Fresno State Football

With the 2009 Fresno State season coming to a close, a disappointing 35-28 loss to the Wyoming Cowboys in the New Mexico Bowl, Fresno State fans and teammates of running back Ryan Mathews will hold their collective breath awaiting his decision on his future.

The All-American running back finished his junior season with 1,808 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, and that was even after missing two games due to injury.

What comes next is anyone's guess. The decision can only be made by Mathews and with the help of his family and head coach Pat Hill.

There may be something to be said about ending his college career with an embarrassing loss and fans hope it's enough to entice the running back to return for his senior season.

But, if you ask the majority of the Fresno State fans, they'll tell you that they expect Mathews to turn pro and declare for the NFL draft. Not that many will blame him for taking the money and starting the next phase of his football career.

But, what would it take for Mathews to return to Fresno State and try to go out better than a loss in a lesser-known bowl game?

Possibly the fact that Hill will have his contract extended, though the years and dollar figures aren't known and the fact that the 2010 team is expected to be far and away better than the team that just finished the 2009 season.

What will lock in his decision is if he's projected to be a first-round draft pick. If that's the case, you may as well put together Mathews' goodbye party and wish him well.

If he's a low- to mid-second round pick, then the chance of him coming back would still be slim but better than if he were a first rounder.

If Mathews were to leave for greener pastures, the running back position will still be in good hands.

Current freshman speedster Robbie Rouse, sophomores A.J. Ellis and Michael Harris and incoming freshman commits Leslee Rogers and E.J. Schexnayder would handle the position.

So there will be no lack of speed and depth, with running backs with different styles but equally as efficient.

So, whatever decision Mathews decides to make, the Bulldogs will be just fine.

But, if he does decided to return, this Bulldog team just got that much better and with a change at the quarterback position, could finally become a contender in the Western Athletic Conference.

Something Fresno State fans haven't seen since 1999 and something that is long overdue.

This wasn't how the season was supposed to end, not like this and not to Wyoming.

Unfortunately for Fresno State, it's exactly the way it ended as the Bulldogs dropped a 35-28 decision to the Cowboys in double overtime. Ending an already disappointing season for the Bulldogs.

A few weeks after head coach Pat Hill was given a contract extension by the university, the Bulldogs were supposed to make good on that extension and show the Fresno State fans that they could close out the season strong.

Right from the start of the game, it was clear that Fresno State wanted to show up, show their 'Bulldog' name and All American rusher (Ryan Mathews) and expected Wyoming to roll over.

Wyoming controlled the Fresno State defense, doing something that Fresno State had made themselves famous for, using the ground game to their advantage.

The Cowboys finished with 234 yards rushing and got three passing touchdowns, as well as 68 yards rushing, from quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels.

Where Fresno State goes from here won't be known at least until after the holidays. There's been no details released on Pat Hill's contract extension, but with the loss to Wyoming, those terms could possibly change.

The Bulldogs have lost three of their last four bowl games including the last two appearances in the New Mexico Bowl and are 0-4 against Mountain West teams in bowl games.

It ends a season that has been disappointing in more ways than one. It's a team that has underachieved and that was proved in a season ending loss to a team that had no business even being in the same stadium with the Bulldogs.

This was a more talented team coming into the game, a team that had stayed with BCS teams Boise State and Cincinnati as well as taking Wisconsin to overtime before dropping a 38-35 decision.

The team lacks leadership on both sides of the ball and changes will need to be made next season if they are going to be a much different team from the one that left the Central Valley with more questions than answers.

Over the next few months, Pat Hill and his coaching staff will turn their attention to recruiting. But once spring drills start, decisions will need to be made if the results in 2010 are going to be a complete turnaround from the way 2009 ended.

Fresno State is just a few days away from playing in the New Mexico Bowl against Wyoming, their final game of the 2009 season, which means head coach Pat Hill will hit the recruiting trail to add players to his 2010 roster.

So far, Fresno State has already gotten ten verbal commits, eight of those on the offensive side of the ball including two at the quarterback position.

But don't think Hill or his coaching staff is anywhere close to being done. There's a lot of time left to hit the road and ink the players that could possibly make Fresno State a WAC title contender once again.

The Bulldogs ranked 70th nationally in recruiting, first in the Western Athletic Conference according to Scout.com in front of both Boise State and Hawaii.

