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Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017
WHAT’S THERE TO KNOW ABOUT ALABAMA’S FOOTBALL TEAM? Page 7
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IMMIGRATION
Students rally in support of DACA
Students protest President Donald Trump’s Administration’s decision to end the DACA program at the Speaker’s Platform at Fresno State on Sept. 5, 2017.
By Hayley Salazar @Hayley_Salazarr
For approximately 1,200 Fresno State students, Tuesday morning was a long time coming. They heard an announcement from the White House about the future of the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, after rumors swirled the program would be terminated. DACA, an administrative order signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012, provided a two-year deportation deferment and the opportunity to apply for a work permit to eligible applicants, mostly young immigrants who came to the United States as young children. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced DACA would be phased out in about six months and asked Congress to find a legislative solution to immigration, Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro held a news conference in the Henry Mad-
"As President of Fresno State, I stand with and support each and every one of our talented 25,000 students, including our 1,000+ Dreamers." — Dr. Joseph Castro Fresno State President den Library shortly after the annoucement. “I want [students] to know that we’re thinking of them. We’re with them, and we’re going to do everything we can to support them so that they can graduate and become leaders out in the Valley and beyond,” Castro said. DACA recipients who currently have DACA will be allowed to use it until it expires, according to the announcement by Sessions. Castro tweeted his support for students with DACA last Friday: “As President of
Fresno State, I stand with & support each & every one of our talented 25,000 students, including our 1,000+ Dreamers.” “My job as president is to help them succeed, so we’re now turning our attention to Congress and urging them to pass the Dream Act or some legislation that will provide a pathway for our students to succeed over the long term and to become part of the next generation of leaders right here in the Valley and beyond,” Castro said. Castro said his administration will remain in “constant contact” with Congres-
Daniel Avalos • The Collegian
sional representatives to encourage passage of the Dream Act. “There’s a tremendous outpouring of support for DACA students today,” he said. “I think, in general, if you look at the polls, there’s bipartisan support, both parties, to find a solution to this challenge. I’m cautiously optimistic that our Congress will act and put it into effect to support our students.” DACA recipients are allowed to renew their work permits if they are set to expire before March 5, 2018, according to the Department of Homeland Security. But they must submit their renewal application by Oct. 5, 2017. At the Speaker’s Platform, Students for Quality Education (SQE) hosted a rally for those who wanted to share their support of DACA. Isaiahs Luna, a political science ma
See IMMIGRATION, Page 3
FOOTBALL
A dream comes true for Derek Carr By Nugesse Ghebrendrias @nugebear13
On a celebratory night, Fresno State retired former quarterback Derek Carr’s jersey and gave hope to fans following last season’s turmoil, dominating the Incarnate Word Cardinals 66-0. “I thought the team went into the game tonight with the focus they needed,” head coach Jeff Tedford said. “We needed to stay focused on this game and on ourselves, and we did that.” Walking down the tunnel for the first game of the year, the players said they could feel the energy buzzing from the announced crowd of 39,447. “You definitely notice it as a player,” quarterback Chason Virgil said after the
game. “We were able to see in warm-ups all the people that were standing around waiting for us to walk down the ramp, and the stadium kind of fills as the warm-ups go on. Coming out and to walk out you hear the fans screaming, and it was definitely loud, and it was good to see the stadium packed.” Virgil completed 16 of 29 passing attempts for 246 yards and a touchdown. Ronnie Rivers started at running back. It was the first time a true freshman had started at running back since 1980. Rivers had 60 yards and a touchdown. The defense set the tone early. Bulldogs’ defensive end Robert Stanley sacked Incarnate Word quarterback Taylor Laird on the Cardinals’ first drive.
See FOOTBALL, Page 8
Megan Trindad • The Collegian
Former Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr and Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro hold Carr’s retired No. 4 jersey on Sept. 2, 2017.
