Strengths · Fresno State may have been caught in a Southern California tailspin the last 18 months or so, but we’re done with that, right Coach?

Bulldogs main man Pat Hill has heard that turn of the phrase or something similar to it several times before as Fresno State tries to recover from last year’s dismal 4-8 campaign.

The bright spot is an offensive line that returns four starters from a unit that set the school record for fewest sacks allowed with 12.

Quarterback Tom Brandstater needs to take advantage of his protection more as a stagnant offense tries to break free from mediocrity.

WEAKNESS · The Bulldogs have another difficult schedule, as they play on the road vs. Texas A&M and Oregon on back-to-back weekends. Kansas State comes to Fresno State in late November, but away games against Hawaii and Nevada will keep Fresno from challenging the WAC’s top tier.

The defense produced only five interceptions and nine recovered fumbles, putting a lot of pressure on the offense to do everything just right.

Granted, Brandstater threw a modest 13 touchdown passes last season, but he also had 14 picks.

The running game did its best to right the ship, averaging 180 yards a game. Hill needed a passing attack that complemented it better.

The end result was Fresno averaged only 23 points a game.