By Al Scott
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For the second straight matchup, the Oil Can trophy goes to San Diego State. The Aztecs defeated Fresno State 23-0. It was the first time the Bulldogs have been shutout since 11/5/16 (at CSU) per Fresno State, and the first time at home since 1980.
After the game, Fresno State Head Coach Matt Entz spoke to the impressive turnaround by the Aztecs under second-year HC Sean Lewis.
“Consistency, recruiting to your scheme, recruiting to have depth, and then the same offense, same defense, two years ago, all of a sudden, your players become just that much more comfortable. They become that much more accustomed to the communication,” Entz said.
With the win, San Diego State (6-1, 3-0) controls its own destiny towards a spot in the MW Championship game, and secures a bowl game bid at the end of the season.
Despite the frustrating loss, Entz message to his team after the game was that of a positive one.
“Being a defeatist, being negative is no way to go through life. I’ve lived in that world before. There was a year I went 11-2, and it was the worst year of my life,” Entz said. “We’re going to stay positive. We’re going to keep building. We’re going to keep growing. There are championships in our future here.”
Key stats
- Lucky Sutton (SDSU): 21 carries, 131 yards, TD
- Tano Letuli (SDSU): 2 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD
- Jahzon Jacks (FS): 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery
- Rayshon Luke (FS): 10 touches, 58 total yards
What happened
After starting E.J. Warner for the first seven games of the season, Entz made a somewhat surprising decision to switch to sophomore quarterback Carson Conklin under center.
“I felt like I had the right to make that decision. We had turned the ball over too many times, at the same time, trying to push a button, maybe get a little more leadership out of some people on offense,” Entz said.
Conklin’s first drive netted a trio of first downs, including a pair of completions to wideout Josiah Freeman. A third and five opportunity on the Aztecs 35 yard line was wasted with a dropped pass, intended for Jordan Brown. Entz opted to punt rather than attempt a field goal.
The Aztecs responded with a 9-play, 92-yard drive, capped by a 1-yard rush up the middle courtesy of running back Lucky Sutton to give San Diego State a 7-0 lead.
Consecutive three-and-outs by the Bulldog offense found themselves down 10-0 midway through the second quarter. An interception downed at the 3-yard line by corner Al’zillion Hamilton prevented the Aztecs from scoring.
The Bulldogs were not able to take advantage in either of its final two drives of the first half, including a tipped pass from Conklin, picked off by Aztecs defensive lineman August Salvati. Following a Bulldog stop, San Diego State kicker Gabriel Plascencia nailed a 50-yard field goal.
The ‘Dogs got one more chance to score in the first half but were unable to do anything with it.
The second half was more of the same.
Tano Letuli had a crucial pick-6 interception with a little over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
Conklin completed 20-of-42 passes for 182 yards, with a pair of interceptions thrown. Entz said after the game that Conklin will “be ready to get back to work tomorrow.”
Teddy enshrined forever
Former Bulldog quarterback and Head Coach Jeff Tedford was inducted into the Fresno State Ring of Honor during halftime. He was joined by fellow members Derek and David Carr, Lorenzo Neal, Henry Ellard, Pat Hill as well as former players, coaches and teammates.
Tedford is the 13th member of the club, and the first to both play and coach at Fresno State.
What’s next
The Bulldogs head to Idaho for its second straight week with a rivalry game, this one coming at Boise State (6-2). It will be the Bulldogs first game in Boise since the 2022 season when Fresno State last won the Mountain West Conference. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. (PT).
The ‘Dogs will return home following Boise State for a bye week before hosting Wyoming on Nov. 15. The kickoff for that game has yet to be determined.