OPINION
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
2
BULLDOGS BARK
DACA decision puts more than 1,000 Students respond to DACA program announcement Fresno State students in danger
By Amber Carpenter | @shutupambs
By ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, President Donald Trump is exercising his hate and xenophobia at the extreme, punishing children who did not choose to come here, but were brought across the border in pursuit of a better life – a life with more opportunities than they would have had in their home countries. Announcing DACA’s end
sparked unrest and activism nationally and also on Fresno State’s campus. Students rallied in the Free Speech Area Tuesday, standing in solidarity against what can only be called a truly inhumane decision made by President Trump. To be optimistic is to hope that the end of this program is the beginning of progress in immigration reform. But given Trump’s track record, there is truly no telling what is going to happen to the roughly 800,000 DACA recipients in the United States. Including the more than 1,000 students protected by DACA at Fresno State. It is impossible to tell what Trump is hoping to solve by deporting students and employees once protected by DACA. At this point, it seems as though every
decision he makes is to benefit the small sliver of people he considers to be America – white males. However, what Trump fails to recognize is that the foundation of this country rests on so much more. Trump took to Twitter to announce that Congress has six months to “legalize DACA” and if they are not able to, he will “revisit the issue.” For the sake of the hundreds of thousands of hardworking students and employees covered by DACA, congress better have a plan and listen carefully to the wants and needs of its constituents.
C
“Class sizes would be smaller. I feel the majority of the stuff [Trump] does, he does without thinking and how that’s overall going to affect people. I mean, afterall, he is the president.”
Marilynn Mena-Rodriguez 1st year, Electrical Engineering
“I feel like everyone should have an equal opportunity to education. I know people that it’s going to affect and it makes me really sad that there’s not very much that they can do about it. This is the only thing that’s helping them go to school here, and for that to be repealed? There’s nothing they can do about it.”
COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expression. http://fresnostate.edu/collegian
Yasmin Holt, 4th year Psychology “It doesn’t personally affect me, but I do have friends and coworkers who are under the Dream Act that are really scared right now because they know that they can lose their job or lose everything that they’ve worked for up to now – it can all just be thrown away. It wasn’t their choice to come here, they were brought as kids, they’re like ‘It’s not my fault that I was brought here. We only came here for a better future, not to take anybody’s job or to harm anybody.’”
Kenia Garcia, 4th Year Child Development
Daniel Avalos • The Collegian
Jordan Bradley • The Collegian
THE COLLEGIAN The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university. collegian.csufresno.edu
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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
PAGE 3
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Meet two of ASI’s newest senators
Cody Sedaño and Amber Malhi
By Razmik Cañas @Raz_Canas
Amber Malhi and Cody Sedaño are the newest senators at Associated Students, Inc. and they are filling the student government’s two newest positions. They have plans to get their constituents active, involved and ready to share their voices. As a veteran, father and student, senior Sedaño said he will fight for the success of others in his new position. After his service in the Marines, Sedaño attended Fresno City College where his service continued for individuals who he said are now family, other veterans. “I got involved in student government there and worked in the Veterans Resource Center,” Sedaño said. “I was on the board of trustees at the city college level. Then I represented the Central Valley up in the student senate in Sacramento where I founded the veterans caucus.” When he arrived at Fresno State, he said he continued his push for veterans’ voting rights. After being on former ASI president Tim Ryan’s cabinet, he said he was able to assist in getting the position on the ballot.
