Anthony Harding is a 6'0", 215 pound sophomore running back for the Fresno State Bulldogs. In his first season at the collegiate level, Harding accumulated 403 yards rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns. On Monday, December 31, the Bulldogs will square off against Georgia Tech at Bronco Stadium in the Humanitarian Bowl. Before that game, Harding gave an exclusive interview to our own Aaron Fischman. Harding discusses his impressions of Hawaii and Oregon, his brother's inspiration and his end-of-the-year success. We hope you enjoy the interview.

Aaron Fischman: Who do you think was most deserving of the Heisman Trophy this season?

Anthony Harding: I believe the right person won the award. Tim Tebow is a tremendous player and gives trouble to defenses [trying] to stop him. He is versatile and does everything that you ask a quarterback to do.

AF: In your second game of the season, against Texas A&M, you guys came back from a 19-point deficit to force OT. How were you able to get back into the game? Although you ended up losing, what, if anything, did the game teach your team?

AH: We were able to come back in this game because we never gave up. The scoreboard said 19-0 at halftime, but we are taught that the scoreboard never matters, it just [determines] our style of play. So we made a commitment in the second half to play Bulldog football and let the scoreboard take care of itself. Unfortunately, it ended up being a loss and it taught our team that we have to take care of all the little details in a game and that every play counts. The game was a battle of inches and we lost that battle. But we grew from it.

AF: When playing Oregon, how did it feel to go up against Dennis Dixon?

AH: Going against Oregon, we knew it was going to be a big challenge for our team. We were coming off [that] tough loss to Texas A&M and Oregon has talented players on both sides of the ball. Dennis Dixon is one heck of a ball player and he changes the game so much when he's out on the field. He's a playmaker.

AF: Al Jefferson and Clifton Smith are the team's primary returners. How much do their returns impact the team's performance?

AH: They impact our team in a variety of ways. They are both electrifying and a threat to score a touchdown every time they touch the ball. It gives our team a lot of momentum because they put us in great field position and the offense is working on a short field. Against Hawaii, when A.J. had that kick return for a touchdown, our team had a spark and realized that we weren't out of the game yet.

AF: What is your impression of Hawaii, after playing them on November 10th?

AH: Hawaii is a very good team and we knew that coming into the game. It's no surprise they are playing for a BCS game. Colt Brennan is the leader of that team, you could tell when we were playing against them. I don't think [anyone] has really stopped their offense yet this year.

AF: Your brother (Will, a senior RB) is also on the team. What does he mean to you and what, if anything, have you learned from him?

AH: I have learned a lot from my brother. He has been a part of my life ever since I was born and he makes me work hard every day. I have also learned from him not to take anything for granted. He has been through a lot. To be where he is today, playing for a Division 1 football team, means a lot.

AF: In each of the past two games, you have rushed for 100 yards a touchdown on 20+ carries. How did it feel to get the job done out there, in such a big way? Why do you feel the coaches finally decided to give that many carries?

AH: It felt good being out there representing my team and doing what I [could] for us to get a win. I have never really been the one to care about stats, I just hope that I can get out there and provide this team with any kind of edge to get a win. For these last couple of games, I had to pick up the flag because we had some running backs go down. You never want to see anyone get hurt, but at the same time, you always have to be ready to get in the game.

AF: Having won seven of your last nine games, are you feeling good about your team going into the Humanitarian Bowl?

AH: Our team definitely feels good about going into the bowl game on a winning streak and turning our record from 4-8 to 8-4. We feel good, but at the same time, we know Georgia Tech is going to be a physical matchup. But we are up to that challenge.

AF: What can you tell us about your bowl game opponent, Georgia Tech? What has your team done to prepare for the Humanitarian Bowl?

AH: I only know about their defense. From watching them on film, they are a very physical team that flies around all over the place. They have a lot of great athletes on their team and they love to bring pressure on the quarterback. They are highly ranked in the NCAA in total defense. We have mentally prepared ourselves that this is going to be a test to see how we match up against these guys. We have been practicing very hard to get a feel [for] how the game is going to be played.

Now that you've read Anthony Harding's opinion about the Humanitarian Bowl, be sure to watch the game on ESPN2 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Harding's Fresno State Bulldogs will be taking on the 7-5 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets.

For further coverage of Bowl Season, check out our interviews in the Davis Sports Deli Archives .