The Fresno State Bulldogs improved to 5-1 on the season after defeating the University of Nevada 20-17, backed by four first half turnovers forced by the Bulldogs, including inceptions from Camryn Bracha, K’vion Thunderbird and Simeon Harris.
Despite the win, Head Coach Matt Entz said the locker room had mixed emotions but the goal at the end of the day is to win.
“There’s probably people out there that say we’re lucky to win. I’m okay with that. I’d rather be lucky than have lost,” Entz said.
Bracha echoed a similar mentality.
“I think the last two games, we played six quarters. I think we left two out there today in the second half. A sign of a good football team is when you can win when you’re not playing your best football, ” Bracha said. “Our best football is still in front of us.”
What happened
Warner’s only real blip in the first half came three plays into the game, when he threw over the middle, only to be intercepted by Nevada safety Murvin Kenion III.
Thankfully for Fresno State, it didn’t take long to get the ball back. Facing a 3rd and short, Chubba Purdy (younger brother of San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy) stepped back in the pocket and threw deep left to the Fresno State end zone but underthrew it. Bracha, the Bulldogs safety, came down with it, preventing the Wolfpack from scoring.
Neither team was able to do much offensively. Nevada kicker Joe McFadden nailed a 39-yard field goal with 1:39 remaining for the only scoring in the first quarter.
The ‘Dogs fourth drive of the game took up 14 plays and seven minutes of game clock but did result in points, a 21-yard field goal for kicker Dylan Lynch. The senior would also hit from 38 yards later in the quarter.
The real difference maker in the game was two second half touchdown passes from Warner to wide receiver Josiah Freeman, including a 24-yard dart in the final minute of the half to give Fresno State a 20-3 lead.
“We’re emphasizing complimentary football. It’s our job to put them in good positions to succeed,” Bracha said, in regards to the offensive and defensive sides of the team working together.
Nevada’s offense got a boost after switching quarterbacks to Carter Jones. The freshman threw a pair of touchdowns, one late in the third quarter to Dakota Thomas. The second came with 12:36 remaining in the game to running back Caleb Ramesur to make it 20-17.
The following drive, Warner was sacked on a 3rd-and-long opportunity, leaving the field to a smattering of boos.
The Bulldogs defense forced a three-and-out though, capped off by a huge 6-yard tackle for loss from linebacker Jadon Pearson.
With four minutes remaining in the game and facing a 3rd and 11, Warner scampered through the left side of the line with his legs to pick up a pivotal first down.
Brandon Ramirez ran the ball four times for 39 yards as the ‘Dogs ran the clock out, sealing the 20-17 victory.
All 20 Bulldog points came in the second quarter.
“If you stay committed to your plan, eventually it’s going to come through,” Entz said. “What most people want to do is throw the plan in the garbage and start over. And that’s about the last thing I think you can do with the football team.”
The Bulldog head coach added that he thought all three facets of the game (offense, defense and special teams) played well during parts of them, especially during the second quarter.
Key stats
E.J. Warner: 18-for-26, 190 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rayshon Luke: 8 carries, 83 yards
Josiah Freeman: 3 catches, 40 yards, 2 TDs
Jadon Pearson: 11 tackles, 2.5 TFL
Jahzon Jacks: 6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FR
What’s next
The Bulldogs are set for a short week with a Friday home game at Fort Collins, taking on Colorado State (1-4). A win would give them its sixth straight victory heading into the second bye of the season.
“My favorite thing about being a Bulldog is everyone is going to give us their best shot,” Bracha said.
Following the bye, the ‘Dogs will host rival San Diego State on Saturday, Oct. 25 for homecoming while donning black uniforms. They will also honor legendary Head Coach Jeff Tedford with his induction into the Fresno State Football Ring of Honor.