Fresno State football held its final home and conference game of the season against Colorado State at Valley Children’s stadium in a need-to-win situation for both teams.
Coming into the game, the Bulldogs were one win short of qualifying to become bowl eligible with only two games remaining in their season. Meanwhile, the Rams held a perfect conference record at 5-0, looking to secure a spot in the Mountain West Championship game.
Prior to the game, 16 seniors were presented on the field surrounded by family and friends for their final home game of their collegiate career.
“I know it’s (senior night) very emotional for those players,” Interim Head Coach Tim Skipper said.
Those seniors along with the rest of the team were able to celebrate after the game, pulling off a 28-22 victory over the Rams.
Breakdown
Colorado State won the coin toss and decided to receive as running back Kobe Johnson returned the ball, putting them on the 23-yard line to start the first drive.
The Rams made their way down the field converting on third downs, eventually making it to the red zone.
Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi handed off to running back Justin Marshall for the touchdown. Kicker Jordan Noyes made the point after, making the score 7-0.
Fresno State started its drive with running back Bryson Donelson rushing for 21 yards. Wide receiver Mac Dalena received a pass from Mikey Keene, adding five more yards. Wideout Raylen Sharpe then got the ball, dodging some Ram defenders on the way.
The Bulldogs were able to add to the scoreboard as Donelson rushed through into the endzone. Kicker Dylan Lynch made the extra point, tying up the score at seven for the rest of the first quarter.
The Rams opened up the second quarter but weren’t able to convert, giving the ball back to the Bulldogs.
Fresno State wasted no time as Donelson moved the ball for 43 yards, putting them 15 yards away from a touchdown. Keene passed to senior Dalena who advanced for four more yards.
The ‘Dogs called a timeout and subbed in Joshua Wood at the quarterback spot. Wood rushed the ball himself into the endzone for a touchdown, his fifth this season (all rushing). Lynch made the point, taking the lead at 14-7.
“Yeah, we’re always gonna use Josh,” Skipper said. “Josh is a big part of the offense so the more he’s going the more he’ll touch it.”
Colorado State was closed out by the Bulldog defense, not converting and punting the ball back.
Fresno State then opened its drive 15 yards ahead due to a Colorado State penalty. A pass to Donelson put the ball at the 17-yard line. Another rush by Donelson edged them closer to the endzone.
The true freshman carried the ball 13 times for a career high 150 yards on the ground.
“He ran the rock very well,” Skipper said. “Got a little bit banged up there towards the end of the second half, so that’s why you didn’t see him as much.”
Keene continued to push the offense closer and kept the ball himself on third-and-three for a gain of 2 yards. The Bulldogs went for it on fourth down but fumbled, giving the ball back to the Rams.
That wouldn’t matter by the end of the first half as Fresno State went on to perform two more scoring drives.
The first one happened late in the half with a little over three minutes left. Keene was able to convert on third downs and completed a high pass on the left corner of the endzone to Dalena. Lynch’s field goal was good, extending the ‘Dogs lead to 21-7.
The second touchdown was made with only 17 seconds left in the half. The ‘Dogs started their drive on their 45-yard line. They were able to move slowly up the field, letting the clock run.
Keene threw for 15 yards to Jalen Moss, who took a step into the endzone for another touchdown. Yet again, another field goal by Lynch made the score 28-7 in favor of Fresno State.
The third quarter for the most part was quiet in terms of scoring, up until the three-minute mark. Colorado State started on Fresno State’s 35-yard line.
Fowler-Nicolosi completed passes to receivers Jamari Person, Damian Henderson II and Jordan Ross. He then kept the ball and rushed for 9 yards, gaining the touchdown and adding six. Noyes added one more point with a field goal, making the score 28-14.
The fourth quarter saw one more scoring drive from the Rams towards the end of the second half. Fowler-Nicolosi pushed the offense across the field, completing a touchdown pass to Person to make the score 28-20.
The Rams went for the extra point and repeated the play twice due to penalty calls on the Bulldogs. They completed the 2-point conversion and extended their score, 28-22.
That was the last score of the game, clinching the ‘Dogs a spot in a bowl game and shattering the chances of the Rams playing in the Mountain West Championship game.
“My last game on the field getting the W against Colorado State,” Bulldog senior Malachi Langley said. “We ruined their chances of a Mountain West Championship, so that’s a great feeling, you know. So, it’s a really special night.”
What’s next?
Next up, the ‘Dogs will travel to Los Angeles to take on the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins next Saturday, November 30. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Bowl.