The Fresno State football team will kick off its quest for a third straight Mountain West Championship Friday, when it battles Mountain West opponent New Mexico (1-2).
The Bulldogs look to build on their success in their victory over Southern Utah and use it as momentum going into this week.
Along with the defense improving, younger guys are stepping up for the Bulldogs and taking advantage of their opportunities. Also, the quarterback position is becoming clearer as Fresno State heads into conference play.
Defense making strides
For once this season, the Bulldogs’ defense did not allow over 50 points in Saturday’s win over Southern Utah.
Senior Derron Smith and the defensive unit held the Thunderbirds to 16 points, a significant improvement from the past three contests.
“It definitely felt good to get out there and play with that energy that we played with last year,” Smith said. “We still gave up some big plays, but other teams they practice just like we do. They’re going to make some plays, but as a defense, we definitely have to limit those.”
Along with holding SUU to 11 first downs and 57 yards on the ground, the defense forced two turnovers. The first came in the first half when linebacker Kyrie Wilson intercepted a pass and returned it 23 yards.
In the ensuing quarter, third-year linebacker Ejiro Ederaine forced another turnover when he stripped the ball from Southern Utah’s Justin Brown, which Smith went on to recover.
Update on signal caller situation
Just as in the past four weeks, head coach Tim DeRuyter won’t announce who the quarterback will be this week until game day. However, the situation this time around will differ in that only one will play the entire game.
Junior Brian Burrell had started each contest, and senior Brandon Connette has seen playing time in all but the Nebraska game due to injury.
“I think things got a little more definer for us this week,” DeRuyter said. “We will have a starter. We’re not planning on playing two going into this week, and we’re not going to announce who it’s going to be. We’ll have a starter, and we’ll have packages for other quarterbacks.
“All three flashed and all three had some issues. It’s likely not set in stone the entire season. I hope it is, but it’s something that we’re going to continue and evaluate.”
Underclassmen emerge
In last week’s nonconference game, some young Bulldogs made their first big plays of their college careers.
Freshman wideout Delvon Hardaway caught a 6-yard strike from Burrell in the third quarter for the second career touchdown.
Hardaway also saw the field late in the Nebraska game, where he caught four balls for 52 yards and a score.
Moments after Hardaway’s touchdown, Redshirt freshman quarterback Zack Greenlee found sophomore Da’Mari Scott for an 81-yard score.
“He did a really nice job,” DeRuyter said of his young quarterback. “A lot of the time when young guys go in for the first time, they take the chip, easy throws. For him to throw the takeoff to Da’Mari and put it right on the money, I was impressed.
“I think the ball came out of his hands really well. He read the coverage, and the timing was nice. I think he showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of doing, and he’s a guy that we’re going to continue to invest reps in to see how quickly he can develop.”
To cap off the playmaking for the underclassmen, running back T.J. Thomas broke through for a 17-yard score.