Introduction: I have missed writing about my franchise/dynasty since I left off with my Los Angeles Giants franchise in Madden 2004. I can't promise an exciting review of every game, but I will most definitely write about the big/important/exciting games. Other games I may just post the scores and some stats. Anyhow, I chose to control two teams: the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Sam Houston State Bearkats. I chose the Bulldogs because I wanted a good team that wasn't highly prestigious. I plan to play two or three seasons with them and should a good coaching offer come my way in a bigger conference I may take it. I chose the Bearkats, because, well that is where I go to school. I move Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and Texas State all into the Sun Belt, replacing Idaho, Utah State, and New Mexico State. I have one season finished already, so I'll quickly recap what happened and pick up later in season two.

FRESNO STATE: 2004 Season Recap
Record: 12-0 (WAC Champions)
Rank: #4
Bowl: Defeated Virginia Tech 31-13 in the Fiesta Bowl

Offseason: Lost two key starters to the NFL draft as early entries, HB Dwayne Wright (92 ovr) and starting SS (sorry, his name escapes me now...97 ovr). Both were contacted and persuaded to return for their senior years, but both declined. Tommie Morris was a key loss to the defensive line, as he led the WAC in sacks last season. Having the only undefeated record in the nation helped recruiting, giving Fresno State the #1 class in the nation.

SAM HOUSTON STATE: 2004 Season Recap
Record: 4-7
Rank: #115

Offseason: Starting QB Dustin Long was lost as he was a senior, as was all but one of the WR corps. Defensive captain CB Mark Hughes, as well as FS Chad Oliphant were also lost as seniors. HB Greg Gold transferred from Oklahoma State, and figures to be the starter in 2006 when he is eligible to play again. Being in the great football state of Texas helped the Kats with recruiting, giving them the #29 class in the nation.

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FRESNO STATE: 2005 Season Preview

The 2005 season should prove to be much more challenging to the Bulldogs, with scheduled matchups against Texas A&M, UCLA, and USC. In 2004, the only ranked team played was eventual champion Kansas State. Seniors QB Paul Pinegar and WR Jermaine Jamison lead a potent passing attack as they look to capture the WAC title once again. Boise State, Nevada, and Hawaii look to be the biggest obstacles in the way of this feat. Senior HB Bryson Sumlin will get his shot with the early departure of Dwayne Wright. Sumlin was second on the team in rushing last season, spelling Wright for five to ten carries a game.

The defense is led by senior FS Tyrone Culver, who was second on the team in tackles last season. Blue chip recruits Quentin Stevenson and Levi Pope will form the ends of the defensive line with upper-classmen Garret McIntyre and Louis Little manning the middle. The Bulldogs defense hopes to be a top ten defense once again when it's all said and done.

Starters/Key backups:
QB: Paul Pinegar 92 / Jordan Christensen 76
HB: Bryson Sumlin 87 / Robbie Dubois 84
FB: Matt Rivera 84 / Rashon Vercher 82
WR: Jermaine Jamison 86 / Adam Jennings 82
WR: Joe Fernandez 84 / Paul Williams 76
TE: Duncan Reid 84 / Will Haley 80
LT: Chris Denman 74
LG: Matt Stevenson 80
C: Kyle Young 92
RG: Dartagon Shack 86
RT: Sergio Benson 80

LE: Quentin Stevenson 84
RE: Levi Pope 78
DT: Garret McIntyre 87 / Louis Little 78
OLB: Manuel Sanchez 70
MLB: Dwayne Andrews 82
OLB: Alan Goodwin 72
CB: Raymond Washington 85 / Awan Diles 82 / Richard Marshal 76
FS: Tyrone Culver 89
SS: Darrel Lacy 78

K: Bubba Brock 74
P: Mike Lingua 92
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Later...the Sam Houston State 2005 Preview