Fresno State‘s football program is preparing for the debut of quarterback E.J. Warner, son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Kurt Warner, and new head coach Matt Entz as they face the University of Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday. This will be the first game for both Warner and Entz with the Bulldogs.
The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Pacific at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and will air nationally on Fox and locally on KMPH-26. Radio coverage will be available via the Bulldog Sports Network.
Matt Entz spoke ahead of his coaching debut, noting, “It’s time for us to play somebody in a different-colored jersey.” He added that Saturday’s matchup would serve as a “great evaluation” after nearly 24 practices.
E.J. Warner, who transferred from Temple and Rice, brings experience as a three-season starter but has not had a winning record at the college level so far. Entz commented on Warner’s approach: “That is a little bit of a byproduct of being in a football family.” He emphasized Warner’s steady demeanor as an asset.
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold also discussed Warner’s leadership qualities this week. Leipold said, “He doesn’t get rattled. He’s obviously been a good leader for the programs he’s competed in before.”
Entz indicated that Fresno State may lean on their running game against Kansas, mentioning tailbacks Bryson Donelson and Rayshon Luke as key players expected to advance the ball and control possession.
The Jayhawks enter their home opener at a renovated stadium seating more than 41,000 fans following $448 million in improvements. The team finished last season with five wins and seven losses. Quarterback Jalon Daniels returns for Kansas; Entz highlighted Daniels’ dual-threat capability by saying: “Being able to contain him, not giving up scramble rules, unnecessary yardage … he’s a huge concern when he’s playing well. He’s as good as a quarterback as there is right now.”
Leipold expects significant energy at what he likened to a homecoming environment: “Our job is to play our best football and find a way to win the game. Everything else around it, the pageantry and all the other ceremonial things are outside of what our responsibility is,” Leipold said.
Entz addressed motivation within his roster during their final Mountain West season before moving to the Pac-12: “I think they want to prove people wrong. They’re excited to get out there and put a good product on the field.” Regarding early season timing, he stated: “It’s the next game, so it’s the most important one (…) We haven’t hyped up that it is the only game.”
Team captains announced by Entz include seniors Camryn Bracha (safety), Al’zillion Hamilton (cornerback), Jadon Pearson (linebacker), who transferred from Utah State, and Jacob Spomer (center).
E.J. Warner appears on preseason watch lists for awards such as the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award for quarterbacks expected to graduate this year. Bracha and wide receiver Josiah Freeman are listed among potential Comeback Player of the Year candidates after recovering from season-ending injuries last year.
Fresno State Athletics recently launched Red Wave Reach to increase access for youth and individuals with special needs interested in attending games; more details are available through official athletic department channels.
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