Fresno State traveled to Albuquerque to take on the University of New Mexico this past weekend, resulting in a dominating 41-9 win. This is the first win on the road for the ‘Dogs and their second Mountain West (MW) conference win.
The matchup against the Lobos allowed the Bulldogs’ offense to show what the Red Wave has been anticipating all season. They went up against one of the top defensive groups in the MW, putting up 510 yards total against the Lobos.
“That was the second-best defense in the conference against a rush, and our guys did a nice job controlling the football,” said Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford.
Some Bulldogs from the offensive line led the way for the final outcome.
Bulldog quarterback Logan Fife threw 225 yards, one pass touchdown and two rushing scores. Receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper and running back Jordan Mims both were key assets for the team on Saturday. Moreno-Cropper totaled 158 receiving yards and Mims led in total rushing yards with 165.
“Mims ran really hard, and I thought he showed good vision to bounce it outside a couple of times for some big plays, especially the last touchdown,” Tedford said.
He highlighted the balanced attack between the passing and running game for the Bulldogs, and how the offensive line “did their job” to make that happen.
Fife agreed with Tedford about the offensive line.
“It all started up front. Those linemen are consistent the whole game, and I don’t think any of that’s possible without those guys in. It allowed everyone to kind of get into a groove and we’re kind of able to play the offense that we know that we can play,” Fife said.
This is Fife’s fifth game as a starter this season after Jake Haener’s injury against USC, and Tedford noted how comfortable Fife looks on the field as he runs the offense. Despite throwing a pass that got intercepted, Fife set a career high when he snuck to score a 30-yard touchdown run.
Another highlight was Fife’s 75-yard touchdown pass to Moreno-Cropper in the second half. Tedford said he thought the pass was overthrown, but Moreno-Cropper was able to reach the pass putting it in the end zone.
Fife praised Moreno-Cropper’s performance in the game against the Lobos, his performance was what the Red Wave had been waiting for, said Fife.
“It felt like we saw the old Crop out there. Let the guy work in space and being able to hit him down the field is a good feeling,” Fife said.
The Bulldogs are back at home on Oct. 29 to take on San Diego State at Valley Children’s Stadium. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m.
