Aug. 27, 2007

Complete Fresno State Football Weekly Release in PDF Format

Dogs Kickoff 85th Year by Hosting Sacramento State: Fresno State kicks off the 2007 season this week marking the 85th season of college football on campus. The Bulldogs host Sacramento State of the Big Sky Conference. The Hornets are making their first appearance in Bulldog Stadium.

September Openers: For the second straight season the Dogs open the season at home on Sept. 1. Fresno State defeated Nevada 28-19 in the first game of the 2006 season. The Dogs are 2-0 in games played on September 1, including a 27-22 win at Arizona on Sept. 1, 1984.

Home Cooking: Fresno State opens the season at home for just the seventh time since 1992. The Dogs are 12-2 in season opening games played at Bulldog Stadium. The last loss was in 1996 to Oregon 30-27 (OT).

About Sacramento State: The Hornets open the Marshall Sperbeck era in Fresno this week, as the new coach begins his Division I coaching career against the Bulldogs. The Hornets are coming off a 4-7 season that saw them finish fifth in the Big Sky Conference. Sacramento State returns 13 starters, including safety Brent Webber, who ranked second in Division I-AA last season with six interceptions.

Against the Hornets: Despite 200 miles separating the two schools, Fresno State and Sacramento State have met just once. The Dogs beat the Hornets 24-7 in 1972. This will be the first appearance in Bulldog Stadium by the Hornets.

Big Sky Country: This marks the second time in three seasons Fresno State has opened the season at home against a school from the Big Sky Conference. The Dogs defeated Weber State 55-17 in the 2005 season opener. Head coach Pat Hill is 5-0 against schools from the Big Sky Conference in his tenure. Overall, Fresno State is 23-18 against teams that are members of the Big Sky and have not lost to a Big Sky opponent since 1984.

Carr to be Honored: During halftime ceremonies of Saturday's game, Fresno State will retire the jersey of former Bulldog quarterback David Carr. Carr, who played for Fresno State from 1997-2001, led the Bulldogs to a No. 8 national ranking in 2001, led the NCAA in passing yards and touchdowns, and finished fifth in voting for Heisman Trophy. He was selected the National Offensive Player of the Year while winning the Sammy Baugh, Johnny Unitas and Pop Warner Awards. A native of Bakersfield, Carr shattered several Bulldog single season records, while leading the team to a school-record 11 victories. Carr, his wife Melody, and sons Austin, Tyler and Cooper, will be at Bulldog Stadium for the awards ceremony.

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