Central California-Pat Hill made a calculated, yet risky, decision on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The Fresno State head coach decided to go for two points and the win in Illinois. The clock had run dry and so had Hill’s defense, so the decision was simple for the coach.

It worked, even though it took a lineman catching the ball on a bounce to finish the win! The decision may have just reduced the heat on Hill for another year, and delivered an early Christmas miracle for the Bulldogs and fans.

Fresno State beat Illinois 53-52 to end the regular season. It was the bowl before the bowl for the Bulldogs. A win over the Big Ten opponent on the road is as big as it gets for Fresno State. What is bigger is the Bulldogs finally got away with a win in a close game. They were seconds away from greatness on the road in Wisconsin and Cincinnati; the third time earns the “W” charm for their ‘09 bracelet.

Coach Hill is getting his usual end-of-year static for another Boise-loss season, but the noise level may subside with the Miracle in Illinois. That, and one more win in the “New Mexico Bowl” against Wyoming, could quiet the negative waves for now.

A win to end ‘09 would give Hill 101 in his coaching career. Now, if Santa brings him a hard-nosed defense for next year, look out.