“Now I hold the position I fought for, and I am an active and vocal voice for my constituents in the veterans community on campus,” Sedaño said. One of Sedaño’s goals during his term is to a establish an interim Veterans Resource Center on campus. He said Fresno State is one of the last CSU campuses to have one. “I want it to be in the middle of campus,” Sedaño said. “It’s like a safe space for veterans.” He said the center can be a place where veterans can study, interact and relax all while getting acclimated to the campus. Sedaño said it’s difficult for veterans to feel connected with the campus when they first arrive. “They feel like people don’t understand them, people don’t understand what they’re going through or how they see the world,” Sedaño said. Sedaño hopes veterans want to serve the community after getting to know each other. Along with the center, Sedaño said he hopes that he can form a veterans’ student council. He said the veteran community is diverse, and he hopes diversity in opinions can help guide the new senate position to
help them. “Veterans, they mean the world to me. They are my brothers and sisters,” Sedaño said. “Anything I can do for them I’m going to. I’m going to exhaust every possible resource I have.” And Amber Malhi, ASI’s new senator for diversity, equity and inclusion, wants every student to have pride in who they are. Growing up, Malhi said, she felt being “different” was a bad thing. Until she realized her differences are what made her special. “When I was growing up, people made me feel ashamed for being Indian. As I grew older I [realized] that this is something I should be proud of,” Malhi said. One of the things Malhi admires about Fresno State is the diversity that is showcased across campus. As a senator she hopes to increase that awareness by encouraging students to embrace their differences. “Expressing diversity is expressing who you are,” Malhi said. “It’s really important to feel happy with who you are. You shouldn’t feel ashamed with your culture.” Malhi said she plans to meet
CODY SEDAÑO
Senator of veterans and transfer affairs Daniel Avalos• The Collegian
with different cultural groups on campus as well as being in communication with the Cross Cultural and Gender Center. One project she hopes to take on is a campus wide cultural show. “Fresno State is so diverse and no one is really aware of the things that are involved in other cultures and religions,” Malhi said. “The student body can come and watch all the different dances, stories - from the different cultures that we have here on campus.” She plans on working closely with international students so that they can also experience the diversity that is on campus.
AMBER MALHI
Senator of diversity, equity and inclusion Benjamin Cruz• The Collegian
“A personal goal I have is to make everyone feel welcomed here at Fresno State,” Malhi said. As the year goes on she hopes to get student input as she builds the foundation for the newly formed position. She wants each person to have a chance to use his or her voice. Malhi said, “This position is brand new. It has no set form of layout. I’m always open to new ideas.”
WATCH: for video on this story, visit our website: fresnostate.edu/collegian
‘Just a chance, just give us a chance’ IMMIGRATION from Page 1 jor and sophomore, took to the Speaker’s Platform with a sign in hand reading: ‘migration is beautiful.’ Many of Luna’s family members are DACA recipients and moved to the United States in search of work and education, he said. Tuesday’s announcement left him “feeling scared” for his friends and family. Luna said he hopes others can realize how much DACA effects students have in society. “I just hope [members of] Congress have an understanding heart that DACA students and DACA people aren’t criminals. They will be your future doctors.
They will be your future teachers, your future lawyers, and I’m hoping they understand that,” Luna said. Chad Brandon, a junior majoring in psychology, only learned about DACA Tuesday morning. But the chants made from the platform inspired him to show his support. “I think more people need to step up and say that they believe those things too so there isn’t this quiet consent. I think me speaking out is a way of saying that I don’t consent to what’s going on. I don’t agree with a lot of what’s happening right now,” Brandon said. After learning more about the program, Brandon hopes DACA can remain available to those who need it.
“All I know is I believe in education. I believe that immigrants have every right to be in this country just as much as I do. I strongly believe in educating everyone, and removing [DACA] would be a tragedy. I want DACA to stay,” Brandon said. Senior Adolfo Romero Ramirez, communication major, said although he is upset over the announcement, he continues to be optimistic. “I’ve always been an optimistic person so I just continue to live forward,” he said. Romero Ramirez said he believes that sometimes it takes something good to fall apart for something even better to come together. “Maybe this will force Congress to do something, like ‘Hey,
we have to do something about the Dreamers,’” Romero Ramirez said. He also wants Congress to act against the discontinuation of the administrative order. When Romero Ramirez was a baby, he came to America with his family, he said . “I understand the whole thoughts of people is that [we] came into this country illegally but… when I came here I didn’t know anything about what is legal and what is illegal,” he said. Romero Ramirez said he hopes Congress and the president choose to give those affected a pathway to residency and citizenship. “Just a chance, just give us a chance,” he said. Romero Ramirez said the effort to get DACA conditions renewed every two years is an extensive process. The program requires recipients to have a clean criminal record. “I think if you have just one DUI you’re out,” he said. When Romero Ramirez went through his own application process, he said he was not worried about being denied.
