The Fresno State Bulldogs could not get anything going against the San Diego State Aztecs, as the ‘Dogs got shutout 23-0.
This loss marks the second in a row for a reeling Bulldog team.
Looking to clean up the mistakes that led to a 49-21 loss to the Colorado State Rams in their last game, the Bulldogs tried a quarterback switch.
This was the first start for quarterback Carson Conklin, starting over E.J. Warner.
After an early 10-0 deficit and with the running game struggling, Conklin was forced to throw over 40 times. He completed 20 of them, throwing for 182 yards and two interceptions.
The ‘Dogs running game struggled to support Conklin, generating just 45 yards on 23 attempts, while the Aztecs ran all over the Bulldogs, with 208 yards rushing on 46 attempts. They’ve allowed at least 190 rushing yards in all three of their losses.
Any momentum the ‘Dogs found came from their defense, who got an interception and forced San Diego State’s first fumble of the year on a botched trick play.
After the fumble return to their own 47-yard line, the ‘Dogs gained just two yards before punting — failing to reach Aztec territory — despite having their best field position all day.
The ‘Dogs went three-and-out four times. Each was met with louder boos than the last.
The offense wasn’t able to get anything going until late in the game, when they were down 23-0 and made their way to the red zone for the first time all day. They went for it on fourth down, looking for any chance to get back in the game, but it was swatted away, sealing the Aztecs’ win.
A new quarterback coupled with the Aztecs run defense proved troubling for the ‘Dogs.
Fans started filing for the exit after San Diego State running back Lucky Sutton broke a 46-yard run to end the third quarter and set up an Aztec first and goal.
The ‘Dogs didn’t have a single play of 15 or more yards and also turned it over on downs three times.
The last time the ‘Dogs were shut out at home, they were still playing at Ratcliffe Stadium in a conference with Long Beach State University, California State University, Fullerton and the University of the Pacific in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association, now known as the Big West Conference.
None of those universities have had a football team since the 1990s.
The Bulldog offense will have to go back to the drawing board as they look to solve their continuing offensive struggles.
The Bulldogs (5-3, 2-2) return to action on Nov. 1, when they go to play the Boise State Broncos (6-2, 4-0) at Albertsons Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.
