There’s a lot to love about Fresno State’s 2024 team.
The Bulldogs’ conference schedule is favorable and avoids Boise State altogether. They return most of their offense, including standout quarterback Mikey Keene and stud running back Malik Sherrod. The offensive line boasts tremendous experience.
Defensively, the line and secondary should be strengths. USC transfer Korey Foreman could become a game-changing presence along the defensive front, and he should pair well with Devo Bridges.
The major question facing Fresno State is the coaching staff. Head coach Jeff Tedford recently stepped down due to health concerns, leaving Tim Skipper to lead the program. Skipper is a former Fresno State player with an impressive coaching background, but he’s never been a head coach.
Fresno State Football’s Mountain West Title Odds
Fresno State’s odds to win the Mountain West are +425, via BetMGM.
Fresno State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Fresno State’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Over 7.5 at -155 and Under 7.5 at +130.
Fresno State Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 at Michigan
9/7 vs. Sacramento State
9/14 vs. New Mexico State
9/21 at New Mexico
9/28 at UNLV
10/12 vs. Washington State
10/19 at Nevada
10/26 vs. San Jose State
11/2 vs. Hawaii
11/9 at Air Force
11/23 vs. Colorado State
11/30 at UCLA
Bold indicates Mountain West contests
Key Fresno State Football Returners
2023 Mountain West 2nd Team
OL Mose Vavao
DL Devo Bridges
2023 Mountain West Honorable Mention
QB Mikey Keene
RB Malik Sherrod
OL Jacob Spomer
Is Fresno State Football Underrated In 2024?
Due to Tedford’s departure, it’s easy to question Fresno State’s 2024 team. While losing an elite coach like Tedford hurts, the returning roster is fantastic.
The Bulldogs have some of the best offensive talent in the entire Mountain West, and the defense has numerous standout players. The program faded down the stretch last year, but they did win their bowl game with Skipper as the acting head coach.
Skipper played an important role in the program in 2022 and 2023, so he’s been there for 19 wins over the last two seasons. He knows the Mountain West, and he knows the players in the program.
Yes, losing Tedford isn’t great, but a roster with Keene, Sherrod, and a stellar offensive line should compete for the conference crown.
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2024 Fresno State Football Season Prediction
I’m staying away from the team’s Over/Under, but I like the idea of taking a shot on Fresno State to win the Mountain West.
I’m anticipating some bettors shying away from wagering on the Bulldogs with Tedford gone, but Skipper isn’t an inexperienced replacement. He’s been in college football for decades and knows Fresno State extremely well.
The schedule is also favorable for a Mountain West title with the Bulldogs avoiding Boise State in the regular season. Can Fresno State go 6-1 or 7-0 against New Mexico, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, Hawaii, Air Force, and Colorado State? That feels manageable to me.
Sleep on Fresno State at your own risk.