“I’m in school I’m at least a 3.0 [GPA] student and I didn’t have anything to worry about,” he said. He said the one thing that did stress him out was the presidential election last November. He feared his DACA application would be revoked then. His application was renewed before the continuation of DACA was in question. Romero Ramirez was granted his DACA conditions until January 2019. He said his worry is for the people in the program with deferments expiring in the next few months. “I wonder what’s going to happen to them,” he said. Romero Ramirez will take action by remaining aware of rallies similar to the SQE rally and keeping up with his schooling. “I’m going to continue my studies. I’ll keep looking forward and stay positive,” he said.
WATCH: for video on this story, visit our website: fresnostate.edu/collegian
A&E
4
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
MUSIC REVIEW
A decade of The Maine By Selina Falcon @SelinaFalcon
MASTERFUL In an age where it is not uncommon to see bands rise and fall within a few short years, alternative rock band The Maine has remained constant and has built a loyal fan base over the last 10 years. Formed in 2007 in Tempe, Arizona, The Maine features vocalist John O’Callaghan, guitarists Kennedy Brock and Jared Monaco, bassist Garrett Nickelsen and drummer Pat Kirch. Being a band for 10 years means that The Maine has had a long and eventful career. • In the past, the band has toured with bands like Good Charlotte, Taking Back Sunday, Dashboard Confessional and The All-American Rejects. • After leaving Fearless Records, The Maine signed with Warner Bros. Records in 2009. After the release of its second album, the band left Warner Bros. and started its own label, 8123. • To celebrate 10 years as a band, The Maine hosted its own music festival, “8123 Fest,” in downtown Phoenix. • The band has released five EPs (extended plays) and six albums. The Maine’s most recent album, “Lovely
The Maine’s Facebook page
Kennedy Brock, Garrett Nickelsen, Jared Monaco, John O’Callaghan and Pat Kirch of The Maine.
Little Lonely,” was released April 7. “Lovely Little Lonely” is different compared to the band’s 2015 release, “American Candy.” While “American Candy” was more
upbeat and focused on the general theme of growing up, “Lovely Little Lonely” has an overall laid-back, nostalgic sound with songs that are more grown-up versions of those found on “American Candy.”
A standout track and the second single from “Lovely Little Lonely” is “Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu.” With over 3 million streams on Spotify, the song is fast-paced and best encompasses the album’s theme and sound. “Lovely Little Lonely” is album six for the members of The Maine, and the reason they have managed to continue making music for so long is due in part to their loyal fanbase, who remain because The Maine makes an effort to give back to fans. One of the more impressive ways the band showed it cared was in the fall of 2015, when it embarked on the “Free For All Tour.” The Maine traveled across the country playing shows anywhere it could, free for anyone who wanted to come. “We’ve been thinking of ways that we can actually repay you, and we’re finally at a crossroads where we feel like we’d like to really attempt to do so,” said O’Callaghan in a video announcement for the tour. The “Free For All Tour” was a turning point for the band and allowed it to introduce itself to an entirely new audience. Since then, the band has earned an average of 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. This fall, The Maine will head out on the “Modern Nostalgia Tour” where it will be playing “American Candy” and “Lovely Little Lonely” in full. Dreamers and Night Riots will open up the shows. You can follow The Maine on Twitter at @themaine and on Instagram at @themaineband.