So far during the 2010 recruiting class, Fresno State has dropped seven places (77th) and is currently third in the conference in total number of commits (10).

With 18 graduating seniors, 10 on the offensive side of the ball, this season and another 17 after the 2010 season, the Bulldog coaching staff has some work to do to replace some much needed depth.

Quarterback:

Currently on the roster:

• Ryan Colburn 6'3" 220 lbs (RS Junior—Central Valley Christian HS)
• Ebahn Feathers 6'1" 210 lbs (RS Freshman—Washington Union HS)
• Derek Carr 6'3" 195 lbs (Freshman—Bakersfield Christian HS)

2010 Commits:

• Lester Fontenette 6'2" 210 lbs (Madison Senior HS)

Fontenette is a converted quarterback from running back and can play both sides of the ball. His coach at Madison Senior High in San Diego, Rick Jackson, says he's a natural linebacker, telling BarkBoard.com “Lester is extremely athletic and very versatile. He is a good leader on the field, leads by example."

If you watch his scouting video, he not only has the ability to throw the long ball, but he has the speed to evade the pass rush and find a receiving or tuck it and run.

Position Rank : 76

40 time: 4.5 seconds

Also considered: Nevada, New Mexico State, San Diego State, Washington State

• Marcus McDade 6'3" 195 lbs (St. Mary's HS)

McDade has the strongest arm between himself and Fontenette. The little known three star quarterback surprisingly didn't receive a single offer outside of the Bulldogs though he had his list of schools he was interested in.

The 6'3" signal caller decided on Fresno State at the beginning of this week and could quickly make his way up the depth chart. Giving the other three quarterbacks a run for their money.

"This is a poised productive player with the arm strength to make all the necessary throws at the BCS level of play."—ESPN Scouting

Position Rank : 24

Also considered: None

What the Bulldogs need at quarterback:

What Fresno State lacks right now at the position is a proven leader. A guy who, when he's in the huddle, commands the attention of every single one of his offensive players. They not only need someone to throw the accurate short passes, but someone that can throw the deep ball with accuracy as well, which is something this team lacked in 2009.

Running Backs:

Currently on the roster:

• Ryan Mathews 5'11" 220 lbs (Junior—West HS)
• A.J. Ellis 5'11" 175 lbs (RS Freshman—Hill (Andrew P) HS)
• Michael Harris 5'11" 195 lbs (RS Freshman—Chino Hills HS)
• Justin Webber 5'9" 190 lbs (RS Freshman—Sanger HS)
• Robbie Rouse 5'7" 185 lbs (Freshman—Madison Senior HS)

2010 Commits:

• Leslee Rogers 6'1" 180 lbs (Point Loma Senior HS)

Rogers shows the same kind of breakaway speed that All-American running back Ryan Mathews showed in his junior season. He hits the open holes and can elude defenders in the open field.

In the backfield with another speedster like sophomore running back Robbie Rouse, a former teammate of incoming freshman recruit Lester Fontenette at Madison Senior HS in San Diego, it could make the Bulldog backfield as dangerous as it's ever been.

"Leslie Rogers (6'2", 190) blends a nice combination of power and a fluid running style. He also has the size to be an every-down back, something Fresno State head coach Pat Hill desires."— BarkBoard.com

Position Rank: 115

Also considered: San Diego State, USC, UCLA

• Emery "E.J." Schexnayder 5'11" 210 lbs (North {John W.} HS)

Schexnayder has the ability to be a downhill runner. The kind of back that can hit even the smallest holes and punish defenders and get those extra yards. He also has the ability to bounce to the sidelines and outrun defenders.

Not only a runner but has good hands to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as on a route. He has all the tools that Fresno State covets.

"Schexnayder has the size with enough speed and athletic ability for the running back position at the major level of competition."— ESPN Scouting

Position Rank: 114

Also considered: San Diego State, UCLA, Boise State, UNLV

What Fresno State needs at running back:

With three graduating seniors, Lonyae Miller, Anthony Harding, and Jamal Rashad, and the possibility of All-American Ryan Mathews departing for the NFL draft, Fresno State needed to add some depth to the position.

They've done that by adding two guys who have two different styles of running. One is a power back who can get those extra yards when needed, the other has the kind of breakaway speed we've seen from Ryan Mathews this season.

