What we learned:
The patented Fresno State run game is not dead just yet. After a dismal season opener on the ground (49 rush yards) the Bulldog ground game came alive in the Western Athletic Conference opener. In a week full of injury concerns, the Fresno State offense answered the call, running for 230 yards behind A.J. Ellis’ breakout game. We also learned head coach Pat Hill’s defense is for real. For those who witnessed Cincinnati’s recent game against North Carolina State may have thought the Bulldogs’ performance against the Bearcats was a flop. Wrong. Fresno State’s defense bent, but didn’t break against Utah State’s spread offense and dynamic quarterback Diondre Borel.

Offensive breakdown:
The offensive statistics were virtually reversed from Fresno State’s week one win over Cincinnati. The biggest question mark the coaching staff faced over the bye week was how to get a run game going. Without starter Robbie Rouse, the ‘Dogs looked like they did in 2009 on the ground, rushing for 230 yards on 40 carries. Quarterback Ryan Colburn kept the Aggie defense honest, completing 65 percent of his passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Colburn’s third-quarter interception was the only speed bump that slowed down the Bulldogs’ vintage Pat Hill offensive arsenol that grinded out 379 yards of total offense. The offense’s 41 points is also the most Fresno State has tallied against Utah State in five years.

Defensive breakdown:
The Bulldogs’ defense had two weeks to prepare for the Aggies’ spread offense attack, and the extra time paid off. Utah State did post 311 yards, but defensive coordinator Randy Stewart’s unit kept Diondre Borel in check for most of the game. Borel threw for just 106 yards and ran for 66 yards, contrasting numbers compared to last season’s 345 total yard effort. The defensive front four was able to pressure Borel for most of the night forcing two fumbles and registering two sacks by defensive linemen Donavaughn Pritchett and Mark Roberts. The secondary kept everything in front of them, holding Utah State’s longest completion at just 26 yards. The Aggies completed only 11 passes on the ‘Dogs secondary after giving up 24 completions to Zach Collaros two weeks ago. The defense has shown drastic improvements in both games.
Saturday’s Standouts

Game-changing moment: Jamel Hamler’s punt block
With the score deadlocked 24-24 deep into the third quarter, Hamler got to Utah State punter Peter Caldwell, blocking the kick and setting up the Fresno State offense on the Aggie 24-yard line. Eight plays later, Kevin Goessling booted a 30-yard field goal for Fresno State’s first lead, a lead it would never relinquish.

Unsung hero: Jalen Saunders, WR
In his first full-game as a Bulldog, Saunders did not disappoint. Replacing
injured receiver Devon Wylie, Saunders filled in for the speedster flawlessly. He fielded two punts for 26 yards and returned five kickoffs for 110 yards. Saunders also added two receptions for 14 yards. Saunders was impressive for a true freshman.

‘Dogs sealed the deal when…
…A.J. Ellis plunged into the end zone with under a minute to play, giving the ‘Dogs a 41-24 lead and ultimately the game. The score marked Ellis’ third touchdown of the game in his debut as the the Fresno State starting running back.

Interesting stat of the game: the ‘Dogs blocked two kicks
The Bulldogs’ special teams did it again, doing what it does best: blocking kicks. Jamel Hamler blocked a punt and Kenny Wiggins tipped a field goal attempt. Hamler’s punt block led to the Bulldogs’ first lead of the game. Since 2002, Fresno State leads all NCAA teams in blocked kicks with 51.

Call of the game: riding Ellis to victory
On Fresno State’s final drive, Ellis carried the ball 10 times of the Bulldogs’ 12 plays. Quarterback Ryan Colburn handed off to Ellis five straight times to open the series. Ellis ran for 39 yards on the drive, capping it off with a two-yard touchdown with 42 seconds to play. The score all but ended the Aggies’ hopes of winning and sent the Bulldogs to its first 2-0 start since 2004.

Dog bone giveaway: A.J. Ellis, RB
With starting running back Robbie Rouse out with injuries, Ellis had his named called and did not disappoint. After tallying just two carries last season, the sophomore carried the load Saturday with 29 carries for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Ellis also added another touchdown as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Colburn.