Fresno St Bulldogs 2022 College Football Preview
July 15, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 10-3
ATS – 8-5
The Bulldogs were in good shape late in the year until Boise St gave them the old HOW TO and WHAT FOR in a 40-14 beating. Sadly, that was a 444 STAR MEGALOCKS TRIPLE MASK FOR SAFETY POWER LOCK loser. There was Championship-level talent on the roster but they fell just a bit short. The Bulldogs still managed to book at double-digit win campaign after taking down UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl (W 31-24) and should head into 2022 with some MOJO.
Let’s go!
Fresno St Bulldogs 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Bulldogs moved the ball thru the air at will LY thanks to the great play of QB Jake Haener who threw for over 4,000 (!) yards and 33 TDs. Haener returns for his senior campaign and will happy to know that three of the top-four WRs are back in the mix including his favorite target Jalen Cropper (85, 899, 11 TD LY). It took almost two decades ** for RB Ronnie Rivers to finally run out of eligibility (788 rush, 34 receptions LY) but the good news is that Jordan Mims is more than capable of putting up yuuuge numbers in 2022 (710 rush, 25 receptions LY). THE HITS KEEP COMING when you consider that four starters return to an offensive line that did a fine job in 2021, and they add Michigan St transfer Jacob Isaia who might be good enough to grab a starting role. This offense should be really, really good.
** needs fact check
DEFENSE
The Bulldogs played great defense LY (20.5 PPG, #20 FBS) and were strong vs the run (#24) and the pass (#24 pass efficiency D). Fresno St will be tough to score upon once again as new DC Kevin Coyle has seven returning starters to work with including the top-four tacklers from the 2021 squad. It’ll hurt to lose star DT Kevin Atkins (13 TFL) up front but there’s still talent in that group including lethal DE David Perales (7 TFL, 13.5 TFL LY). A solid LB corps adds USC transfer Raymond Scott and the secondary might be the best in the Mountain West. The Bulldogs seemingly have it all on defense. Size up front. Pass rushing ability. ACTIVE linebackers, and a top-notch secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS
It doesn’t look like an elite bunch but there’s continuity O’PLENTY. Punter Carson King had a fine 39.5 yard net LY and Abraham Montano will take over the full-time PK duties (5-5 FG, 14-14 XP). They could use more explosiveness at PR and KR.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The Bulldogs have a pair of layups in non-conference play but must also travel to USC (!) and battle the sneaky-good Oregon St Beavers. Mountain West action kicks off with a bang as they take on Boise St on the SMURF TURF to open conference play. Note that they get to play San Diego St at home and that the November schedule is BUTTERY SOFT. They’ll be hard to catch if they get through October in good shape.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – October 1 – at Connecticut
Fresno St travels a lonnnggg way to play a rebuilding Huskies program the week before the aforementioned game with the Broncos. Not a spot in which we’ll be laying double digits.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline July 15
Over 8.5 -140
Under 8.5 +110
MEGALOCKS says:
No leanage.
That’s seems reasonable. The roster is loaded but that number doesn’t leave much room for error.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
There’s no doubt that Fresno St has what it takes to win all the Mountain West marbles. They’re loaded on both sides of the football and play in the easier half of the conference. The pressure will be on these guys to deliver but they’re still our PICK to CLICK as conference champs.
Want more Fresno St Bulldogs Football ?
WEBSITE
https://gobulldogs.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://247sports.com/college/fresno-state/Board/Bark-Board-102987/
NEWS
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/college/mountain-west/fresno-state/bulldogs-football/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/278/fresno-state-bulldogs