Wide Receiver:

Currently on the roster:

• Devon Wylie 5'9" 180 lbs (Junior—Granite Bay HS)
• Rashad Evans 5'9" 180 lbs (Sophomore—James Logan HS)
• Jamel Hamler 6'1" 185 lbs (RS Sophomore—San Leandro HS)
• Jevon Stallworth 5'11" 180 lbs (RS Sophomore—Grant Union HS)
• Matt Lindsey 6'2" 180 lbs (RS Freshman—Clovis HS)
• Anthony Johnson 6'0" 180 lbs (Freshman—Highland HS)
• Taylor Stewart 6'0" 185 lbs (Freshman—Buchanan HS)

2010 Commits:

• Sean Alston 5'9" 172 lbs (Los Osos HS)

Alston has the ability to play on both sides of the ball as he did in high school. Picking up 30 tackles and an interception to earn Second Team All-Baseline League honors on defense and an Honorable mention on offense. He has the speed to get open and beat a defender on a long route and has no fear going over the middle.

On defense he has the knack to be where the ball is at all times. He can stay with a receiver step for step or bring down a running back in the open field.

It's likely that Alston will probably be used on defense for the Bulldogs.

Position rank: 167

Also considered: Washington State, Colorado State, UNLV, Utah State

• Victor Dean 6'6" 198 lbs (Lincoln Senior HS)

Arguably the most talented commit of the 2010 class, the two sport star committed to Fresno State just a week after taking his official visit to the campus.

He has a real shot to start for the Bulldogs as a true freshman as long as he puts in the time and effort to get there. Not only that, but Dean says he wants to walk on for Steve Cleveland's basketball team, but only if he can keep up academically.

Though Dean has verbally committed to Fresno State, he will still take his official visits to Washington and Arizona to make sure that the Bulldogs are the right fit for him.

Position rank: 156

Also considered: Arizona, Washington, Colorado State, San Diego State

• Jalen Saunders 5'10" 157 lbs (Pleasant Grove HS)

This young wide receiver also has a chance to start in his first year if he can prove himself to the coaching staff.

According to Scout.com , Saunders is expected to learn the X, Y, and Z spots. The same spots currently occupied by current Bulldog wide receivers Devon Wylie and Rashad Evans.

At the Fresno State skills camp, Saunders was clocked at 4.41 and 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. Though he had interest in schools like Washington and Washington State, LSU and Florida had apparently given Saunders verbal offers, as had WAC rival Boise State.

Position rank: 164

Also considered: Washington, Washington State, San Jose State, UNLV, Nevada

What Fresno State needs at wide receiver:

With four graduating seniors, including three of their top receivers in Seyi Ajirotutu, Chastin West, and Marlon Moore, the Bulldogs will need to replace that production with recruits who could make an immediate impact.

Fresno State believes they've done that with Dean and Saunders on top of having guys like Rashad Evans, Jamel Hamler and Devon Wylie.

Offensive line:

2010 commit:

• Andrew Gustafson 6'6" 262 lbs (Offensive Lineman—Chaparral HS)

Fresno State dipped in the "Valley of the Sun" to land this offensive lineman, especially after Pat Hill and his coaching staff decided not to recruit in the state of Texas due to budget cuts.

"Not quite as athletic as OT Jacob Ehm but he is bigger and more filled out. Has a frame you cannot coach. Very long arms. Needs to work on strength too and pad level but he too did not start last year and will only get better. Right now I would say he has a legit 1AA chance but if he keeps progressing could get some smaller D1 looks."—Jason Jewell, Southwest Recruiting Analyst

Position Rank: 133

Also considered: Air Force, New Mexico, UNLV, Northern Arizona

Other Commits:

• Edward Dillihunt 5'10" 194 lbs (Safety—Tulare Union HS)

Another recruit that can play on both sides of the ball but was looked at by the Bulldogs as a safety, though Pat Hill told Dillihunt that he'd give him a chance on both sides to see where he fit in.

