Fresno State is heading to a bowl game for the fourth straight season after holding on to defeat Colorado State 28-22 at home on Saturday.
The Bulldogs needed every bit of their 21-point lead in the first half since they went dark on offense and were shut out the rest of the way.
How it happened: Colorado State drove down the field with ease to start the game, capping the first possession with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Justin Marshall.
- But the Bulldogs answered right back on a quick four-play, 80-yard drive that ended with running back Bryson Donelson finding the end zone on a 16-yard run.
- Donelson propelled Fresno State’s offense through the rest of the first half as the Bulldogs capitalized on a rushing touchdown by Joshua Wood, a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mikey Keene to receiver Mac Dalena and a 15-yard touchdown pass from Keene to Jalen Moss to end the half. Donelson carried the ‘Dogs with 106 rushing yards in the first half.
- Fresno State could have lost the momentum after Keen fumbled the ball trying to sneak it over the line on 4th and goal from the 1-yard line, but the defense quickly forced Colorado State to punt. The ‘Dogs responded with the two passing touchdowns from Keene.
- Despite the offense’s success in the first half, the rushing attack went silent in the third quarter, and the Bulldogs punted six straight times in the second half.
- Fresno State’s defense held, though, and didn’t break on a critical fourth quarter drive from Colorado State.
- The Rams were down 28-14 at the start of the fourth quarter and took the ball 16 plays down field, taking over seven minutes off the clock. While drives like that would usually result in points, the Rams put themselves behind the sticks with a holding penalty and a false start, leading to a stop on fourth down with just 7:45 left on the clock. Even though Fresno State still couldn’t get anything going on offense, the Rams would only go on to score with 0:17 left in the game.
By the numbers: Dalena led Fresno State on Senior Day with 7 receptions for 75 yards and his 1 touchdown, followed by Raylen Sharpe with 5 receptions for 58 yards.
- Donelson averaged 11.5 yards per carry, getting 150 rushing yards on just 13 attempts to go along with his 1 touchdown.
- Keene only threw for 181 yards against the Rams, but he completed 71% of his passes and tossed 2 touchdowns while not throwing an interception.
- Fresno State held Colorado State’s two quarterbacks to just a 50% completion rate.
What we’re watching: Fresno State is now 6-5 on the season, advancing to 4-3 in Mountain West play.
- The ‘Dogs will close out the regular season in Pasadena next week against UCLA, who dropped to 4-7 after losing to USC 19-13.
