2008 OUTLOOK: Fresno State will begin the year in the top 25 and the Bulldogs believe they are the next WAC team to make the jump into a BCS bowl, joining Boise State and Hawaii.

The talent is there, especially on offense where Fresno State returns 10 starters and several key reserves. But can the Bulldogs survive a typically tough nonconference schedule that includes Rutgers, Wisconsin and UCLA?

And if they stumble early, can they regroup and conquer the WAC, something that has been a problem in recent years for the program? It's up to Hill to keep his team motivated, even if the BCS dreams die early because this squad could win a WAC title, which Fresno State hasn't done since sharing a crown in 1999.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The Bulldogs always rely on a strong running game and with three proven backs in the fold, they will again. It will be interesting to see, however, if they open up the offense a little bit now that QB Tom Brandstater has proven he's more than capable. Fresno State returns four solid receivers and All-WAC TE Bear Pascoe, so they have weapons in the air, too. The offensive line should be a strength, but injuries left most of them out of the lineup in the spring.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Without Marcus Riley and Tyler Clutts, the Bulldogs need to find playmakers on defense. The returning players are solid, but someone -- likely SS Moses Harris -- is going to have to emerge as the leader on the unit. The conference is full of explosive offenses, from Boise State to Nevada, Hawaii and New Mexico State. Somewhere along the line, if Fresno State wants to win the league title, the defense is going to have to win a game or two.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Fresno State lost K Clint Stitser and P Kyle Zimmerman, big losses for a team that prides itself on special teams. Kevin Goessling, a left-footed kicker, looked impressive at times in the spring. He made four of seven from beyond 40 yards in the spring game. A.J. Jefferson, who led the country in kickoff return average, is back.

ROSTER REPORT

--C Joe Bernardi, who injured his knee in the fifth game last season, did not practice in the spring and he's not certain to return. Bernardi had three knee surgeries in the last four years.

--WR Chastin West, who had surgery on his left knee last year, was limited to non-contact drills during spring ball. He should be able to return to full contact drills this summer and expects to play a large role in the Bulldogs offense in the fall.

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