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Team Information
| Ground | Valley Children's Stadium |
| City | Fresno, California |
| Conference | Mountain West, |
| Nickname | Bulldogs |
Fresno State Bulldogs Football Bio
The Fresno State Bulldogs football team, representing California State University, Fresno, is a formidable presence in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Proud members of the competitive Mountain West Conference, they don the iconic green "V" on their helmets, uniforms, and playing field to symbolize their deep-rooted connection to California's fertile Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley, which provides unwavering support.
Established in 1921, the Bulldogs embarked on their football journey as independents. Over the years, they transitioned through various conferences. In 1961, under Coleman's leadership, the Bulldogs achieved an undefeated season, culminating in a resounding 36–6 Mercy Bowl victory over Bowling Green State.
Despite enduring seasons hovering around .500 in the late 1960s and '70s, Fresno State has enjoyed periods of remarkable success, including two undefeated campaigns. The Bulldogs' football legacy, marked by conference championships and historic achievements, sets them apart as a prominent force in collegiate football.
| Name of Team | Fresno State Bulldogs |
| First season | 1921 |
| Athletic director | Terry Tumey |
| Head coach | Jeff Tedford |
| Stadium | Valley Children's Stadium (capacity: 40,727) |
| Location | Fresno, California |
| Conference | Mountain West |
| Division | West |
| Field surface | Turf |
| Conference titles | 29 |
| Division titles | 5 (MW, West) |
| Fight song | Fight Varsity Troopers Battle Hymn |
| Mascot | Timeout |
| Rivals | Boise State, Hawaii, San Diego State, San Jose State, Nevada, Cal Poly |
| Consensus All-Americans | 2 |
Fresno State Bulldogs Introduction
The Fresno State Bulldogs football team proudly represents California State University, Fresno, competing in NCAA Division I FBS college football as a prominent member of the Mountain West Conference. Their distinctive green "V" emblem, prominently displayed on helmets, uniforms, and the playing field, pays homage to California's Central Valley, particularly the fertile San Joaquin Valley, which serves as their strong support base.
In 1921, Fresno State's football journey began as an independent program, later integrating into the California Coast Conference. By 1925, they were charter members of the Northern California Athletic Conference, sparking enduring rivalries. The NCAA's divisional classification in 1937 led to the formation of the California Collegiate Athletic Association in 1939. Transitioning to the Pacific Coast Athletic Association marked a pivotal moment. Coach Cecil Coleman's tenure shone brightly, with the 1961 undefeated season and a Mercy Bowl victory. The late 1960s and '70s saw mixed results, but the 1980s brought Fresno State's ascent in University Division bowl games.
Valley Children's Stadium, also known as Jim Sweeney Field at Bulldog Stadium, stands as the cherished home of the Fresno State Bulldogs' football program. Nestled on the California State University, Fresno campus in Fresno, California, this outdoor college football arena epitomizes the university's tradition of excellence in collegiate athletics. As the Bulldogs' hallowed ground, it witnessed historic moments and memorable victories.
Fresno State Bulldogs History
The history of the Fresno State Bulldogs football program is a rich tapestry woven with the passion and dedication of players, coaches, and fans alike. Founded in 1921, football made its debut on the Fresno campus as an independent team, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the annals of college football.
In 1922, the Bulldogs joined the California Coast Conference, marking the beginning of regional rivalries and fierce competition. This early period laid the groundwork for future matchups against teams like San Jose State, Pacific, UC Davis, Nevada, and San Diego State. The Bulldogs thrived during this era, establishing themselves as a formidable force on the field.
The NCAA's classification system in 1937 saw Fresno State transition into the University Division, setting the stage for its eventual move to the California Collegiate Athletic Association in 1939. The program continued to evolve, with notable coaches like Cecil Coleman achieving remarkable success, including an undefeated season in 1961.
Under the leadership of Coach Jim Sweeney during the defining Sweeney era, which began in 1976, Fresno State football underwent a remarkable transformation. Sweeney's guidance revitalized the team, propelling the Bulldogs to prominence in the Big West and securing postseason bowl appearances throughout the 1980s. The 1985 squad, in particular, achieved legendary status as the sole unbeaten Division I-A team nationwide. Coach Pat Hill's arrival in 1997 marked a transition, maintaining the program's commitment to excellence. Fresno State's football legacy thrives on passionate rivalries, including the Battle of the Milk Can, intense matchups, and historic Victory Bell clashes.
Fresno State Bulldogs Coach
Throughout its storied 96-season history, the Fresno State Bulldogs football program has been under the guidance of 21 different head coaches. Among them, the current head coach, Jeff Tedford, stands out with his remarkable football background. Tedford previously served as Fresno State's head coach from 2017 to 2019 and led the California Golden Bears from 2002 to 2012. During his tenure at Cal, Tedford's coaching prowess earned him the title of Pac-10 Coach of the Year twice. He set records for the most wins, games coached, and bowl game victories, leaving an indelible mark on Cal's football program.
