FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS

NOV. 19 AT ALOHA STADIUM

Stadium capacity: 50,000. Surface: UBU Speed Series

>> Head coach: Pat Hill (15th year)
>> 2010 record: 8-5 (5-3 WAC)
>> Series: Tied, 21-21-1
>> Last Meeting: Hawaii 49, Fresno State 27 (Oct. 9, 2010, Fresno, Calif.)
>> Offense: Pro set
>> Defense: 4-3

OFFENSE

Returning starters: Four

Primary objective: Reload an offensive line featuring four new starters to establish the Bulldogs’ power running game and take pressure off of quarterback Derek Carr in his first season as the starter.

At the controls: Carr, brother of former Bulldogs quarterback David Carr, makes his much-anticipated ascent into the starting role after redshirting last year.

Leading the charge: RB Robbie Rouse (5-6, 195) ran for 102.6 yards per game as a sophomore and ranked second in the WAC with 1,129 yards.

Key to success: Secure the football. The Bulldogs lost 15 fumbles last season, most in the WAC.

DEFENSE

Returning starters: Five

Primary objective: Establish a leader in the middle of the defense following the loss of leading tackler Ben Jacobs and maintain pressure despite losing defensive end Chris Carter (161⁄2 tackles for loss).

At the controls: Randy Stewart took over as defensive coordinator in 2009 and crafted a reputation for developing defensive backs.

Leading the charge: All-WAC defensive tackle Logan

Harrell (14 tackles for loss, 101⁄2 sacks) returns to lead the defensive front.

Key to success: Outside linebackers Kyle Knox and Travis Brown are proven producers. Three new starting linemen need to develop to free Harrell to make plays.

NOTABLE

>> Opens with back-to-back road games against California (at San Francisco) and Nebraska. Nonconference schedule also includes Mississippi, Boise State and San Diego State.
>> Last year in the WAC before moving to the Mountain West in 2012.