for a 70 yard return before getting knocked out of bounds. Just seconds later Q. Miller booted the 40 yard field goal to win the game as the Badgers sealed a trip to the national championship.

TOP HEADLINES

• SMU's K. Phillips tosses school record 7 touchdowns in 65-27 rout of East Carolina for Conference USA championship.
• Northern Illinois out wits Ohio, claims Mac Championship
  

[gorillapittpray]

BCS SELECTION SHOW

JAN 1ST 2013 5PM

• #7 BOISE STATE (11-1) VS #8 ALABAMA (10-2)

JAN 2ND 2013 8PM

• #3 FRESNO STATE (12-0) VS #4 USC (12-1)

JAN 3RD 2013 8PM

• #9 VIRGINIA TECH (11-2) VS #11 OKLAHOMA (10-2)

JAN 4TH 2013 8PM

• #5 NOTRE DAME (11-1) VS #6 TEXAS (11-1)

JAN 7TH 2013 8PM

• #1 ARKANSAS (13-0) VS #2 WISCONSIN (13-0)

NOTABLE BOWL MATCHUPS

• CAPITAL ONE BOWL - #10 GEORGIA (10-2) VS MICHIGAN (9-4)
• OUTBACK BOWL - MISSOURI (9-4) VS #19 MICHIGAN STATE (8-4)
• CHICK FIL A BOWL - MISSISSIPPI STATE (8-4) VS #14 NC STATE (11-2)
• INSIGHT BOWL - #25 TCU (7-5) VS #22 OHIO STATE (8-4)
• ALAMO BOWL - #17 OKLAHOMA STATE (9-3) VS #13 UCLA (10-2)
• HOLIDAY BOWL - #23 KANSAS STATE (8-4) VS #16 OREGON (10-3)
• INDEPENDENCE BOWL - NEVADA (9-3) VS CLEMSON (8-4)
  

[gorillapittpray]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS SHOW & HEISMAN PRESENTATION

MAXWELL, O'BRIEN
- ARKANSAS QB NATE GRAY (3,673 YDS, 301 RUSH YDS, 45 TOTAL TD'S)

WALTER CAMP
- ARKANSAS RB JERRELL BAKER (1,188 YDS, 13 TD'S, 730 REC YDS, 10 TD'S)

BEDNARIK, NAGURSKI, THORPE
- WISCONSIN CB CURTIS WILLIS (47 TACKLES, 2 SACKS, 10 INT'S 14 PBU'S 4 FF'S)

WALKER
- GEORGIA RB MATTHEW RUTLEDGE (1,865 YDS, 24 TD'S)

BILETNIKOFF
- NC STATE WR PAUL HUGGINS (92 REC 1,703 YDS 19 TD'S)

MACKEY
- ARKANSAS TE DANIEL HUGHES (51 REC 652 YDS 14 TD'S)

OUTLAND
- WISCONSIN LT JUSTIN WOOD (29 PANCAKES, 5 SACKS ALLOWED)

RIMINGTON
- WISCONSIN C JEFF YOUNG

LOMBARDI
- NOTRE DAME DE JERMAINE HALE (53 TACKLES, 17 TFL, 5.5 SACKS, 2 FF, 2 FR)

BEST LINEBACKER
- FRESNO STATE MLB TIM WASHINGTON (69 TACKLES, 29 TFL, 13.5 SACKS, 1 DEF TD)

GROZA
- FLORIDA K ROB WHITE (23-24 LONG OF 52, 33-34 EP)

GUY
- WISCONSIN P AUSTIN WILLIAMS (43.2 AVG, 69 LONG, 20 INSIDE 20)

BEST RETURNER
- PURDUE WR DJ BELL (2 KO RET TD'S, 1 PUNT RET TD)

COACH OF THE YEAR
- FRESNO STATE HEAD COACH ROBERT GOSS (12-0 RECORD, SCHOOL'S FIRST EVER TRIP TO A BCS BOWL)
__________________________________________________ _____

FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICA
QB - NATE GRAY ARKANSAS
HB - JERRELL BAKER ARKANSAS
HB - MATTHEW RUTLEDGE GEORGIA
WR - NICK CLARK MIAMI of OHIO
WR - PAUL HUGGINS NORTH CAROLINA STATE
TE - DANIEL HUGHES ARKANSAS
OL - JUSTIN WOOD WISCONSIN
OL - STEVE ARNOLD WISCONSIN
OL - JEFF YOUNG WISCONSIN
OL - JIMMY DODD WISCONSIN
OL - JAMES WILLIAMS USC

