INSIDE SLANT

Fresno State plays a rare December non-conference game to conclude its regular season. But the trip to Illinois is not the only thing swirling around the team, which is headed to a bowl for the third consecutive season and is dealing with the possible defection of junior running back Ryan Mathews to the NFL.

While the feeling around the program is that Mathews - who was the nation’s leading rusher before suffering a concussion against Nevada and still ranks No. 3 in the nation - is gone. But Mathews has maintained that he has not made a decision and will base his decision on evaluations of his draft status.

The Bulldogs will also need to address coach Pat Hill’s contract and status after the season. Hill has turned Fresno State into a recognizable national program, but the Bulldogs continue to struggle winning in conference. Since Hill took over in 1997, the Bulldogs have lost at least two games in league play each season—a frustration as other programs (Nevada and Hawaii) have been able to mount challenges to league power Boise State.

Economic problems in California, combined with some fan indifference, have led to small crowds and a fan base that seems less interested in non-conference wins than it used to be.

Fresno State seems likely to earn a trip to the Hawaii Bowl (Dec. 24 in Honolulu), perhaps to play SMU and former Hawaii coach June Jones.

NOTES, QUOTES

• The Bulldogs held their annual awards banquet and RB Ryan Mathews was a near-unanimous selection as the team’s MVP. The only vote Mathews did not receive was his own.

• Other notable award winners: S Lorne Bell (inspirational), S Moses Harris (academic, most valuable defense), K Kevin Goessling (special teams), QB Ryan Colburn and LB Ben Jacobs (team captains).

Next Game:   Fresno State at Illinois, Dec. 5—Fresno State is seeking its eighth win of the season and its first non-conference win against an FBS member. The Bulldogs lost tough non-conference games to Wisconsin and Cincinnati in September.

This Week  ‘S MISSION: It has been a grueling season for the Bulldogs, who have been bitten by injuries in the last few weeks. Fresno State is using the week to rest some of its players, including star running back Ryan Mathews and prepare for another tough road game in Big Ten territory.

December At A Glance:   The Bulldogs visit Illinois in the season finale on Dec. 5, aiming for their eighth win of the season. Fresno State will then prep for its third consecutive bowl game, likely the Hawaii Bowl. But larger issues loom over the program, including the future of coach Pat Hill, who has been head coach since 1997, and the status of star running back Ryan Mathews, who could declare for the NFL Draft.

Quote To Note:   “Ryan Mathews is out of here. He is gone—gone. What more does he have to prove? There’s nothing left for him to do. Everyone wants what’s best for Ryan. If I was leading the country in interceptions after my junior year, I would have left early, too. He’s accomplished everything he’s needed to accomplish in college. We’ve known since after the Boise game that he’d be gone. He’s ready. It’s time for him to get paid.”—Fresno State safety Moses Harris told the Fresno Bee about the pro prospects of running back Ryan Mathews.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   Fresno State has enviable depth at running back. When Ryan Mathews was sidelined by a concussion, the Bulldogs turned to seniors Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding and true freshman Robbie Rouse. The Bulldogs rank 7th in the nation in rushing offense, thanks largely to Mathews. But the other backs, especially Rouse, have proven they can handle a workload as well. Rouse is averaging nearly 7.0 yards per carry on 77 attempts this season. Against Louisiana Tech, Rouse rushed 21 times for 75 yards.

Still Needs Work:   The run defense has been a major problem all season. Fresno State ranks 108th nationally in run defense, allowing 201.64 yards per game on the ground. It seems a little late in the season for the Bulldogs to find an adequate solution to this problem. Fresno State is sixth in the league in rush defense.

Star Watch:   Running back Ryan Mathews (concussion) is expected to be ready for the season finale against Illinois after missing most of the previous two games against Nevada and Louisiana Tech. Mathews, who is just 96 yards from the school’s single-season record, is now No. 3 in the nation in rushing yards, just 78 out of first place. Mathews, a junior, is expected to leave school early for the NFL, but said he would rely on the evaluations from coach Pat Hill to make his decision.

Critical Decision:   The Bulldogs faced a three-way battle at quarterback in the off-season and fall, before deciding on junior Ryan Colburn. Colburn has rewarded the coaches’ faith this year. He is third in the league in pass efficiency and has thrown 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Colburn has been asked to manage the game behind the Bulldogs’ potent running attack and has the team poised for its third consecutive bowl appearance.

Roster Report:  

QB Ebahn Feathers, one of the most heralded recruits at Fresno State in the last few seasons, did not suit up for the Louisiana Tech game and might not play the rest of the season as he deals with academic issues.

RB Ryan Mathews (concussion) could play against Illinois.

CB A.J. Jefferson (knee) did not play against Louisiana Tech, missing his first start of the season. His status for the Illinois game is uncertain.

RB Anthony Harding (knee) is out for the Illinois game, but hopes to play in the Bulldogs’ bowl game.