"Dillihunt is an extremely versatile player, along with Wilson, they led Tulare to a 24-1 record the last two seasons. He’s a relentless hitter on defense, whether he lines up at outside linebacker or defensive back. On offense, he can score anytime he touches the ball from either the slot or the backfield—he provides the same explosiveness as kick returner too. And he can throw the rock, competing as a quarterback as a underclassman at Fresno State’s Individual Skills & Techniques Camp."—BarkBoard.com

Dillihunt has been compared to former Bulldog, and current NFL safety James Sanders.

Position rank: 100

Also considered: Washington State, Arizona State, UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada

• John Oglesby 6'2" 225 lbs (Linebacker—Highland HS)

Oglesby became the fifth recruit of the 2010 class after committing towards the end of November.

"We're excited about it," Highland head coach Tim Hartnett told the Bakersfield Californian . "He's got a few hoops to jump through academically, but we think he's going to get there."

Players scheduled for official visits to Fresno State:

• Derron Smith 5'10" 173 lbs (CB—Banning HS) Visit Date: Jan. 9
  

"Smith is a cornerback doubling as a dual-threat quarterback in the shotgun spread offense where he is serviceable as a passer, but explosive, quick and shifty as a runner who is capable improvising and making plays on the move."—ESPN Scouting

Also considering: Nebraska, San Diego State, UNLV, New Mexico State, Arizona State

• Demetrius Williams 5'11" 173 lbs (QB—Inderkum HS) Visit Date: Jan. 22
  

"Had over 1,900 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns as a 2008 junior at Sacramento (Calif.) Inderkum. Earned All-League Tri-County Conference, Honorable Mention All-Sacramento, Offensive Player of the Year."—Scout.com

Also considering: Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, Sacramento State, UCLA, UNLV, Washington State

• Tyeler Davison 6'1" 281 lbs (OG—Desert Mountain HS) Visit Date: 1/22/2010

"Davison (6'2", 290) helped his team reach the semi-finals of the 5A2 state playoffs, recording 49 tackles and 7.5 sacks."—Scout.com

Williams does not have an offer from Fresno State as of yet but was told he could have one during his visit to the campus.

Also considering: UNLV, Air Force, Arizona, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona

New Mexico Bowl: Dec. 19, 2009 | 4:30 PM EST on ESPN

Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4) v. Wyoming Cowboys (6-6)

Opening Line: Fresno State -10.5

Game Preview: If you are going to play in an inconsequential bowl game, it is probably better to be early in the bowl season. This way your team hasn't gotten too out of rhythm and can stay reasonably motivated even though the opponent might not be exciting.

This should be the case for the New Mexico Bowl. One the one hand, Wyoming is likely thrilled to be in a bowl game. They do not often play in the postseason even though it seems that almost every team goes bowling. On the other, Fresno prides itself as being a bit bigger than its station and is willing to challenge anybody, anytime, anywhere. Can they get up for a face off with the Cowboys? That is a primary concern in handicapping this game.

Fresno State Preview: The Bulldogs love to run the ball. Ryan Matthews has been on fire almost all year, averaging over 100 yards a game. They can also balance their attack when need be, but with Pat Hill at the helm, they are not against running it down your throat.

Unfortunately, their defense doesn't always hold up its end of the bargain. As much as they can run the ball they are easy to run on, giving up over 200 yards a game. Despite their lack of defensive might it is hard to see this game becoming a back and forth running contest.

Wyoming Preview: Kudos to the Cowboys for grabbing the six victories needed to be bowl eligible. Four of their six losses were to Top 25 teams, including two of the current unbeatens Texas and TCU. These blowouts skew their stats dramatically, but the fact is they have only outgained one opponent all season—San Diego State.

This wreaks of a team that has been very lucky and/or opportunistic, which might not carry over to the post-season. The fact that they do not have a lot of experience with bowl games should make bettors nervous too. The Cowboys might just be happy to leave Wyoming in Winter.

Game Prediction: I don't expect this one to be close. Fresno will do what it does best and ride Matthews early and often. I think it will be 14-0 at the end of one and not get any closer than that throughout the contest. Wyoming may be improving, but the Bulldogs will be too much to handle similar to the other good teams that are on their schedule.

Score Prediction: Fresno State 42, Wyoming 17

Pick: Grab the Bulldogs but do it soon as I think this will go up as game time approaches.

Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Trends:

• Fresno State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Fresno State's last 6 games

Wyoming Cowboys Betting Trends:

• Wyoming is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
• Wyoming is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Wyoming's last 9 games

CLICK HERE FOR FREE BOWL PICKS

The Fresno State Bulldogs won't have any distractions hanging over there head in the days leading up to their showdown against the Wyoming Cowboys in the New Mexico Bowl.

Head coach Pat Hill, with several rumors floating around of his inevitable departure, learned on Sunday night that his contract would be extended by the university. Though the terms and years are not yet known, it does mean that Hill will be pacing the sidelines for at least another few years.

These teams have faced each other six times, the last coming in 1997, each winning three games on their respective home fields. The two teams will meet in Albuquerque, NM this weekend to face each other once again in what could be a one-sided affair.

The Bulldogs (8-4, 6-2) are coming off a hard fought victory over the University of Illinois on a miraculous, almost improbable, two point conversion that lifted Fresno State to a 53-52 victory as time expired.

They've hung tough with teams like Wisconsin, conference rival Boise State, and Cincinnati, all of whom are ranked in the Top 20. The Bulldogs could have pulled out victories in two of those games but couldn't find a way to win either of them.

As for the Wyoming Cowboys (6-6, 4-4), they will return to the postseason for the first time since 2004 when they defeated UCLA 24-21 in the Las Vegas Bowl.

They're coming off a tough season that saw them score 10 points or less in six of their twelve games, including getting shut out in three of those.

The Bulldogs tout All American running back Ryan Mathews, a guy who led the nation in rushing for most of the season until he suffered a concussion against Nevada. With Wyoming's defense giving up 170.5 rushing yards per game, it could be just what Mathews needs to show off his ability once more before possibly declaring for the NFL draft after the season is over.

The Bulldogs come into this game averaging 34.3 points per game to Wyoming's 16.9 points per game. Looking at numbers alone makes it look like a blowout for the Bulldogs before the game is even played.

But before we get too ahead of ourselves, take a look at the two teams defensively and you might see them more evenly matched than at first glance.

The Bulldog defense is giving up 27.8 points per game where Wyoming is giving up 27.6 points per game, a 0.2 point per game difference. Though looking at those numbers can fool you because Wyoming's offense is so anemic.

The Bulldogs have something to prove, especially after losing last year's New Mexico Bowl 40-35 to Colorado State and losing two of their last three bowl games dating back to 2005.

This should be a huge day for the Fresno State offense and possibly a going away party for running back Ryan Mathews. One more chance for him to showcase his talents to NFL scouts.

The Bulldogs might be so far ahead to allow freshman quarterback Derek Carr to give Fresno State fans a glimpse of what's to come next season.

Prediction: Fresno State 41  Wyoming 17

With the season wrapping up, the rumors were about to begin flying about where Pat Hill would end up or even if Fresno State was going to ask him to come back for the final year of his contract.

According to ABC 30 in Fresno, those questions and rumors can finally be put to rest.

Fresno State Athletic Director Thomas Boeh made the announcement that the university has given Hill an extension that will keep him there beyond the 2010 season.

The terms of the contract have not been released, but Boeh, in a statement released earlier this evening, said they're happy to have Hill remain the head coach at Fresno State.

"I am very pleased that Pat Hill will continue to lead the Fresno State football team in the years ahead," said Boeh. "He has demonstrated extraordinary passion as well as the fact that an NCAA Division I football program can be successful both on and off the field. We value his leadership and preparation of our student-athletes for their lives following Fresno State."

Coach Hill was also asked about the extension, and Hill told ABC 30 that he's happy to have the focus back on his team, the players, the bowl game coming up, and the players' final exams.

"I'm happy to have the discussions regarding an extension moving forward," said Hill. "I truly believe our best years are ahead of us, and I'm pleased to have the support of Thomas Boeh and our administration as we continue to build the football program and remain a source of pride the San Joaquin Valley. Our primary focus will now return to the completion of final exams, recruiting, and preparation for the New Mexico Bowl."

The college football season hasn't even ended and coaches are already jumping ship. It started with Cincinnati's Bryan Kelly taking the head coaching job at Notre Dame, could Fresno State head coach Pat Hill be next?

Hill is no stranger to the rumors that he's headed to coach elsewhere, but the rumors this year may take on a life of their own. Especially since Hill will be going into the 2010 season as a lame duck coach in the final year of his contract with the university.

