Fresno State’s notoriously up-and-down season under interim head coach Tim Skipper is decidedly down, again.
The Bulldogs suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Valley Children’s Stadium, behind a Brayden Schager-backed comeback in the fourth quarter on Saturday.
Tale of the tape: Fresno State largely dictated the terms of the first three quarters of play, with Pofele Ashlock, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter.
- Malachi Langley’s strip-sack of Schager proved to be a pivotal moment in the game, leading to Fresno State extending its lead.
- Following the turnover, Mikey Keene threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Raylen Sharpe, further cementing Fresno State’s lead at 13-7.
- Phoenix Jackson, who capitalized on a tipped pass from Schager to score an 89-yard touchdown, reinforcing Fresno State’s 13-point lead in the third quarter.
Turning Point: Despite initially trailing 20-7 in the fourth quarter, Hawaii mounted a remarkable comeback led by Schager.
- A 9-yard touchdown pass to Cenacle capped a 12-play, 87-yard drive, including two crucial fourth-down conversions, narrowing the deficit to 20-14 with just over 9 minutes left in the game.
What’s next: The Bulldogs head to Colorado Springs to take on the 1-7 (0-4 in conference) Air Force Falcons on Saturday, Nov. 9.