CONCERT
The Seeds, plant themselves in Fresno’s music history By Jessica Johnson @iamjesslj
“We heard good things about Fresno,” said Daryl Hooper, founding member and keyboardist for The Seeds. The Seeds, who are said to have influenced Iggy Pop and the Beach Boys, are making a stop at the Tower Theatre for a “special show” on Sept. 16. When asked why the band wanted to make a stop in Fresno, Hooper said he had heard about the Tower Theatre being a nice place to play and wanted to “hit the Central Valley” while heading south through California. Not only was the band influential throughout the last half of the 20th century, but its song “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” was featured on the 2016 Netflix series “Stranger Things.” Hooper said not only was their song
featured in the series, but they have been featured in so many television shows and movies that it is hard to keep track. The newly reformed and self-proclaimed garage-rock and proto-punk band includes Hooper, drummer Don Boomer, bassist Alec Palao, guitarist Jeff Prentice and vocalist Paul Kopf. Hooper said you can expect to see an exciting rock ‘n’ roll show that “depicts our original music.” The founding member encourages those who have any interest in the music of the ‘60s to make their way to the Tower Theatre. “You gotta come out and see it [the show],” Hooper said. “The Seeds are it.” The opening act, the Marshall Kipp Band will be opening the show at 7:15 p.m., and The Seeds plan to take the stage at 9:25 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets start at $29. The Seeds will perform at Tower Theatre on Sept. 16, 2017.
www.theseedsband.com
THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
PAGE 5
This Week in Entertainment
Paint Dance Party
Poetry Jam
USU Productions is hosting a Paint Dance Party on Thursday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on the lawn next to the Satellite Student Union. Fresno State students will be able to dance and enjoy music provided by DJ Kay Rich while colored liquid paint is thrown in the air above the crowd. It is recommended to wear white for best color results.
The Cross Cultural and Gender Center will be hosting a Poetry Jam on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in The Vintage Room. Poetry Jam is an open mic night welcoming people from all cultures to present their stories, poetry, spoken word, songs and raps. Deaf Artists are being featured this month, and all are welcome to come and watch and/or present their own pieces. Registration is not required to perform, but priority will be given to those who have registered.
This is a free event for Fresno State students only, and a valid Fresno State student ID must be presented at the entrance.
The Fresno Blues Review
For more information, visit the Cross Cultural and Gender Center in the Thomas Building, Room 110A. Call 559-278-4435 or email ccgcstudentassist@mail. fresnostate.edu.
‘Fifty Years of Armenian Literature in France’ Lecture
General admission tickets are $10 and $5 with student ID. Tickets are available online through the music department ticket website, and will also be available at the door the night of the event. Additional information is available by contacting Dr. John Karr at jkarr@csufresno.edu or by calling 559-278-7255.
Author and translator Christopher Atamian will present “Fifty Years of Armenian Literature in France: A Zenith of Diasporan Writing” at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191. This is the first presentation in the Armenian Studies Program 2017 Fall Lecture Series, and it is free and open to the public.
USU P R
The Music of America Concert Series is bringing “The Fresno Blues Review” at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the Satellite Student Union. The concert will feature local blues acts Bobby Logan, Ed Burke, Square One and Deja Blues.
Free parking is available in lots P6 and P5 near the University Business Center. Permits are not required for parking on Friday evenings after 4 p.m. For more information about the lecture, contact the Armenian Studies Program at 559-278-2669.
PRESENTS ONS I T UC OD
Now Hiring! Vino Grille & Spirits is searching for a group of talented individuals to become a part of our friendly and dedicated staff!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 FREE • 8 P.M. | Lawn next to the Satellite Student Union
Fresno State Students Only. Must present valid Fresno State Student ID.
MUSIC BY DJ KAY RICH All Fresno State students are welcome. For questions or special accommodations, call Student Involvement. 559.278.2741. Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Positions available: Busser Host Server Chef Line Cook Retail Wine Clerk
Please email resumes to: FSU@vinogrille.com @USUProductions
Vino Grille & Spirits 1440 E. Champlain Dr #106 Fresno, CA. 93720 www.Vinogrille.com
NEWS
6
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
ALCOHOL
Football fans enjoy beer and a game Saturday’s home opener was the first to allow beer sales since 2006
Alejandro Soto • The Collegian
By Matthew Roby @MattRoby__
Besides a winning start to the season and the retirement of former Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr’s jersey, it was also the first time beer was sold at a home Fresno State football game since 2006. The stadium was electric and attendance was high, with nearly 40,000 fans cheering on the Bulldogs. The student section was particularly embracing the new beer sales policy. Many students expressed excitement for the upcoming season.
