It was a wet, rainy night and despite allowing 450 yards to one of the nation’s top offenses, Fresno State came out victorious on Saturday night and quite decisively too, defeating Oregon State 38-22.
“A lot of people were talking about how explosive they were, how good they were. I think they were even ranked in some polls in the top 25. So it was a great opportunity for our players just to know that they can play and compete with them,” Head Coach Matt Entz said postgame.
Quarterback Jayden Mandal was efficient, averaging near 12 yards per attempt and threw a pair of touchdowns to Josiah Freeman (6 receptions, 88 yards). Mandal used his legs to not only avoid the Beavers pass rush but also rush for two scores. Bryson Donelson also had a 63-yard rushing touchdown.
“Consistency. That’s what it took tonight. Very consistent approach, consistent effort for four quarters,” Entz said.
The real story though was the defense: two fumble recoveries, five sacks, nine tackles for loss and nine pass deflections.”
Despite the light crowd, they did make an impact. Entz noted postgame that Oregon State false started three times on third or fourth down and less than a yard (with credit to the Red Wave), leading to field goals or no points instead of touchdowns.
“Field goals don’t get you beat, and we knew for as high of a scoring offense as they had, if we can hold it to field goals, we’d have an opportunity,” Entz said.
Key players
- Jayden Mandal (FS): 11-for-17, 202 yards, 4 total TD, 1 INT, 8 carries, 34 yards rushing
- Bryson Donelson (FS): 16 carries, 108 yards, TD
- Dylan Hampsten (FS): 7 tackles, 2 sacks
- Braden Atkinson (OSU): 33-for-59, 373 yards, TD
- Eric Olsen (OSU): 7 catches, 71 yards, TD
What happened
Fresno State got the ball to begin the game but Quarterback Jayden Mandal threw an interception (Sailasa Vadrawale III) on just the second play. It was the Buchanan alum’s only incomplete pass of the first half but it was a big one, as it gave the Beavers prime field position.
On the second play of the drive, the nation’s leading passer, Braden Atkinson, found the nation’s leading receiver, Jesse Legree, open for a 23-yard gain. Fresno State’s defense locked in on 4-and-goal, giving the Bulldog offense the ball back.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Beavers used the good field position for a 54-yard field goal from kicker Cameron Smith.
Fresno State’s running game came alive at the end of the first quarter with big runs from tailbacks Bryson Donelson and Rayshon “Speedy” Luke. After a gain of nothing and a three-yard pass from Mandal to wide receiver Ezekiel Avit, the Bulldogs faced a third and medium from the 15-yard line. Mandal opted to keep it and maneuver through the Oregon State defense for a touchdown.
After a Beaver field goal to begin the second quarter, Mandal found Josiah Freeman open on the right side for a quick 12-yard out route. The next play, Donelson found an opening and broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run to make it 14-6.
Oregon State steadily moved the ball down the field on its next drive but a third-down pass breakup from Kiontre Harris forced another field goal.
Fresno State turned around and got a pair of first down runs from Donelson and Mandal. Mandal then looked deep left to find Freeman in the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 21-9 lead heading into halftime, despite being outgained 235-214.
Leading 24-9 in the third quarter, Fresno State defensive lineman Martin Owusu strip-sacked Atkinson, recovered by Maverick Noonan. It led to another touchdown run for Mandal and a 31-9 Fresno State lead.
The two teams traded touchdowns on the next two drives, including another Mandal-to-Freeman connection to make it 38-16.
Oregon State added a garbage time touchdown in the final two minutes on a throw from Atkinson to tight Eric Olsen, though they missed the two point conversion on a pass breakup from Kiontre Harris, who made waves earlier in the week after saying Tuesday he “wants all the smoke,” in regards to facing Legree.
Legree finished under 100 yards (70) and was held without a touchdown for the first time this season.
“He was excited about the ability to compete against a really good player…when you get an opportunity to play the best, and statistically, [Legree’s] the best. I think he was talking to himself about what a challenge this is. ‘I’m going to step up. This is my opportunity,” Entz said.
The defensive effort was led up front by Dylan Hampsten who had two sacks on the night (5 on the season). The edge said after the game the win was the result of the work they put in during the week off.
“Man, absolutely electric. You know, Halloween night, rainy, different environment. Worked the bye week and saw the fruits of our win,” Hampsten said.
What’s next
Fresno State will begin November with back-to-back games on the road, first with Utah State next Saturday in Logan before playing at Texas State on November 14th .
Following the two road games, Fresno State will return home to Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday, November 21st to host the Rams of Colorado State.
Game recap written by Al Scott, photos captured by Ryan Sepulveda (Fresno Sports Magazine). For more pictures and updates on Fresno State Athletics, follow @AlScott1998 on Twitter (X) or @AlScottSports on IG.