The Bulldogs (3-1) return to the Aloha State this Saturday to face Hawaii (3-1) to open up 2025 Mountain West Conference play. With Fresno State leaving the MWC after this season, this is the last scheduled game between the two schools for the foreseeable future.
While the ‘Dogs will be playing in Hawaii, Head Coach Matthew Entz is keeping the focus on football.
“Our emphasis this week is to make sure that we’re thinking about football and not all the other the beaches, the sand, you know, all the other things and that you can become distracted with,” Entz says.
Series history
The ‘Dogs own the “Golden Screwdriver” series with a 30-25-1 record over the Rainbow Warriors, despite falling 21-20 at home to Hawaii last year (11-2-2024).
Fresno State safety Jayden Davis told Dylan Morgan of KSEE 24/CBS 47 earlier this week that last year’s defeat left a sour taste in his mouth.
“That’s a game we should have won and we let it slip away,” Davis says. “This year’s a revenge game for sure.”
While it remains an unofficial rivalry, these two schools have a storied history with plenty of photo finishes. The Bulldogs last win over Hawaii came in 2022 when then quarterback Jake Haener threw for 327 yards and four scores in a 55-13 rout. Hawaii has won 15 of the 29 matchups that have taken place in Honolulu.
Quarterback battle
Starter Micah Alejado is expected to be a full go after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. In the first two games of the season, the redshirt freshman threw for 367 yards and two touchdowns.
After struggling to find the end zone through the first three weeks of the season, Fresno State quarterback E.J. Warner completed 20-of-24 passes for 240 yards and four touchdown passes against Southern last Saturday to put an end to any questions about his job stability for at least another week.
“Just keep doing your job and do it at a high level. And the only people you gotta worry about are the people in the locker room with you,” Entz says.
The biggest key towards his success was not turning the ball over. Limiting the interceptions will be key if the Bulldogs want to leave Hawaii with a win. The Warriors have already picked off three balls this season.
Key players for Hawaii
Often an underrated aspect of the game, special teams can sometimes be half the battle and Hawaii’s unit has been one of the best in the country. Billy Gowers is currently averaging close to 47 yards a punt, with eight of his 17 punts being marked inside the opposing team’s 20 yard line.
Japanese kicker Kansei Matsuzawa has been nails, converting 11-of-11 on FG’s including a career long 47-yard FG last week against Portland State.
Hawaii is allowing less than 21 points per game, led by defensive end Jackie Johnson III (3.5 sacks) and defensive back Peter Manuma (25 tackles, 1 sack, 4 pass breakups).
Injury report
For the first time ever, Fresno State was required to release an official injury report. One notable is starting wideout Josiah Freeman (lower body) who missed last week’s game after being a gametime decision. Entz said Monday morning that he expects the senior to suit up versus Hawaii.
“I don’t know if anyone’s ever 100% after the first day of fall camp, but we’re gonna get him as close to ready as we can so he can play. I know he wants to,” Entz says.
Safety Ethan Tierney and backup quarterback Jayden Mandal are also questionable to play.
Keys to winning
Running the ball…Fresno State needs to run the ball in order to be successful.
The Bulldogs have run the ball 143 times through four games, which has allowed them to maintain control of the play clock and momentum of the game.
“As long as it’s an equation for success, then we’ll continue to do it.
Bryson Donelson and Rayshon Luke have combined for 555 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground through four games to lead a rushing attack that is averaging over 200 yards a game.
The duo have also combined for 20 catches and 167 yards through the air, instrumental in the passing attack.
The other key to winning, both on Saturday and long term, will be the continued usage and success of the youth, particularly a pair of true freshmen: wide receiver Harold Duvall and left tackle Brayden Walton.
“It speaks volumes to the potential recruits out there…that as long as you’re coming to work every day, showing up with a willingness to continue to improve, that you’re going to reap the benefits of it,” Entz says.
Duvall in particular had his “first of many” touchdowns against Southern.
Where to watch
The game will be free to watch on the Mountain West App. It is also available with Spectrum Sports. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. on the west coast.