Dogs' Rookie Coach Relies On Bowl Experience - KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News Source

Fresno State's Tim DeRuyter may be in his first full season as a head coach, but he's already 1-0 in bowl games.

A year ago, DeRuyter was Texas A&M's defensive coordinator when Mike Sherman was fired.

DeRuyter was named interim head coach for the Aggies' bowl game, and they defeated Northwestern.

He says that experience has helped him set the Bulldogs' schedule as they prepare to face SMU in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve.

DeRuyter also likes the exposure they will get in their bowl game, saying Fresno State has a chance to enhance its image and brand considering it is the only game on TV that night.

The Bulldogs fly to Honolulu Wednesday morning.