UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview: Fresno State Bulldogs

1 of 4

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Jeff Tedford of the Fresno State Bulldogs looks on prior to the game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Go Joe Bruin continues its early 2018 previews with a look at UCLA football’s match up against the Fresno State Bulldogs in week 3.

After two games, the Bruins will have hopefully found their groove on offense. We will know by now who is quarterbacking Kelly’s offense and he might have even found a running back he can trust. What I know for sure is he’ll need to have his offense working well against a Fresno State team that features a ferocious defense.

RELATED: UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview – Cincinnati | Oklahoma

Fresno State:

Head Coach: Jeff Tedford (1st year, 10-4)

2017 Record:10-4, Mountain West 7-1 (1st Place, West Division)

2017-18 Bowl Game: 33-27 victory versus Houston in Hawaii Bowl

What: Fresno State Bulldogs at UCLA Bruins

Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

When: Saturday, Sept. 15

Just two seasons ago, the Fresno State Bulldogs were a horrific 1-11 with their lone win coming against the Hornets of Sacramento State. But former longtime Cal Coach Jeff Tedford came in and in only one year led the Bulldogs to a ten win season and a spot in the Mountain West Championship game. With more than half of his starters returning from last year’s team, Fresno State looks to make another strong run for the Mountain West Championship and will be a formidable opponent for the Bruins.

Fresno State Five-Year Win Trend

2017: ★★★★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆10-4
2016: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 1-11
2015: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 3-9
2014: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 6-8
2013: ★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆ 11-2

The last time Fresno State had a double-digit win season, they were not able to follow it up with another successful campaign. This year may be different as the Bulldogs are led by a strong defense and a veteran coach in Jeff Tedford.