Columnist Steve Guiremand: Fresno coach likes Ducks to have ‘Fiesta’

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Sept. 27, 2002 | 10:32 a.m.

Steve Guiremand covers college football for the Sun. He can be reached at steveg@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-2324.

If misery likes company, UNLV coach John Robinson should hang out with Fresno State coach Pat Hill this week.

They can swap stories about how their football teams were dismantled by an Oregon State squad that barely cracked the Top 25 this week and may be the most physical football team this side of Norman, Okla., this year.

Two weeks ago many Rebel fans were outraged after UNLV was steamrolled by Dennis Erickson's Beavers, 47-17. Robinson, quarterback Jason Thomas and the rest of the squad were ripped by fans and media alike for the lopsided loss.

But for those of us who made the trip to Corvallis and saw the speed and size and toughness of the Beavers up close and personal, it brought back memories of the Oregon State squad that thrashed Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl two years ago. Only this squad may be even better.

Don't believe me? Well, then talk to Hill.

Hill's Bulldogs lost 23-21 in the final minute this year at No. 21 Wisconsin. They had also had No. 9 Oregon on the ropes in Eugene with a backup redshirt freshman quarterback, Paul Pinegar, making just his second start before losing in the final minute again 28-24. But last Saturday in Corvallis the Bulldogs were outscored 42-0 over one stretch en route to a 59-19 loss.

"They played as well against us as any team we've played against since I've been here," said Hill, in his sixth-year at Fresno State. "If they can beat (USC) this weekend (at the Coliseum), I can see them going to the Fiesta Bowl and playing for the national championship."

Yes, Oregon State is that good.

"They have all the ingredients," Hill said. "Their defense is very fast. Their defensive line is very strong. Their secondary is as good as anybody in the country. They have a good offensive line, a great running back, big wide receivers who are getting better each week and a talented young quarterback who is improving every game. And they play mean. Not dirty. Mean. I'm very impressed with them."

Remember, a number of the starters on this Fresno State team played on last year's Bulldog squad that upset eventual Big 12 champ Colorado 24-22 in Boulder and won at Wisconsin 32-20.

"I'm speechless," said senior right tackle Joe Schey, a three-year starter and preseason all-WAC pick, after the Oregon State game. "That's the most embarrassing thing I've ever gone through in my entire life."

Added free safety Cameron Worrell: "They dominated us in every aspect of the game. Since I've been here, we've never been outhit like that."

Oregon State hasn't won at the Coliseum since 1960. Don't be surprised if that streak doesn't come to an end Saturday afternoon.

Fan club growing

Count Pat Hill among the growing list of admirers of former Eldorado High running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson got his weight -- 227 yards -- on 25 carries, including a 75-yard touchdown run, in Oregon State's win over Fresno State. He has 536 yards on 88 carries this year.

"I think he's the real deal," Hill said. "We played against (Oregon Heisman candidate) Onterrio Smith and (Big Ten rushing champ) Anthony Davis of Wisconsin. I don't think it's even close (who is better). Jackson is bigger than both and I think he's faster than both of them. And he's definitely more physical."

Hill was especially impressed with Jackson's hustle.

"We had an interception where I thought one of our defensive backs was going to run it back," Hill said. "But (Jackson) ran him down. It was a great play."

Barring injury, look for Jackson and Oregon State sophomore quarterback Derek Anderson, perhaps the best quarterback to come into the Pac-10 since Drew Bledsoe, to be high first round picks in the 2004 NFL draft.

Once around the MWC

"I'm sure the high school coaches don't like it, and philosophically I don't like it. Friday should be reserved for high schools and Saturdays for colleges. But now high schools are playing on different days of the week, and so are the colleges and pros. There doesn't seem to be any set dates anymore."