“People are more likely to come because of the atmosphere,” said Jared Hunt, a senior student at Fresno State, as he waited in the line at one of the beer gardens. “It makes it more enticing for people to come and drink and enjoy the happy vibe.” The reintroduction of alcohol could enhance the atmosphere of the games and bring students back to the stadium, some sad. But some visitors response held concerns. They feared could possibly result in an increase of drunken behavior. “If people can behave correctly then it will be a positive thing, but if people are stupid and don’t handle it well then it could
get bad,” said senior Grant Kenney. The success of the new policy was evident. Lines at designated beer gardens grew before the game had even started. Alcohol purchases were limited to a two drink minimum and patrons had the option of purchasing a 16 ounce domestic beer or a 12 ounce premium beer, both for $8 each. A valid ID was required to obtain a wristband, allowing football fans to purchase beer at the two designated beer gardens at the southeast and northwest corners of the stadium. “I think it’s going to have a great impact on the atmosphere for people of all ages,” said Rex Hime, a Fresno State alumnus.
“Whether they graduated 20 years ago or go to school now, fans are able to come together over one thing, and that’s football.” Indeed, students can now celebrate a touchdown with a sip of cold beer. University officials emphasized in a news conference last week that they were focused on safety and maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere of athletic events. The police and security throughout the stadium also monitored the crowds that filled the beer gardens throughout the game. Law enforcement officers and security guards could not comment on the alcohol sales.
Alejandro Soto • The Collegian
Fans gather to purchase alcohol at one of two new locations at Bulldog Stadium during the Fresno State football game on Sept. 2, 2017. Alcohol sales at Fresno State athletic events began in September for the first time since 2006.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
PAGE 7
FOOTBALL
Inside Alabama Football
A conversation with the Crimson White sports editor
Curtis Compton • Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) leaps a Washington defender during the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on December 31, 2016.
Enroll Now!
Are you a Fresno State Student who is also a parent of a young child? Fresno State Programs for Children is accepting applications for childcare services. Children who are 3 (as of September 2, 2017) and 4 years old are eligible. Fresno State students may qualify for free or reduced fee care.
Contact us for more info! Phone: 278-0225 Email: progfourchild@csufresno.edu
By Daniel Gligich @danielgligich
Coming off a 66-0 drubbing of lower-tier opponent Incarnate Word, Fresno State now has to turn around and face the No. 1 team in the country – Alabama. The Crimson Tide beat No. 3 Florida State 24-7 in its opening game. The Collegian spoke with Matthew Speakman, the sports editor at Alabama’s student newspaper, The Crimson White, by email about the upcoming game. Daniel Gligich: Coming off a season opening win, is there any reason to doubt that Alabama is the best team in the country? Matthew Speakman: I think right now, no. Alabama played the No. 3 team in the country and really made the game boring. When you look at it, the Crimson Tide struggled. Alabama only had 96 yards passing and 269 yards of total offense. The team struggled and beat the No. 3 team by 17 points. I think that really says it all right there. Alabama also had four linebackers get injured – two out for the season – and the defense did not miss a beat. To me, it’s going to be tough for any team to beat Alabama this year. DG: Alabama lost to Clemson in the national championship last season. How much did that motivate and impact the team heading into the first few weeks of this year? MS: I think it definitely motivated them. Most of the players will say that it’s a new season, but since Alabama is so good so often, they kind of have to create their own motivation. With the loss to Clemson, they now get to have a ‘chip on their shoulder’ heading into this year. I think a lot of the key players like Jalen Hurts or Minkah Ftizpatrick definitely use it as motivation.
