Washington made national headlines last weekend after announcing it would provide chocolate milk to Huskies players after practices.

But it was almost a year ago that Fresno State announced that chocolate- and strawberry-flavored milk was the athletic department's new drink of choice.

Drinking milk after workouts is said to be an "optimum recovery drink," providing a balance of carbohydrates and protein while coming from a natural product, Bulldogs strength and conditioning coach Andy Bennett said while reciting past studies.

Said Fresno State media relations director Steve Weakland: "It just goes to show that we were on the cutting edge with milk."

Fresno State is going with two-a-day practices every other day for the next two weeks.

The routine is supposed to give the Bulldogs time to practice physically once a day, then focus on teaching and fundamentals at the second practice.

The Fresno State Quarterback Club will host its annual Kickoff Dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Fresno Convention Center.

In addition to the dinner, players and coaches will sign autographs.

General admission is $30. Details: (559) 278-7801.

Highlight

Starting running back Lonyae Miller went untouched into the end zone from about 15 yards during a red-zone drill. Later, on a nearly identical play, running back Ryan Mathews did the same against the third-team defense.

Audible

"Damn good practice today. Damn good. Saw a lot of good things today. This is going to be a good team." -- Coach Pat Hill, addressing his team after Monday morning's session, the beginning of Fresno State's two-a-day practices.

Schedule

Sept. 1 vs. Sac. State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Texas A&M, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Oregon, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 vs. La. Tech, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Nevada, 1 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Idaho, 2 p.m.

Oct. 20 vs. San Jose St., 2 p.m.

Oct. 26 vs. Boise State, 6 p.m.

Nov. 3 vs. Utah State, 2 p.m.

Nov. 10 Hawaii, 9:05 p.m.

Nov. 24 vs. Kansas St., TBA

Nov. 30 at N.M. State, 5 p.m.