I know, I know. The Fresno State football team needs to fix its kicking problems.
In one game, the Bulldogs sailed a kickoff 10 yards out of bounds. They missed a field goal by the distance between Republicans and Democrats. They got the tying extra point blocked in the fourth quarter and lost by one point.
The one thing that kicker Clint Stitser did well, a pooch punt, was ruined when Fresno State players weren't satisfied with the 1-yard line and tried to let it roll to the 1-millimeter line. It went into the end zone.
Hopefully, that was a one-game fluke. Beyond that, the Bulldogs have other issues. The way they moved the ball on the first possession of each half, they should be beating a team like Washington by two touchdowns.
1. Passing: The Fresno State defense doesn't cover well, and it doesn't get to quarterbacks. That's not a good combo. Basically, when the other team goes back to pass, bad things happen. The defensive line is built to stop the run, but it doesn't run well. The one image I can't get rid of so far is big linemen dressed in red, limping after a fast quarterback.
Washington QB Isaiah Stanback ran for 91 yards and a touchdown, and threw for two more. Oregon QB Dennis Dixon scrambled for 30 yards and threw for 240. Nevada's Jeff Rowe ran for 24 yards and threw for 180 and two touchdowns.
If it seems like I'm making this argument one-sided, that I'm leaving out interceptions, the Bulldogs haven't made any. When the other team goes back to pass, only bad things happen. Third-and-18 might as well be third-and-2.
2. Passing: Tom Brandstater throws a good deep ball. We've heard that a thousand times, but what does it matter if Fresno State doesn't throw deep? They throw short passes and ram the ball with Dwayne Wright again and again and again.
After a nice first game, Brandstater has looked progressively worse with the last two games. He's missing open receivers. The 2-minute drill against Washington at the end of the game went nowhere. You couldn't hear a thing on the field, but that's how it is on the road in close games. That's why home teams win and road teams lose.
Not sure that warrants a benching, but he's definitely worth mentioning if he has another sub-par game.
One thing you neglected to mention is the coaching. Any team is only as good as their coaches.
Hill spouts off about bearing down in practice and perhaps making some changes, then turns around and takes it all back, and shortens the practice schedule.
He needs to put the fear of God in these kids and let them know if they don't produce they don't play the next game.
If you are going to talk tough you better be tough.
I'm sick and tired of this close but no cigar crap.
I say Hill starts producing or we find a replacement for him.
As Forest Gump would no doubt say,"tough is as tough does".