The Fresno State Bulldogs left Kansas last week with lots of questions.
Tonight, they left Valley Children’s Stadium with a lot of answers.
The ‘Dogs bounced back against the Georgia Southern University Eagles, beating the team 42-14 and capturing the first home win of the season.
Despite a slow first half that saw Fresno State trailing 14-13, the ‘Dogs settled in, relying on their rushing attack.
The team ran the ball 45 times, totaling 351 rushing yards. Last week in Kansas, they rushed for just 37 yards.
But it wasn’t just one guy getting all the love.
“You talk about a room that is highly competitive, highly talented,” said Head Coach Matt Entz.
Competitive indeed.
Sophomore Bryson Donelson ran the ball 23 times for 167 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Arizona transfer Rayshon “Speedy” Luke introduced himself to the Red Wave with a hat trick. Luke had 10 rushes for 96 yards with his three touchdowns.
“It feels amazing to be able to, of course, not start, but knowing that you’re still a part of, like the team, part of the road, part of the game plan,” Luke said.
Whether it was Donelson, Luke or even Brandon Ramirez, the Bulldog running backs kept finding ways to churn out positive plays on the ground.
Ramirez had three rushes for 11 yards, including a rushing touchdown.
“I’m not even mad when I get pulled off the field because I know someone just as good as me is going to tote the rock and do a good job,” Donelson said.
Donelson and Ramirez also featured their hands in the passing game. Donelson caught four passes for 25 yards, while Ramirez had one catch that went for 25 yards.
While the running backs had their time in the spotlight, they made sure to praise the offensive line.
”I owe all of them a steak dinner,” Donelson said. “They stepped up big time.”
Georgia Southern did not have a sack or any quarterback hurries thanks to a solid outing from the front five.
Whether it was making gaps for the running backs or igniting the locker room, the offensive line rallied.
“We have veteran leadership,” Entz said. “Rolan Fullwood was unbelievable tonight, as a leader and our right tackle.”
The Fresno State Bulldogs got it done on the ground, thanks to open lanes from the offensive line and a hungry running back room.
Saturday’s win marks Matt Entz’s first win as a Bulldog as well as extends the team’s streak of five consecutive home opener wins.
The Fresno State Bulldogs (1-1) will look to keep this ground game going when they travel to Corvallis to take on their soon-to-be Pac-12 rival, the Oregon State Beavers (0-1), on Sept. 6.
