Bulldogs playing home game in San Francisco?

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno State is traveling about 150 miles for its season opener, but it might feel like a home game for the Bulldogs.

The ticket booths at Bulldog Stadium closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and Fresno State officially sold more than 14,000 tickets. Action News called up to Berkeley Wednesday and they'd only sold 8,500, so the color red will be dominant in the stands.

The Fresno ticket booth stayed busy Wednesday with last minute sales for fans ready for a road trip.

In her fourth year at Fresno State, the game at Candlestick Park will be the first one Bria Jones watches in person.

"A lot of excitement because I watch on TV a lot, but I've never really experienced it, so I'm excited," she said. "I think I'm going to paint my face too."

But on the Cal side, a bit of desperation has set in. Ticket sales are fairly low and even their former mascot, Don Larson, is staying neutral.

"I have the best of both worlds," Larson said. "I graduated from Cal in 1954 and Fresno State in 1960. I can't lose."

Cal has recorded YouTube advertisements like this one featuring linebacker Mychal Kendricks, warning Bear fans about the feverish Fresno State following.

"Being from Fresno, I know how Fresno State fans are and they travel well," Kendricks said in the video.

At Hoover High School, Kendricks played on both sides of the ball. He's number 30 here, running for a touchdown against Reedley four years ago. But Saturday, he'll be a linebacker, chasing new Bulldog quarterback Derek Carr. Fresno State fans who are making the trip expect Carr to shine.

"Derek Carr's got some great receivers," said Jim Winton, who's traveled to Bulldog games for at least 30 years. "If we can get those receivers out there and get Derek Carr a little bit of time, I think we're going to see the new kid on the block and he's going to do a terrific job."

Fresno mayor Ashley Swearengin will be among those wearing Bulldog red at the game. She has bets with the mayors of San Francisco and Berkeley, but she's not worried about paying up.

"I'd have to wear a Cal jersey for a day and eat San Francisco food, but we know that's not going to happen," she said. "Fresno State's going to win this game."

Coach Pat Hill and the Bulldogs are hoping they can turn the fans' energy to their advantage.

Cal is a ten-point favorite in Vegas, so a Fresno State win would definitely be an upset there.

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fresno state bulldogs, fresno state football, sports, corin hoggard

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