By Vincent Ordonio
————————–
Coming off a short week, the Fresno State Bulldogs’ (5-2) five-game win streak was snapped in a 49-21 loss to Colorado State University (2-4) at Fort Collins, spearheaded by the Rams’ blitzing defense and strong run game.
The Rams forced the Bulldogs to four turnovers, a season high. Three of those were interceptions—the first time the Rams had three interceptions since 2017.
Entering the game, the Rams ranked the 11th-worst scoring offense in the country and were riddled with injuries on defense, but none of those issues showed up in this matchup.
The Bulldogs were also without wide receiver Ezekiel Avit and offensive lineman Rolan Fullwood, both starters.
What happened
In the first quarter, it was all Colorado State, as the Rams shut out the Bulldogs 14-0.
Despite getting the ball first, the Bulldogs’ opening drive was short-lived, ending with a punt after they failed to start the game off strong. This was orchestrated by Colorado State’s defense, sacking Warner to force a 3rd and 20 that the ‘Dogs were unable to convert.
The Rams responded with a drive sparked by their run game, earning an immediate first down from running back Justin Marshall. They went to Marshall shortly after, and he broke free for a 73-yard touchdown on a drive that only lasted just 1 minute and 23 seconds.
On the next drive, Warner threw his seventh interception of the season—this one to Rams defensive back Jace Bellah—after a blitz collapsed the pocket. The Rams capitalize, scoring on a 29 yard touchdown to put themselves up 14-0.
With a chance to redeem themselves, the Bulldogs were unable to extend their drive, as they had to punt the ball away for the second time in the first quarter. Or did they?
With hopes of extending their drive, the Bulldogs attempted a fake punt but were unable to get the first down, giving the Rams strong field position as they made their way down the field and to the ‘Dogs’ 12-yard line to close the first quarter.
To open the second quarter, the Rams picked up where they left off, securing another touchdown to put them up 21-0.
On their first drive of the second quarter the Bulldogs marched down the field. On the Rams’ 23-yard line, Warner and wide receiver Josiah Freeman connected on a screen play for a touchdown. After the extra point, the Rams’ lead was cut to 21-7.
On defense, the Bulldogs forced a fourth down. As Colorado State lined up to punt, an offside penalty on the ‘Dogs gave the Rams a new set of downs, resulting in another passing touchdown to put the Rams up 28-7.
Things didn’t get any easier for the Bulldogs. On the first play of the drive, Warner scrambled and fumbled the ball, which was scooped up by Rams outside linebacker Kenyon Agurs for another touchdown, putting them up 35-7.
To close out the quarter, the Bulldogs moved down the field again, and Warner and Freeman connected once more as the ‘Dogs entered halftime down 35-14.
In the third quarter, both teams exchanged strong outings on defense, until Warner delivered a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Rayshon Luke to chip at the 35-21 deficit.
In the final quarter, two scores and an interception was the final nail in the coffin for the Bulldogs en route to the Rams’ 49-21 win.
Key Stats
E.J. Warner: 28-for-49, 350 passing yards (season high), 3 TDs, 3 INTs, 1 TO.
Josiah Freeman: 89 yards, 2 TD, 55 YAC.
Richie Anderson III: 70 yards, 0 TD, 41 YAC
What’s next
The Bulldogs get a much needed bye week, but are back in action against San Diego State University at Valley Children’s Stadium on Oct. 25 for homecoming. They will also be honoring former Head Coach Jeff Tedford for his induction into the Fresno State Football Ring of Honor.
Cover photo provided by Fresno State.