The Fresno State football team lost 25-17 against Washington State on Saturday night, dropping to 3-3 overall on the season.

Despite limiting Washington State quarterback John Mateer and forcing two turnovers, Fresno State could not get it done at Valley Children’s Stadium.

Missed opportunities were the theme in Saturday’s game. Two missed field goals and too many penalties proved to be too much for the ‘Dogs to overcome. 

“We’re doing things we shouldn’t do,” said Tim Skipper, interim head coach. “We just need to settle in and play ball.”

What Happened

Both teams got off to a hot start offensively. 

Washington State drove the ball 76 yards downfield, capping off their opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mateer.

It was a struggle all night to contain Mateer, who proved to be lethal when forced out of the pocket. 

Mateer ended the game with only 172 passing yards but added 18 carries for 46 yards on the ground. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble in an underwhelming game. 

A 2-point conversion gamble did not go well for the Cougars, leaving them with a 6-0 lead.

The Bulldogs responded with a drive of their own.

Quarterback Mikey Keene connected with five different receivers in the first offensive drive of the game. On a 2nd and 15, Keene fired a deep shot to wide receiver Josiah Freeman who was able to come down with the ball in the end zone, giving the ‘Dogs a 7-6 lead.

The next drive for Washington State was more efficient than their last. After finding wide receiver Tony Freeman for 32 yards, Mateer rushed twice to get to the Fresno State 2-yard line.

Receiver Kris Hutson finished the drive with a 2-yard rush into the endzone, giving the Cougars a 13-7 lead after the first quarter.

A missed field goal by kicker Dylan Lynch forced the defense back onto the field. 

But the defense came up with a stop as defensive end Korey Foreman forced a fumble on his chase to Mateer.

Despite the defensive stop, the offense could not capitalize off of the turnover, which was a consistent theme throughout the game.

Deep in the red zone, in the second quarter, Mateer threw an interception to Bulldog defensive back Dean Clark. The ‘Dogs responded with an interception of their own, missing out on yet another opportunity for points after a turnover.

The first half ended 13-7 in favor of Washington State.

The Bulldogs opened up the scoring in the second half with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by running back Elijah Gilliam. The score gave the Bulldogs a 14-13 lead early in the third quarter.

“We started to establish that [run game] a little bit, which we wanted to do today,” Skipper said.

Gilliam was able to get going in the third quarter with rushes of 18 and 20 yards apiece. He finished the night with 120 yards on the ground while adding a rushing touchdown.

Penalties against the ‘Dogs played a key part in the loss. Fresno State committed 12 total penalties, causing offensive drives to stall out while gifting Washington State free yardage.

“It’s like we got emotionally hijacked,” Skipper said. 

Despite an unnecessary roughness penalty against Fresno State’s defense late in the third, it stood tall in the red zone forcing the Cougars to a field goal.

A 34-yard field goal from kicker Dean Janikowski gave the Cougars a 16-14 lead.

The fourth quarter started with a 27-yard field goal by Lynch, helping the Bulldogs take back the lead 17-16.

Back-to-back sacks from linebacker Phoenix Jackson forced a quick three and out, with the momentum swinging in favor of the ‘Dogs.

A 14-yard catch from Sharpe looked to have the offense driving. But Keene’s next throw went to defensive back Ethan O’Connor who took it all the way to the house for a pick six.

Keene finished the night with 220 passing yards and a passing touchdown but also two interceptions.

“Just those costly turnovers. They kill your momentum as you’re moving it,” Skipper said.

Washington State’s next drive was full of rushes from running back Wayshawn Parker, who put the Cougars inside the red zone.

A Janikowski 23-yard field goal finished the drive, making it 25-17 with under two minutes to go.

With no timeouts, the offense ran out of time, failing to complete the comeback. 

The final score was 25-17 in favor of the Cougars.

What’s next?

The ‘Dogs head to Clarence Mackay Stadium in Reno this upcoming week to take on the University of Nevada, Reno on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. 

Despite a 3-4 record, the Wolfpack will be coming into the game with high confidence after a massive 42-37 victory over Oregon State on Saturday night at home. 

Fresno State will return back home to Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26, to host San Jose State for Homecoming night. The team will be wearing all-black uniforms. Fans are encouraged to wear black as well.