As a handicapper and, as a fan, Pat Hill was one of my favorite coaches. His philosophy was he'd play any team in the nation, anywhere. And, he was successful with that game plan.
Then in 2005, in a game vs. #1 USC, Pat Hill and his tough Fresno St. team were a couple of big plays away from pulling off one of the legendary upsets in college football history. It wasn't to be as the Bulldogs lost in the most heartbreaking way possible. I remember that game vividly and I feel Pat Hill remembered that loss clearly as well, because, in my opinion, since that tough loss, Pat Hill's gutsy career at Fresno was never the same.
Again, from a handicapper's standpoint, Hill was one of my most reliable coaches. After that 2005 season, Hill went a collective 22-39 vs. the spread, and, finally, after a nice 15-year career with the 'Dogs, was let go after a 4-9 record in '11. I hate to admit his firing was probably the right move.
This year Tim DeRuyter takes over in his first stint as a full-time head coach(he was an interim coach for A&M in that team's bowl game in '11). The new coach was left well-stocked by the outgoing Pat Hill.
He has a QB in Derek Carr(David's Bro) who had terrific numbers as a starter last year: 26-9 Td/Int ratio, 62.6% completion rate; an outstanding RB in Robbie Rouse(1500 yards rushing in '11!) and a serviceable offensive line( 3.5 starters return).
The defense has 7 starters back, but, even more importantly, among those returnees is a tremendous leader in #1 tackler and all-league performer LB Travis Brown.
That means the new coach has the luxury of an experienced leader on both sides of the ball. Despite DeRuyter's status as a new coach, I believe he's been put in a good spot and could have a very good year.
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