Rumors surfaced last year of Hill's interest in not only the head coaching job at the University of Washington but also at Iowa State and with the Oakland Raiders. None of the three panned out.

Make no mistake, a lot of Fresno State fans want to personally drive him to wherever he's headed next so they can end the Pat Hill era. Then there are those that are more than happy with what Hill has been able to accomplish.

But when you talk about accomplishments, they're not just on the field but off the field as well. His players not only succeed on the football field, but Hill makes sure that they succeed in the classroom.

Unfortunately, what the players do in the classroom doesn't make up for the lack of WAC championships Fresno State has under their belt, only obtaining a share of the title back in 1999, before Boise State became the conference powerhouse, and then dropping a 17-16 decision to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

It's no secret that Pat Hill has looked at the PAC-10 as a stepping stone for his team, but could it be a stepping stone for his own coaching career?

When Jim Harbaugh, currently the head coach at Stanford, was offered the head coaching job at the University of Kansas most thought Harbaugh would be on his way out the door. Knowing that, Hill could look at Stanford as a possible destination and his next stop of his coaching career.

But, according to KMBC in Kansas City, Harbaugh turned down the offer said to be in the neighborhood of $2.5 million. Harbaugh told news sources that he would not address the offer until after the Heisman trophy presentation, where one of his players, Toby Gerhart, is a finalist.

Another offer could open up for Hill, but not as a head coach. Mark Stoops, brother of Arizona head coach Mike Stoops, was hired as the defensive coordinator at Florida State under new head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Would Pat Hill take a step down to being a coordinator in the PAC-10 or is he only willing to take a head coaching position?

That question will remain until the rumors start to swirl around Hill and where he could possibly end up.

It's entirely possible that he could be the head coach at Fresno State in 2010 and have a good enough season where he's offered a contract extension for another 2-3 years. But it's also possible, depending on the outcome of Fresno State's bowl game against Wyoming on Dec. 19th, that Hill will not be asked back for next season.

Whatever decision is going to be made, we should see it made shortly after the bowl game next weekend.

Though it wasn't the bowl game Pat Hill and Fresno State were hoping for when the 2009 season began, it's a bowl game nonetheless and the Bulldogs will come to play.

On December 19th, the Bulldogs (8—4, 6—2) will travel to Albuquerque, NM to take on the Cowboys of Wyoming (6—4, 4—4) from the Mountain West Conference in the New Mexico Bowl.

But the biggest question won't be how both teams will match up, who will run away with the victory or even who needs it more. The biggest question will be concerning the futures of Fresno State head coach Pat Hill and running back Ryan Mathews.

Most fans might tell you that it's time for a change, it's time for new leadership and it's time for a new head coach. There are others who are staunch supporters of Hill, seeing not only the accomplishments on the football field, but also the accomplishments of the players in the classroom.

Hill has compiled a 100—65 record at Fresno State in 13 seasons, including a 70—33 record in conference play. Only two times in those 13 seasons has a Bulldog team finished with a losing record (1998, 2006).

Yet, the one glaring problem for this football program has been their lack of a conference championship. 

Only clinching a share of the title back in 1999 when the team finished at 5—2 in conference play (8—5 overall). Not only that, but Fresno State is 4—4 in bowl games under Hill and none of those eight bowl games have been what most would call "ratings getters."

Bryant Jon-Anteola of The Fresno Bee talked to Fresno State athletic director Thomas Beoh and asked him specifically about Hill.

"We'll meet at the conclusion of the season," Boeh told Anteola. "When it's appropriate and not cause a distraction for the student-athletes and the program."

Boeh was also asked if going to bowl games, but not winning WAC titles, was enough to save Hill's job. Boeh was hesitant to get into specific details, citing again that they would wait until the end of the season to re-evaluate where the program is headed.

"At the conclusion of the year, we'll look at the trends and what we've done, where we think we can go. The most important thing is to look at the big picture and the trend of a period of years. Everything needs to be put within context. The trending is most important because there's always going to be anomalies."

What happens next is anyone's guess. The Bulldogs have one more game to play and then play the waiting game to find out where two of their most notable faces will end up.

With the Kansas job being open, after Mangino stepped down, Hill could possibly throw his hat into the ring during the offseason. But with Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh possibly being interested as well, Kansas could very well opt for the more well-known name.

