Ten years ago Oregon recorded its first victory against Fresno State, and the Ducks haven’t lost to them since.
In 1996, overtime was instituted into college football and both Fresno State and Oregon participated in the season-opening game. Fresno State kicked a field goal in the first possession, but Oregon tight end Josh Wilcox caught a 25-yard touchdown reception on the Ducks first play of overtime, giving Oregon a
30-27 win.
Oregon hasn’t played at Fresno State since, but has won three straight against the Bulldogs at home.
In 1997, Oregon led by 17 in the fourth quarter, but had to hold on for another overtime victory. The Bulldogs made a field goal in the first overtime before quarterback Jason Maas plunged in from one-yard out for the 43-40 win.
Then, former running back Onterrio Smith powered in a two-yard touchdown with just more than one minute remaining to help Oregon defeat Fresno State 28-2 in 2002.
Last season, Oregon held on for a 37-34 victory. The Ducks amassed 530 yards of total offense, with former quarterback Kellen Clemens throwing for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Oregon trailed 17-0 in the second quarter before scoring 30 of the next 33 points.
“Our games with Fresno State have been very competitive over the years,” Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. “I’m sure that they have a wall spot in their trophy room with our name on it.”
Oregon was undefeated at the time of all four victories against Fresno State.
Kicking the habit Oregon kicker Paul Martinez, who led the nation in field goals made per game (2.11) last season, made both field goals and all six extra points in the opener against Stanford.
Martinez, who has made six straight field goals dating back to last season, connected on 19 of 24 field goal attempts one year ago. He also made 8 of 9 from 40 yards and beyond.
“Paul Martinez has been a very effective kicker for us,” Bellotti said. “He has been very focused. He does one thing and he does it very, very well.”
Martinez kicked a 45-yard field goal against Fresno State last season.
Bellotti versus nonconference Bellotti hasn’t lost to a Western Athletic Conference school in 14 games or a non-BCS conference school in the nonconference. He is 31-4 in
nonconference games during his tenure, with the only loss at
home occurring versus Indiana in 2004. Bellotti is 4-5 in bowl games.
With another win, Bellotti will pass Rich Brooks for the most coaching victories at Oregon (92).
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