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Surprises and takeaways from week 1
2:35 AM
BarkBoard.com takes a look at how the season opener fared based on what was expected coming out of fall camp.
QUARTERBACKS
What went according to plan?
- Zack Greenlee won the starting job. It appeared he had a slight advantage from spring through fall camp.
- Chason Virgil also saw some time on the field, as told to us by coach DeRuyter.
- Chason Virgil also saw some time on the field, as told to us by coach DeRuyter.
What surprised us?
- Chason Virgil not only played, he was given both the second and fourth quarters. On paper it was an even split, but DeRuyter remained firm that Greenlee was the starter.
- Both quarterback actually played pretty well. Based on the open scrimmage that took place just a week into camp, none of the quarterbacks appeared to be hitting their stride. Even later into camp, accuracy and consistency seemed to be a serious issue. Yes, both quarterbacks threw interceptions and Greenlee’s completion-to-attempt ratio wasn’t very glamorous, but in real time both quarterbacks were delivering the ball much better than in camp.
- We also didn’t see much running from the quarterbacks. Burrell’s running ability became a consistent option in the offense a year ago and we know that Greenlee and Virgil both have wheels, but lack Burrell’s size.
- Both quarterback actually played pretty well. Based on the open scrimmage that took place just a week into camp, none of the quarterbacks appeared to be hitting their stride. Even later into camp, accuracy and consistency seemed to be a serious issue. Yes, both quarterbacks threw interceptions and Greenlee’s completion-to-attempt ratio wasn’t very glamorous, but in real time both quarterbacks were delivering the ball much better than in camp.
- We also didn’t see much running from the quarterbacks. Burrell’s running ability became a consistent option in the offense a year ago and we know that Greenlee and Virgil both have wheels, but lack Burrell’s size.
What to expect going forward?
- Greenlee and Virgil will continue to split time going into week two. Whether it is the same split is yet to be seen. The quarterback position is far from proven, but the Bulldogs appear to have two capable arms when it was unsure if they even had one at this time a week ago.
RUNNING BACKS
What went according to plan?
- Marteze Waller picked up right where he left off in 2014. Waller was the focal point of the offense in the opener, though it was quiet with the quarterbacks dominating the eyes of the spectators.
- Dustin Garrison showed his athletic ability and proved he can be an effective runner to spell Waller.
- Dustin Garrison showed his athletic ability and proved he can be an effective runner to spell Waller.
What surprised us?
- No Malique Micenheimer, even if it was due to injury.
- Fresno State appeared to be headed toward more two-back sets this season. We did not see that with Micenheimer out. Garrison filled a role exactly to that of Quezada, filling in as the lone running back for drives at a time.
- Fresno State appeared to be headed toward more two-back sets this season. We did not see that with Micenheimer out. Garrison filled a role exactly to that of Quezada, filling in as the lone running back for drives at a time.
What to expect going forward?
- Garrison is suspended for the first half at Ole Miss, so we may have to wait to see the two-back formations. Micenheimer should see significant playing time in both halves, but Waller will remain as this offense’s biggest weapon.
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS
What went according to plan?
- Fresno State’s receivers have talent. It wasn’t a stance that took much defending, but it certainly required the unit proving so on the field. Josiah Blandin, KeeSean Johnson, Jamire Jordan and Keyan Williams all had big days against Abilene Christian.
- Blandin especially proved he is ready for a big-time role in the offense. The 6-foot-4 receiver is the total package and would have had his pick of power-five schools had he qualified earlier.
- Blandin especially proved he is ready for a big-time role in the offense. The 6-foot-4 receiver is the total package and would have had his pick of power-five schools had he qualified earlier.
What surprised us?
- L.J. Reed did not see the field in the opener. It would be hard to imagine the Bulldogs redshirting him with such little depth on the outside. Josiah Blandin took all of the reps at the Y receiver spot when Reed was expected to see some time in a reserve role.
- The receivers executed reasonably well. With four brand new receivers, we expected to see a rockier debut, but the group did not appear to have too many missed assignments. There were a few drops that disrupted tempo, but nothing to be overly concerned about.
- All through camp there were signs of formations featuring two tight ends. Chad Olsenplayed a lot, but we did not see Kyle Riddering until the game was out of hand.
- The receivers executed reasonably well. With four brand new receivers, we expected to see a rockier debut, but the group did not appear to have too many missed assignments. There were a few drops that disrupted tempo, but nothing to be overly concerned about.
- All through camp there were signs of formations featuring two tight ends. Chad Olsenplayed a lot, but we did not see Kyle Riddering until the game was out of hand.
What to expect going forward?
- The four receivers of Blandin, Jordan, Williams and Johnson, along with Olsen, will dominate the stat sheet much like they did versus ACU. Justin Johnson may flash from time to time, but it appears there won’t be much rotation with reserves throughout the season. Da’Mari Scott, who will now be playing this season, is the one wild card.
OFFENSIVE LINE
What went according to plan?
- The offensive line took care of business versus ACU. Neither quarterback was sacked and Waller rushed to a tune of 154 yards on the day. Greenlee didn’t spend much time scrambling either, after his first spectacular touchdown play.
- Aaron Mitchell, particularly as second-year player, lived up to the hype that has been around him over the last year.
- Aaron Mitchell, particularly as second-year player, lived up to the hype that has been around him over the last year.
What surprised us?
- Jacob Vasquez performed well at the center spot. He had been the first-team guard in spring, but has now flipped with Bo Bonnheim after Bonnheim missed significant time in camp. Micah St. Andrews appeared to be on his way to earning the first team guard spot to leave Bonnheim at center.