There are other jobs that are sure to come open by the end of the bowl season, possibly the Illinois job since Ron Zook hasn't exactly been the person the Illini were hoping for. Illinois is 21—38 under Zook (12—28 in conference) and the university could be looking for a change.

It might be the right opportunity for Hill to move on to a bigger conference and show that he can continue to win outside the Western Athletic Conference.

As for Mathews, the decision for him is to whether to return to Fresno State for his senior season or declare for the NFL draft.

The 5'11" 215 lbs junior from Bakersfield, Calif. has rushed for 3,136 total yards through his three years at Fresno State. He was having what most were considering a Heisman-worthy season through nine games, rushing for over 1,500 yards before suffering a concussion against Nevada on November 14th.

Mathews would miss the game against Louisiana Tech but came back, showing no ill effects, and proved that he hadn't lost a step. He tore up Illinois, carrying the ball 32 times and rushing for 173 yards and three scores, upping his touchdown totals to 17 on the year.

There's no question that Mathews is good enough to take the next step into the National Football League and most will tell you that he could be a late first- or early second round pick. That information alone could be all Mathews needs to make the leap.

What may solidify the decision is what happens to his head coach. If Hill ends up staying for the 2010 season, Mathews could be talked into coming back and giving it one last run, no pun intended. If Hill leaves, so will Mathews.

As of right now, Hill, Mathews and the Bulldogs have to focus on their final game of the year in the New Mexico Bowl and picking up their ninth win of the year.

That should be their only focus right now, because the futures of Hill and Mathews are completely out of the team's control.

With the regular season at its end, its time for bowl season to begin.  It would be a great season for a playoff to settle the argument of who is the best in the land, but it is what it is and this is the system we have.  I'm going to take a quick look at some of the less heralded bowl games and do a little write up along with a prediction.  First up, the New Mexico Bowl.

New Mexico Bowl  12/19

Albuquerque, NM

Wyoming Cowboys (6-6) vs Fresno St Bulldogs (8-4)

The Wyoming Cowboys play in the Mountain West Conference and finished the season 6-6 after a late field goal gave the Cowboys a 17-16 victory over Colorado State.  They finished fifth in the MWC with a 4-4 conference record.

The offense is lead by freshman QB Austyn Carta-Samuels who threw for 1752 yards and 7 tds completing 59% of his passes.  He has also rushed 123 times for 295 yards and 3 tds. 

The running game is lead by freshman Alvester Alexander and sophmore Brandon Stewart.  Alexander carried the ball 124 times for 503 yards and 6 tds.  He also caught 7 passes for 93 yards.  Stewart carried 105 times for 470 yards and 2 tds and chipped in 16 receptions for 152 yards and 2 tds.

Junior WR David Leonard lead the team with 70 receptions 645 yards and caught 1 td.  Junior WR Zach Bolger was second on the team with 24 catches for 259 yards and 1 score.  Junior Travis Burkhalter tied with RB Brandon Stewart for the team lead with 2 td receptions and also chipped in 19 catches for 198 yards.

The offense ranks #112 in total offense gaining 299 yards/game, 171 through the air (#103) and 128 on the ground (#86).  The Cowboys score 16.9 points/game (#111).

The defense ranks #76 in the nation allowing 396 yards/game, 171 on the ground (#91) and 225 through the air (#73) and gives up 27 points/game (#76).

The Fresno State Bulldogs play in the Western Athletic Conference and finished third with a 6-2 conference record and 8-4 overall.

Junior QB Ryan Colburn leads the Bulldog offense and has passed for 2333 yards, 18 tds and has completed 60% of his passes.

Stud junior RB Ryan Mathews is second in the nation with 1664 yards this season on 245 carries and has scored 17 tds.  Its safe to say that the offense runs through him.  Freshman Robbie Rouse and senior Lonyae Miller will spell Mathews and have produced good numbers combining for 813 yards on 148 carries and 8 tds.

Fresno State has a little more balance in their passing attack.  6'-4" senior WR Seyi Ajirotutu leads the team in all catagories with 48 catches for 671 yards and 7 tds.  Senior WR Chastin West is second on the team with 429 receiving yards on 28 catches and 2 tds.  Sophmore WR Jamel Hamler is second on the team in receptions with 30 for 418 and 3 tds.  Junior WR Devon Wylie is second on the team with 4 tds on 15 catches for 242 yards.  Senior WR Marlon Moore has also chipped in 14 catches for 308 yards and 3 tds, one of which went for 92 yards (UC Davis).

