Ducks Face Bulldogs on Big Game Day in Fresno

Fresno, Calif. -- The 20th ranked Oregon Ducks are in town today to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs in a game that will be carried live on ESPN2 tonight starting at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium on the FSU campus. The game is completely sold out with the Fresno community looking at the contest as the game of the year.

Both teams are 1-0 following opening game victories in their respective conference play. Last week Fresno State escaped a furious 2nd half comeback by Nevada and beat the Wolfpack 28-19 in WAC play. In that game quarterback Tom Brandstater was 16-for-24, 124 yards and one touchdown pass. Running back Dwayne Wright had 26 carries for 158 yards and three touchdowns.

Oregon demolished Stanford at Autzen Stadium in Eugene for its Pac-10 season opener, 48-10. Quarterback Dennis Dixon was 21-for-30, 234 yards and touchdown. Running back Jonathan Stewart ran for 168 yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns. Fellow running back Jeremiah Johnson had 79 yards on 10 carries and also scored a touchdown. Stewart sprained his right ankle during the latter part of the 3rd quarter last week and was unable to participate in all the workouts during week proceeding the FSU game. Johnson will start in place of Stewart, however Stewart is expected to see playing time in tonight's game.

A win by Oregon will make Head Coach Mike Bellotti all-time most wins as coach at Oregon. Bellotti's current record of 91-42 ties him with most wins with Rich Brooks (1977-94, 92-109) and is 4-0 vs. Fresno State.

Fresno State's Pat Hill would like to avenge a 37-34 win by Oregon last year at Autzen Stadium. Hill is 73-43 in his 10th year as the FSU headman. Hill is 0-3 against the Ducks.

Kickoff for tonight's game is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be carried live by ESPN2 with Dan Fouts (play-by-play), Tim Brant (analyst) and Vince Welch (sideline). The game will also be re-broadcast by Oregon Sports Network at 11:30 p.m. (PDT) with Joe Giansante, Anthony Newman. The game will be aired on radio by OSN starting a pre-game show at 6 p.m. with Jerry Allen calling the action with Mike Jorgensen providing commentary and Jay Allen covering the sideline.

Subscribers to eDuck.com can join live chat and enjoy the game with other fans online.