DG: The offense is loaded with Jalen Hurts, Bo Scarbrough and Calvin Ridley. Which one of them is most crucial to the offense? MS: It’s Jalen Hurts. No doubt. He is what is going to make or break this year. His improvement is crucial. Alabama has had quarterbacks struggle in the past, but now more than ever, the team will need Hurts to be able to stretch the field. Last game, he was able to hit open receivers when he had time. His deep ball looked nice. To me, this team is going to be great no matter what, but the play of Hurts will most likely determine if they take home a title this year. DG: Alabama lost two important linebackers for the season in the opener. How much will that impact the defense going forward? MS: It’s mostly going to impact depth. They lose two talented parts of the defense who were finally getting the chance to start. The defense is going to be fine, because one thing that Alabama does is make players versatile. Mack Wilson and Ben Davis, two five-star recruits, can play inside and outside at linebacker. Everyone in the linebacker group can play both. They lose two crucial players, but they’ve recruited so well that it won’t make a difference. DG: Who is the best player on Alabama and why? MS: That’s a tough one, but I would go with Minkah Fitzpatrick. He’s someone who is very important to Alabama’s defense. He plays safety in base defense and star in the nickel package. He makes play after play. Anytime Alabama needs a spark, he usually provides it. Even on Saturday, Florida State drove down the field to kick a field goal before the half, and he ended up blocking the kick. He can do it all. DG: There was talk over the offseason of Nick Saban leaving Alabama for another shot in the NFL. Do you think there is any chance he leaves after this season, and are the rumors a distraction to the team at all? MS: No. There’s no chance. I don’t think it’s a distraction. Nick Saban is 65. I don’t think he wants another huge career move this late in his career. DG: Do you think Alabama is overlooking Fresno State at all, considering the Bulldogs were 1-11 last year with the only win coming against an FCS team? MS: Alabama makes it a very big deal that they do not overlook any opponent. If there is one thing they get angry about, it is this idea that they do. Obviously, they probably aren’t as excited to play this game as they were last week, but Nick Saban does a good job of preparing the same way for every opponent. DG: What is Fresno State’s reputation in Tuscaloosa? MS: There really isn’t one. If you have paid attention to football, you know Fresno State has produced some great players – Derek Carr and Ryan Matthews to name a couple. I think Alabama fans are just excited to experience the first home game of the season. DG: What is your prediction for the game? MS: Alabama over Fresno State, 38-3.
SPORTS
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
A night to remember for Bulldog faithful FOOTBALL from Page 1 “It feels good knowing all the hard work you put in through spring ball, summer and fall camp,” Stanley said. “It just feels good to come out here and execute. I feel like it was a collective effort. Guys were running around, bringing energy. It definitely brought momentum to the game.” The Bulldogs piled on score after score, heading into halftime with a 34-0 lead. But although the Bulldogs were playing well, the highlight of the night appeared to be halftime – Carr’s jersey retirement, as well as a surprise appearance from NBA allstar and former Bulldog Paul George. George, along with the nearly sold-out crowd, congratulated Carr with a plaque and jersey. Carr, and his older brother and former Bulldog, David Carr, held a news conference before the game. The brothers talked about their time as Bulldogs as well as what it means to have both of their jerseys retired. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me,” Carr said. “I dreamed of this moment when I was a little boy, and now it’s finally happened.” Carr was a child when his brother was a Bulldog, and he was motivated to earn a spot at Bulldog Stadium next to David’s No. 4.
“It’s definitely something I dreamed of,” Carr said. “What kept me focused was, No. 1, I wanted to give God everything I had, and No. 2, I wanted to put my name beside his.” Even though Carr now plays for the Raiders in the NFL, he still made an effort to impact Fresno State before the game. “He came to our pregame meal and said a few things to the team that hit the nail right on the head with what we want the guys to do,” Tedford said. “He really touched on how important all the little things are that people don’t see. Touchdowns and wins all start with the preparation that goes into that. As a staff, we talk about how important all that hard work and preparation really is.” Carr’s brother David was thrilled to be back at Fresno State, and said he was proud of Carr for all his accomplishments. “It’s hard because I don’t want to sound biased, but I would be a Derek Carr fan even if he was not my brother,” David Carr said. “It would probably be the only jersey I had. I told my wife I would never wear another man’s jersey, and his would be the only one I would wear.” After the halftime ceremony, the Bulldogs continued their dominance over Incarnate Word.
