Fresno State ready for season opener

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With the season opener just three days away, Bulldogs senior linebacker Ejiro Ederaine can't contain his excitement for Thursday's season opener against Abilene Christian. He said, "I think the first game I wish it could open on a Monday."

After a long off-season, head coach Tim DeRuyter agrees, "Well I know our players are excited not to keep hitting guys in red and white, they are kind of getting antsy to line up against somebody else and see what kind of strides we've made."

While the 'Dogs opened the season last year against USC, Fresno State understands it can't afford to overlook an upset minded FCS opponent.

"I think Abilene Christian is going to come in here and expect to compete and win. Look at what they've done over the past couple of years. A year ago they beat Troy State, went down to the wire against Georgia State, both on the road. Traditionally, they have beaten 1-A teams, so I don't think they will be intimidated by anything," DeRuyter said.

Ederaine added, "We are definitely ready to re-establish that persona how we don't lose at home. I think a lot of the guys are glad we open the season at home so we can send a statement throughout the league that when they come to Bulldog Stadium it's a tough venue."

All is quiet at Bulldog Stadium for now, but when the season opens on Thursday night, history will be on Fresno State's side; the Bulldogs have won the last nine season openers played at home.