Ohio State plays the Fresno State Bulldogs of the WAC for the second time since the 1994 season opener when they handed the bulldogs a 34-10 loss at the Disneyland Pigskin Classic in Anaheim, CA.

FSU, always a formidable opponent for bigger programs, has had some powerful teams in the last two decades, dominating the Big West Conference in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, then joining the WAC in 1992 with quite a bit of early success. They won the freedom Bowl 24-7 over USC of the PAC 10 that first season in the WAC. They went to two other bowls since then, loosing the Aloha Bowl the following season in 1993 (41-30 to Colorado) and losing the Las Vegas Bowl last year to Utah (17-16), formerly a league rival in the WAC and now a member of the new Mountain West Conference that started last season.

This season Fresno is without highly rated QB Billy Volek (249-383, 65% 2706 yards, 30 TD’s and three INT’s). In his place, another highly touted QB Junior David Carr (6-3, 200 lbs.) takes over; He has a strong arm, but is inexperienced. In a backup role in 1998, he completed 6 of 11 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown in seven games.

Head Coach Pat Hill has 15 starters returning in 2000, including for first-team All-WAC players from the squad that won the school’s first WAC title in 1999. The first-teamers are: DT Alan Harper (15 tackles for loss that season), LB Orlando Huff (86 tackles), FS Anthony Limbrick (three INT’s) and dangerous WR Rodney Wright, the team’s top offensive weapon (74 reception, 1062 yards and seven TD’s in 1999).

Other notable players include: TB Paris Gaines (693 yards on 151 carries and three TD’s) and the team’s leading tackler a year ago SS Vernon Fox (103). One outstanding player who will surely be missed is FB Derrick Ward, Fresno’s leading rusher I 1999 (875 yards, 7 touchdowns on 147 carries) from a unit that averaged 32 points a game. He was dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

PREDICTION:

With the experienced Bulldogs breaking in a new QB and OSU anything but a well-oiled machine (despite several positive coaching changes, new plays and Steve Bellisari with a year under his belt as the starting QB), this should be a good game for three quarters before Ohio State pulls away with an opening-game for three quarters before Ohio State pulls away with an opening game 35-21 victory. Both defenses will be key to this game. The team that plays the toughest defense will win. Both units had trouble stopping opposing offenses last season as they both surrendered over 20 points a game. Also, if OSU holds on to the ball and keeps the chains and the clock moving with a decent running game, it could be a long day for Fresno State.