What to expect going forward?
- The offensive line will remain a quiet strength on this team. They won’t get a lot of publicity, but they continue to create holes for Waller and protect the quarterbacks. There could be some action in the backfield versus the likes of Ole Miss and Utah, however.
Front Seven
What went according to plan?
- Claudell Louis had a strong camp and he also had a solid performance against ACU. He had a sack and also caused an errant throw that was intercepted by Jeff Camilli.
- Ejiro Ederaine is back to form. He had six tackles, a sack, an interception and a pass deflection. He told us all summer and fall he would be ready and did not disappoint.
- Ejiro Ederaine is back to form. He had six tackles, a sack, an interception and a pass deflection. He told us all summer and fall he would be ready and did not disappoint.
What surprised us?
- The defensive line was quiet in the box score. Only 6 of 51 tackles were credited to defensive linemen.
- The linebacking unit appeared to get more pressure on the offensive line than the DL did. Okeke, Ederaine, Bailey, Hughes and Green all wrecked havoc in the backfield against ACU.
- The linebacker crew also came down with more interceptions than the secondary; two-to-zero.
- Jeff Camilli’s spot is the only of the four linebacking positions that leaves reason for concern, and he came down with an interception.
- James Bailey played, a lot. We knew he cracked the two-deep, but he saw the field more than a true freshman has in a long time. He also served as a nickel back which is a tough matchup for defenses. Bailey could play as an edge rusher or play coverage on any given play.
- Tobenna Okeke passed up Brandon Hughes on the depth chart. Okeke impressed in his first season, but a lot of time had been invested in Hughes. Hughes will continue to see the field, but Okeke has earned a big role in just his second year.
- The linebacking unit appeared to get more pressure on the offensive line than the DL did. Okeke, Ederaine, Bailey, Hughes and Green all wrecked havoc in the backfield against ACU.
- The linebacker crew also came down with more interceptions than the secondary; two-to-zero.
- Jeff Camilli’s spot is the only of the four linebacking positions that leaves reason for concern, and he came down with an interception.
- James Bailey played, a lot. We knew he cracked the two-deep, but he saw the field more than a true freshman has in a long time. He also served as a nickel back which is a tough matchup for defenses. Bailey could play as an edge rusher or play coverage on any given play.
- Tobenna Okeke passed up Brandon Hughes on the depth chart. Okeke impressed in his first season, but a lot of time had been invested in Hughes. Hughes will continue to see the field, but Okeke has earned a big role in just his second year.
What to expect going forward?
- The defensive line still has a lot to prove and it will be tough to do that against Ole Miss and Utah. We still believe the Bulldogs have a solid two-deep there. Watch for the outside linebackers to continue to be the strong point for the defense. Watch for Camilli’s development next to Wilson.
Defensive Backs
What went according to plan?
- Fresno State’s cornerback play was solid on the day. The Bulldogs developed four solid corner options through camp and each appears to be capable of playing a starting role this year.
What surprised us?
- Dalen Jones returned in time to start the opener.
- Fresno State’s coaches said they would rotate the corners, but they actually did it. It doesn’t seem to be a practice that is done commonly around the country. Charles Washington, Malcolm Washington, Jamal Ellis and Tyquwan Glass all saw the field at drives at a time.
- The unit, unfortunately, did not intercept either of the two FCS quarterbacks. That would have been a nice boost of confidence.
- The defense as a whole avoided any big plays, which was their achilles heel a season ago. The Wildcats’ longest play on the day was 22 yards.
- Fresno State’s coaches said they would rotate the corners, but they actually did it. It doesn’t seem to be a practice that is done commonly around the country. Charles Washington, Malcolm Washington, Jamal Ellis and Tyquwan Glass all saw the field at drives at a time.
- The unit, unfortunately, did not intercept either of the two FCS quarterbacks. That would have been a nice boost of confidence.
- The defense as a whole avoided any big plays, which was their achilles heel a season ago. The Wildcats’ longest play on the day was 22 yards.
What to expect going forward?
- Fresno State continues to rotate the four cornerbacks even when competition stiffens. If Dalen Jones can stay on the field, this is a solid unit. If they can start intercepting passes and keep the big plays at a minimum, the Bulldogs will be in good shape this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
What went according to plan?
- Fresno State went into the opener unsettled at kicker, as expected. Kroening appeared more reliable in closer situations while Camacho has the bigger leg but is not as consistent.
- Jamire Jordan, a vertical runner, handled kick returns - Keyan Williams, a shifty runner, handled punt returns.
- Veteran punter Garrett Swanson had a solid day.
- Jamire Jordan, a vertical runner, handled kick returns - Keyan Williams, a shifty runner, handled punt returns.
- Veteran punter Garrett Swanson had a solid day.
What surprised us?
- The most underrated aspect of the season opener was kick coverage. Swanson was able to boot the ball into the end zone on occasion. The Bulldogs also had as many as six players on kickoff stay on the field for the defensive series. A wealth of cornerback and linebacker depth has allowed for a more skilled kickoff coverage team than DeRuyter has been able to assemble in his time at FS.
- Keyan Williams mishandled a punt return. Not a surprise for a freshman, but he will have to fix the problem.
- Keyan Williams mishandled a punt return. Not a surprise for a freshman, but he will have to fix the problem.
What to expect going forward?
- Fresno State doesn’t appear to have any holes in special teams this season, granted the field goal kicking continues to progress. It may take a few games for the freshmen returners to find their comfort zone and break a big one, however.
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