Several head coaches in Fresno State's history have achieved significant success by leading the team to conference championships, solidifying their legacies within the program's storied history. Jeff Tedford's return to Fresno State represents a continuation of this rich coaching legacy, ushering in a promising new chapter in Bulldog football history.
| Coach | Seasons |
| Arthur W. Jones | 1921–1928 |
| Stanley Borleske | 1929–1932 |
| Leo Harris | 1933–1935 |
| James Bradshaw | 1936–1942, 1946 |
| Earl Wight | 1944 |
| Alvin Pierson | 1945, 1949 |
| Ken Gleason | 1947–1948 |
| Duke Jacobs | 1950–1951 |
| Clark Van Galder | 1952–1958 |
| Cecil Coleman | 1959–1963 |
| Phil Krueger | 1964–1965 |
| Darryl Rogers | 1966–1972 |
| J. R. Boone | 1973–1975 |
| Jim Sweeney | 1976–1977 |
| 1980–1996 | |
| Bob Padilla | 1978–1979 |
| Pat Hill | 1997–2011 |
| Tim DeRuyter | 2012–2016 |
| Eric Kiesau† | 2016 |
| Jeff Tedford | 2017–2019, 2022–present |
| Kalen DeBoer | 2020–2021 |
| Lee Marks† | 2021 |
Fresno State Bulldogs Stadium: Valley Children's Stadium
Valley Children's Stadium, also known as Jim Sweeney Field at Bulldog Stadium, stands proudly on the campus of California State University, Fresno, in the heart of Fresno, California. This outdoor college football haven is the cherished home of the Fresno State Bulldogs, a prominent member of the Mountain West Conference.
Before the construction of this remarkable stadium, Fresno State played its games at the 13,000-seat Ratcliffe Stadium, which presented scheduling challenges due to the limited number of suitable venues in the area. In the mid-1970s, fervent efforts began to give Fresno the stadium it deserved. Community leaders and the state budget played pivotal roles in realizing this dream.
Bulldog Stadium, inaugurated in September 1980 with 30,000 seats, marked a prosperous era for Fresno State football under Coach Jim Sweeney. It expanded to around 40,000 seats to accommodate its growing success. Over time, it transitioned from natural grass to FieldTurf, receiving a turf replacement in 2019. A symbol of Fresno State's dedication and fan fervor, Valley Children's Stadium has witnessed countless historic college football moments.
Fresno State Bulldogs Rivals
Fresno State University boasts several intense rivalries in college football, each with its unique history and passion. The Bulldogs engage in fierce battles against Boise State, competing for the coveted Milk Can. Their rivalry with Hawaii, marked by spirited clashes, continues to captivate fans. The Battle for the Oil Can sees Fresno State face off against San Diego State, while the Battle for the Valley Trophy unfolds in contests against San Jose State. The Sierra Showdown with Nevada and the Cal Poly matchup add further excitement to Fresno State's dynamic rivalry landscape.
The Battle of the Milk Can
The Boise State-Fresno State football rivalry, known as the Battle of the Milk Can, commenced in 1977. This intense competition culminates in the awarding of the Milk Can, a symbol of victory in their annual clash. The winning team retains possession of the trophy for a year. Though conceived in 2005, the Milk Can wasn't ready for the inaugural match, won by Fresno State. It debuted in 2006 when Boise State claimed it. The idea for the trophy emerged from local dairy groups' involvement with their respective football programs, California and Idaho being major dairy producers.
Fresno State Bulldogs Record and stats
The Fresno State Bulldogs have a rich history of success in college football, marked by an impressive tally of 29 conference championships up to the 2022 season. Their journey through various conferences has been nothing short of remarkable:
The Bulldogs have consistently displayed their prowess on the field. Notable conference championship years include 1930, 1935, 1955, 1985, and 2013, with undefeated records and strong conference showings. Under the guidance of coaches like Jim Sweeney, Pat Hill, Tim DeRuyter, and Jeff Tedford, Fresno State has excelled in both overall records and conference play.
Their most recent achievement came in 2022 when they clinched the Mountain West Conference with a 10-4 overall record and a 7-1 conference record. These successes underscore Fresno State's enduring commitment to football excellence and make them a force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape.
