Fresno State Bulldogs In The Driver Seat In The MWC?

After leaving Fresno State in 2019, HC Jeff Tedford is back in the driver’s seat for the 2022 season with the departure of Kalen DeBoer to Washington. Tedford was with the Bulldogs from 2017-2019 where he found success in his first two seasons. The Bulldogs under Tedford went from 1-11 in 2016 to 10-4 year one under the Tedford Era. Jeff’s second season with the dogs he posted the MOST wins in Bulldogs football program history (12).

Will The Bulldogs Make It Back To The MWC Title Game?

It will be no easy assignment as Fresno State has a tricky road schedule ahead. Anything less than an appearance in the Conference Championship game will be a downer for the program. Fresno State though is in the driver seat in the MWC with their returning star-QB for another season.

The Bulldogs had the best total offense in the Mountain West, while ranking second in scoring. Fresno State’s offense is what will steer their chances considerably to win the MWC. That achievement begins with starting QB Jake Haener (4,096 YDS, 33 TD, 9 INT) who was the heart and soul of this offense. Haener will be throwing to his top targets again in Jalen Cropper and Josh Kelly. Jordan Mims (127 ATT, 710 YDS, 6 TD) will take over as the starter in the run game for the Bulldogs.

Now, we are not forgetting about the defensive side of the ball. They ranked 3rd in the MWC in yards allowed and 4th for points per game. Though the defense was stellar last season, they allowed 30 points five times which resulted in 2/3 losses. The defense this season is returning 73% of their production which ranks 40th in the nation.

2022 FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS SCHEDULE

• Thu., Sept. 1 – vs. Cal Poly
• Sat., Sept. 10 – vs. Oregon State
• Sat., Sept. 17 – at USC
• Sat., Oct. 1 – at UConn
• Sat., Oct. 8 – at Boise State
• Sat., Oct. 15 – vs. San Jose State
• Sat., Oct. 22 – at New Mexico
• Sat., Oct. 29 – vs. San Diego State
• Sat., Nov. 5 – vs. Hawaii
• Sat., Nov. 12 – at UNLV
• Sat., Nov. 19 – at Nevada
• Fri., Nov. 25 – vs. Wyoming

There is a remarkably good chance this team ends up 10-2 SU or 8-4 SU this season. Road games against USC and Boise State are challenging, but winning one of those two games would be massive. Home matchups between Oregon State and San Diego State could be problematic as well.

Of course, something could always go wrong, and upsets can happen. However, with Haener under the helm at Fresno, I like their chances. Win total of over 8.5 is the top play here, but there is also value for the Bulldogs to win the Mountain West Championship as they should in the driver seat to come out of the West division.

Pick: Over 8.5 wins