DL - JERMAINE HALE NOTRE DAME
DL - DEREK FRANKLIN VIRGINIA TECH
DL - JOHN JONES UTAH
DL - BEN WORKMAN WISCONSIN
LB - BRENT PARKER STANFORD
LB - TIM WASHINGTON FRESNO STATE
LB - JASON BUTLER MISSISSIPPI STATE
DB - BRENT HARVEY USC
DB - CURTIS WILLIS WISCONSIN
DB - WILLIAM LEE TEXAS
DB - BRIAN BROWN MIAMI
K - QUINN MILLER WISCONSIN
P - AUSTIN WILLIAMS WISCONSIN
RET - DJ BELL PURDUE

2ND TEAM
QB - CHANCE WALLER USC
RB - DAVID EDWARDS OKLAHOMA
RB - CURTIS HARRIS WISCONSIN
WR - MIKE PETERS FRESNO STATE
WR - WILLIAM TAYLOR USC
TE - CRAIG HORNER BOISE STATE
OL - RYAN DANIELS ALABAMA
OL - COLE PAYNE USC
OL - JAKE JONES TEXAS
OL - BO HOLLIS USC
OL - JAMES MILLS WISCONSIN

DL - BRIAN THOMAS GEORGIA
DL - MARCUS ROACH FIU
DL - CHRIS WHITE OKLAHOMA
DL - SHAUN MURPHY NOTRE DAME
LB - ERIC ALLEN NOTRE DAME
LB - BRAD OWENS OREGON
LB - JEREMY NELSON VIRGINIA TECH
DB - BRETT HOPKINS UTAH
DB - BRYAN HILL FIU
DB - DAN MARSHALL FRESNO STATE
DB - BRANDON JOHNSON FRESNO STATE
K - JOHN ALLEN USC
P - MARK BELL BOISE STATE
RET - JD BAILEY NORTH CAROLINA STATE

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner is.......
Arkansas running back Jerrell Baker. Baker had one of the better SEC Championship games of all time rushing for 185 yards and four touchdowns. The dual threat back who also showed he could catch passes out of the backfield was a great asset for fellow Heisman finalist Nate Gray. The 6'0 226 pound Junior had 1,918 all purpose yards along with 23 touchdowns on the season for the 13-0 and #1 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. Congratulations on this prestigious award.

Finalist:

1. JERRELL BAKER (JR) HB ARKANSAS
2. MATTHEW RUTLEDG (SR) HB GEORGIA
3. DAVID SIMS (JR) QB UTAH
4. NATE GRAY (SR) QB ARKANSAS
5. CURTIS HARRIS (JR) HB WISCONSIN

[gorillapittpray]

BULLDOG NATION

ELITE STATUS!
BULLDOGS RECOGNIZED FOR INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Next Up #4 USC (12-1) Jan. 2nd 2013 8pm

TIM WASHINGTON THE BEST LINEBACKER AWARD WINNER HELPED LEAD FRESNO TO A NO.1 DEFENSIVE RANKING IN THE COUNTRY.

FRESNO, CA -- It's been a great ride this year if you're a Bulldog fan. It's even gotten better for key players on this 12-0 football team who received a bid to play in the All State Sugar Bowl. Four Bulldogs were named to the prestigious All American teams and Linebacker Tim Washington walked away with the Linebacker of the year award. "It's a tremendous honor to be recognized as the best at my position." Washington said. A junior from San Jose California Washington didnt feel he was th best at his position on his team. "I have to give credit to senior Chase Allen who taught me the ropes and how to use my aggression the right way." Washington finished the season leading the MWC in tackles with 69 to go with his 48 solo tackles which was good for 4th in the NCAA. He would also lead the country with 13.5 sacks. His play has led Fresno State to the number defense in the country. "Tim is a helluva athlete, I knew he could play in space and because of that we were able to use him in a lot of our zone blitz schemes. Im excited for him to get that award, he's worked hard out there." Said head coach Robert Goss.
Washington was the lone first team selection for All American. But receiver Mike Peters, and safeties Dan Marshall and Brandon Johnson 2nd team selections.
The Bulldogs also got a school record 17 all conference selections, dominated by them and Boise State Fresno State seemed to be liked by their peers. Below are the All American and All Conference Selections:

All American
LB Tim Washington (1st)
WR Mike Peters (2nd)
FS Dan Marshall (2nd)
SS Brandon Johnson (2nd)

All Mountain West Conference
1st team:
HB Bill Wright
WR Mike Peters
OL Carlos Walker
DL Justin Rush
DL Brandon Rush
LB Tim Washington
LB Chase Allen
DB Derek Robinson
DB Dan Marshall
DB Brandon Johnson

2nd Team:
OL Kyle Jack
OL Derek Henderson
OL AJ Irby
DL Brian Hackett
DL Jeff Kearney
DB Omar Cross
K Michael Bailey

HEADLINES

• Bulldogs selected for Sugar Bowl vs #4 USC
  
• Washington gaining National attention wins Best LB award
  
• Four tabbed All American by Associated Press
  
• Bulldogs get 17 on all conference teams
  
• Goss earns Coach of the year by AFCA