The Bulldogs offense ranks #19 in the nation averaging 436 yards/game, 232 on the ground (#7) and 204 through the air (#79).  Fresno State scores 34.3 points/game (#14).

Fresno State's defense ranks #97 in the nation giving up 412 yards/game, 212 on the ground (#111), 199 through the air (#32) and allow 27.8 points/game (#81).

Its hard to see Wyoming winning this game.  The Bulldogs are a battle tested team who took Wisconsin into overtime and gave undefeated Cincinnati all they wanted in a 28-20 defeat.  Ryan Mathews should have a field day against a weak Cowboy's run defense and lead the Bulldogs to a big victory.

Fresno State Bulldogs 49 Wyoming Cowboys 10

Learn about the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/304735-bowl-season-is-here-the-pacific-life-holiday-bowl

With one game left in Fresno State's 2009 season, their star running back has an important decision to make. A decision that will either lead him back to the university he's played so well for, or a career on the the biggest stage of his young life.

For Ryan Mathews, this is going to be the most important football decision of his life. A decision that won't come easy and a decision that he will need to make on his own.

The star running back for Pat Hill and Fresno State has been a fan favorite since his freshman year. Ask most of those fans if they want him to stay and you'll get a more than resounding 'yes.'

But if every decision was left up to the fans, some of the best college players would never jump ship to the National Football League; they'd stay seniors their entire career.

Mathews won't deny that the thought hasn't crossed his mind, or that he hasn't talked to coach Hill about it. 

"We talked about it," Mathews told Daniel Lyght of the Fresno Bee .  "He is going to get evaluations on me and if I'm going to go in the top couple rounds, he's going to tell me to go because it's good money. But if not, I'll just play here another year and have fun."

The way Ryan sees is, until he's drafted by an NFL team, he's still a Bulldog. He wants the focus to be on the team and the game they still have remaining against Illinois this weekend and possibly a post season bowl game.

The possibilities for Mathews seemed to be endless through Fresno State's first nine games. He was leading the nation in rushing, averaging over 150 yards per game, and he was putting up big numbers against teams like Boise State, Wisconsin and Cincinnati.

But there was always one knock against him, his inability to stay healthy, something Mathews hadn't done through his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Bulldogs. 

His junior season, however, seemed to be different. People were noticing him, not only in the Central Valley, but also nationally. There was even talk of him possibly being a Heisman Trophy candidate if he continued to put up the kind of numbers he was putting up.

"People say that I'm injury prone and that I'm good, but not good enough," said Mathews. "I just feed off that. I love to prove people wrong."

Mathews had done just that. He had gone through most of the season without injury and looked well on his way to shattering school rushing records.

Then came the game against Nevada and the hit that put the star running back on the shelf.

The hit left Mathews with a concussion and forced him to miss the team's previous game against Louisiana Tech, It could possibly force him to miss the game against Illinois.

That has to be in the back of his mind and it has to be eating him alive. Knowing that he set out to prove people wrong, that he could stay healthy for an entire season. But one play changed all of that and it might have changed his NFL draft status as well.

For now, he'll get ready to spend Thanksgiving with his family before he boards the team plane bound for Champaign and the University of Illinois. Whether he'll play in this weekend's game or not is a decision that could come down to how he's feeling and running on Friday afternoon.

As for the decision to return to Fresno State or turn pro, that will have to wait until after the NFL season comes to a close at the end of January.

After that, it's just a matter of time before Fresno State fans, his coaches and teammates know if he'll be returning for his senior season or whether he'll take the leap to the National Football League.

The pros and cons won't be easy to weigh. He'll need the support from friends and family to make this decision. The biggest question on his mind at this point, is what the right decision is for him and for his future.

The only thing that could force Mathews to make the leap is the future of head coach Pat Hill. According to Matt James of the Fresno Bee, Hill may have coached his last game at Bulldog Stadium.

If that's the case and the university decides to move on without their long time head coach, they'll be moving on without arguably the best running back in Fresno State's history.