Conference championships
| Year | Conference | Coach | Overall Record | Conference Record |
| 1922 | California Coast Conference | Arthur W. Jones | 7–1–2 | 2–0–1 |
| 1923 | California Coast Conference | Arthur W. Jones | 7–2 | 3–0 |
| 1930 | Far Western Conference | Stanley Borleske | 8–0 | 5–0 |
| 1934† | Far Western Conference | Leo Harris | 7–2–1 | 3–0–1 |
| 1935 | Far Western Conference | Leo Harris | 6–3 | 4–0 |
| 1937 | Far Western Conference | James Bradshaw | 8–1–1 | 4–0 |
| 1941 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | James Bradshaw | 4–3–2 | 2–0–1 |
| 1942 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | James Bradshaw | 9–1 | 2–0 |
| 1954 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Clark Van Galder | 7–3 | 4–0 |
| 1955 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Clark Van Galder | 9–1 | 2–0 |
| 1956 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Clark Van Galder | 8-2 | 2–0 |
| 1958 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Clark Van Galder | 5–5 | 4–1 |
| 1959 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Cecil Coleman | 7–3 | 5–0 |
| 1960 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Cecil Coleman | 9–1 | 5–0 |
| 1961 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Cecil Coleman | 10–0 | 5–0 |
| 1968 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Darryl Rogers | 7–4 | 4–0 |
| 1977 | Pacific Coast Athletic Association | Jim Sweeney | 9–2 | 4–0 |
| 1982 | Pacific Coast Athletic Association | Jim Sweeney | 11–1 | 6–0 |
| 1985 | Pacific Coast Athletic Association | Jim Sweeney | 11–0–1 | 7–0 |
| 1988 | Big West Conference | Jim Sweeney | 10–2 | 7–0 |
| 1989 | Big West Conference | Jim Sweeney | 11–1 | 7–0 |
| 1991† | Big West Conference | Jim Sweeney | 10–2 | 6–1 |
| 1992† | Western Athletic Conference | Jim Sweeney | 9–4 | 6–2 |
| 1993† | Western Athletic Conference | Jim Sweeney | 9–4 | 6–2 |
| 1999† | Western Athletic Conference | Pat Hill | 8–5 | 5–2 |
| 2012† | Mountain West Conference | Tim DeRuyter | 9–4 | 7–1 |
| 2013 | Mountain West Conference | Tim DeRuyter | 11–2 | 7–1 |
| 2018 | Mountain West Conference | Jeff Tedford | 12–2 | 7–1 |
| 2022 | Mountain West Conference | Jeff Tedford | 10-4 | 7–1 |
Division championships
| Year | Conference | Coach | Overall record | Conference record | Opponent | CG result |
| 2013 | MW West | Tim DeRuyter | 11–2 | 7–1 | Utah State | W, 24–17 |
| 2014† | MW West | Tim DeRuyter | 6–8 | 5–3 | Boise State | L, 14–28 |
| 2017 | MW West | Jeff Tedford | 10–4 | 7–1 | Boise State | L, 14–17 |
| 2018 | MW West | Jeff Tedford | 12–2 | 7–1 | Boise State | W, 19–16OT |
| 2022 | MW West | Jeff Tedford | 10–4 | 7–1 | Boise State | W, 28–16 |
Fresno State Bulldogs Roster
The Fresno State Bulldogs boast a diverse and talented roster on both offense and defense. Leading the offensive charge, Mikey Keene, a sophomore quarterback from Chandler, AZ, has shown promise. He's joined by Logan Fife, Jack Jacobs, Jayden Mandal, and Joshua Wood, providing depth in the quarterback position.
In the backfield, running backs like Elijah Gilliam and Johnathan Arceneaux bring their skills to the ground game, while Charles Greer Jr., Justin Guin, and Brandon Ramirez add depth.
On the defensive front, senior Isaiah Johnson and the powerful Kavika Baumgartner anchor the line. Devo Bridges, Isiah Chala Jr., and Ezra Christensen bolster the defensive line, while Julius Gandy, Mordecai Hines, Jacob Holmes, Johnny Hudson Jr., and Jahzon Jacks provide depth.
This well-rounded roster promises an exciting season for the Bulldogs, with a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers ready to make their mark.
Fresno State Bulldogs Schedule
The Fresno State Bulldogs have had an exciting start to their regular season, securing two thrilling victories. On September 2nd, they faced Purdue in a nail-biting contest, emerging victorious with a 39-35 win. The Bulldogs showcased their offensive prowess with standout performances from Keene (366 passing yards), Gilliam (93 rushing yards), and Brooks (170 receiving yards).
Their next challenge came on September 10th against Eastern Washington, where they triumphed in a double-overtime thriller, winning 34-31. Keene, Gilliam, and Brooks once again played pivotal roles, ensuring a 2-0 start to the season.
The Bulldogs' upcoming matchups include games against Arizona State, Kent State, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah State, UNLV, Boise State, San José State, New Mexico, and San Diego State. With a strong start to the season, fans eagerly anticipate the team's performance in these upcoming contests, hoping for more victories to add to their impressive record.
FAQs
A. The Fresno State Bulldogs football team was established in 1921.
A. The green "V" symbolizes California's Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley, which is the agricultural region from which the team draws its support.
A. The current head coach of the Fresno State Bulldogs football team is Jeff Tedford, who returned to the position in 2022.
A. Fresno State's football program boasts several historical highlights, including their undefeated season in 1961, their entry into the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (later Big West Conference) in 1969, and a remarkable run of success in University Division bowl games throughout the 1980s.
A. The Bulldogs have intense rivalries with schools like Boise State, Hawaii, San Diego State, San Jose State, Nevada, and Cal Poly.
A. As of the 2022 season, the Bulldogs have won a total of 29 conference championships. These championships were achieved in various conferences, including the California Coast Conference, Far Western Conference, California Collegiate Athletic Association, Pacific Coast Athletic Association, Big West Conference, Western Athletic Conference, and Mountain West Conference.