Megan Trindad • The Collegian
Former Fresno State quarterback and current Oakland Raider Derek Carr speaks to the crowd during his jersey retirement ceremony. The ceremony took place at half time in Fresno State’s 66-0 win against Incarnate Word on Sept. 2, 2017.
Oregon State transfer Marcus McMaryion subbed for Virgil at quarterback, and immediately was successful. His first drive ended in Carr-like fashion after he accurately placed a ball in the corner of the end zone from about 30 yards out, finding wide receiver Jamire Jordan for the touchdown. The Bulldogs finished the game strong on defense, continuing to shutout the Cardi-
nals. The 66 points was the most for Fresno State since a 69-28 victory over New Mexico in 2013, when Carr was quarterback.
WATCH: for video on this story, visit our website: fresnostate.edu/collegian
VOLLEYBALL
Block party at the Save Mart Center
Junior Brielle Hefner (#21) attempts to make a kill against Bakersfield at the Save Mart Center on Sept. 5, 2017.
By William Ramirez @willoveslakers2
Fresno State etched its name in the record books Tuesday night in their 3-0 volleyball victory over California State University, Bakersfield. The 862 in attendance at the Save Mart Center witnessed the team set a program record for most blocks in a three set match with 21, which shattered the previous record of 15, set in 2007 against Hawaii. To put the feat in perspective, the Bulldogs accumulated 22 blocks over their previous two games before Tuesday.
Head volleyball coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell said the performance could be attributed to their dedication to blocking during practice. “We’ve been working on blocking a lot, just getting their eye patterns to be a little bit sharper,” Netherby-Sewell said. “I told the [middle blockers] recently, ‘You guys have to love blocking and make it your specialty.’” Middle blockers Lauren Torres and Haile Watson impacted the match with their blocking. Torres and Watson finished with 9 and 10 blocks respectively. “We’ve been working really hard this entire week on blocking and just the small
Alex Soto • The Collegian
details, and tonight it just showed that the small details count,” Watson said. The team did not win on blocking alone. Taylor Slover and Brielle Hefner led the way in the kills category with 13 and 10 respectively. Hefner also did not commit an error on 16 attempts. “Brielle has been unbelievably solid for us,” Netherby-Sewell said. “Zero errors on 16 attempts tonight is unreal.” Hefner also contributed with her tenacity, going as far as diving into the scorer’s table to save a point during the third set. Setter Madelyn Halteman earned her second consecutive double-double with 10 digs and 31 assists.
Halteman was everywhere and anywhere her team needed her to be, offensively and defensively. Netherby-Sewell said the sophomore is a key part of their game plan. “[Halteman’s] got a lot of pressure on her,” Netherby-Sewell said, “When she plays well, we play well. We expect a lot out of her and as long as she’s really dialed in she can do a lot for us and I’m happy to see her doing that.” But the Bulldogs struggled much more than the clean sweep of the Roadrunners would suggest. In the first two sets, the Bulldogs were unable to dominate the Roadrunners. The Roadrunners led 19-18 late in the first set, an obstacle that the Bulldogs responded to by going on a 7-1 run to win the set. They responded similarly to a 20-17 deficit in the second set with a 8-1 run for the 2-0 set lead. The Bulldogs found their footing in the third set and dominated, winning 25-13 and holding the Roadrunners to a .000 hitting percentage. “Honestly, we didn’t start playing our best until the third set, so that just shows how good we can be because we still beat them not playing our best the first two sets,” Hefner said. “But it was just fun to show them that we’re the best in the valley.” Netherby-Sewell said it sometimes takes the team some time to figure a team out, which in turn leads to slow starts. The Bulldogs hope to play all sets like they played the third starting Friday at the Saint Mary’s/USF Challenge, where they will play Saint Mary’s, California State University, Northridge and the University of San Francisco over the course of two days.