Fresno State defensive coordinator Nick Toth said the turnovers and sacks would come heading into the team’s game against Idaho, confident that the pressure the Bulldogs have been forcing on opposing quarterbacks would soon be quantified in the stat sheets.

They did, and now it does.

The No. 21 Bulldogs racked up the numbers — six sacks, four interceptions and five turnovers in all, Costco-style, by the bulk — in their 61-14 win over Idaho Saturday, a byproduct of finishing tackles and pass rushes.

Fresno State leads the Mountain West Conference in sacks (19 total).

“Our defense is predicated on getting tackles for loss and sacks, pressuring quarterbacks into making bad decisions and forcing takeaways,” Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter said.

“I think Coach Toth and our defensive guys have done a great job establishing that. We’re a work in progress there, but to see the takeaways we had last week, I think it’s great momentum going into the off week.”

Defensive backs Curtis Riley and Charles Washington and defensive lineman Nikko Motta recorded their first career interceptions against the Vandals, who Fresno State (5-0, 2-0 MWC) led 47-0 at halftime.

Redshirt sophomore Dillon Root, who switched positions from slot receiver to cornerback after the Bulldogs’ win over Cal Poly, grabbed two sacks in back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter.

The career day, Motta said, made the win “fun.”

“I think it’s a little different when a fat guy gets one … I think it’s a little more special,” Motta said of his interception.

“Curtis was a little upset with me because I got an interception before him, and he ended up getting one later in the game. He was excited about that.”

The Bulldogs’ pressure on defense, Toth said, has remained consistent, though the offensive schemes Fresno State faced in its earlier games — stacked fronts against Cal Poly’s triple option and similar offenses in Rutgers and Boise State whose fronts tended to outnumber Fresno State’s 3-4 defensive front — have limited the Bulldogs from getting to the quarterback quickly enough.

The Bulldogs, like last year, set a goal before the start of the season to force 30 takeaways. Last season, Fresno State forced 35 turnovers, a drastic turnaround from the 13 it had in 2011. The Bulldogs have forced 12 turnovers so far — eight interceptions and four recovered forced fumbles.

The majority of that output was beefed up against Idaho.

“It’s a morale booster,” Motta said. “Things are finally starting to click together. We’re trying to become the defense that we know we can be each week.”

Players use bye week to hit the books

Fresno State coaches will be using this bye week to reinforce the fundamentals, work on developing the team’s depth and get a head start in installing its game plan against UNLV.

Players, who’ve traveled out of state the past two weekends, have extra time to nurse bumps and bruises — and hit the books and catch up on class work.

That’s what senior inside linebacker Jeremiah Toma intends to do for his child development class, an elective course.

“It’s a class that I really enjoy,” Toma said. “… This will give me a chance to read and understand what’s going on.

“I think [the bye] came at a good time, not just for football, but for school, too. We’re student athletes. Students first.”

Bulldogs break in new black helmets

The Bulldogs broke in the black helmets they will be using in their Nov. 9 home game against Nevada — when they debut their all-black uniforms — during Tuesday’s practices.

Fresno State, which practices today and Thursday before taking Friday through Sunday off, will continue using its black helmets this week and revert back to wearing its red helmets for next week’s practices.

The new lids, Motta said, were a hit with the team. He had his tucked in his arm after Tuesday’s practice, trying to preserve its newness.

“They’re pretty sweet,” he said. “You see how I’m holding it right now — like a baby. Nobody wants to put them on the ground.”