re: USF: The Program that Almost Was

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Tulane, KU, and Illinois were all one hit wonders. Despite their post-Petrino collapse Arkansas has some good football history and an established program.

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Agreed, schools like Arky, TAMU and SCAR are in another category, although to your credit, SCAR has pretty much lifted itself out of said category.

Fresno State upset Colorado in the 2001 opener (the Buffs would lose just one game the rest of the season, at Texas, but after winning the Big 12 North Division, defeated Texas in the Big 12 Championship game, finished with a 10-2 regular season record and No. 3 ranking in the Final BSC standings.)

...and then dismantled SI preseason #1 Beavers in an electric atmosphere at Bulldog Stadium 44-24.

Then Fresno State traveled to Wisky and beat them...rising to #11 in the polls and on the cover of Sports Illustrated and finished 11-3.

They finished 9-3 in 2004.

In 2005...Fresno State was ranked #15 when they almost upset Reggie Bush and USC but finished 8-5.

In 2009, Fresno State was #8 in the polls but finished 8-5.

In 2011 they fell to 4-9...

Last year they were 9-4 (but played one of their weakest schedules ever.)

That is one program that just couldn't ever seem to get over the hump - and beat Boise State for that matter.