The Fresno State Bulldogs could not overcome a slow start on the road, losing 49-21 to the Colorado State Rams on Friday night.
Despite an opportunity to clean up any issues from last week’s close victory against the Nevada Wolf Pack, the ‘Dogs couldn’t get the job done over a short week, snapping their five-game win streak.
After an early 14-0 first quarter deficit, the Bulldogs played catch-up the rest of the way.
Quarterback E.J. Warner threw the ball 49 times, totalling 350 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Warner was also responsible for four turnovers, three off interceptions and one lost fumble.
The Rams were able to limit the Bulldog running backs, holding Bryson Donelson to 23 rushing yards and Rayshon Luke to 33 yards.
When Colorado State wasn’t clogging running lanes, the Rams’ defense was able to get in the backfield on pass plays. Warner was sacked five times as the Rams were responsible for eight quarterback hurries.
Wide receiver Josiah Freeman continued to build on his connection with Warner. Freeman hauled in seven catches for 89 receiving yards and caught two touchdown passes.
This is his second consecutive game with multiple touchdowns. He was also Warner’s most targeted receiver with 14 targets. The next closest receiver was Richie Anderson III, who was targeted eight times.
The ‘Dogs found themselves down 35-14 coming out of halftime. With under 10 minutes left in the third quarter, Warner and the offense took over on their own 27-yard line looking to put points on the board.
An unsportsmanlike penalty against a Rams defender kept the drive alive for the ‘Dogs, who didn’t see a third down the rest of the drive.
Warner finished the drive with a dump-off pass to Luke, who took it 23 yards for a touchdown, making it a two-score game.
Any momentum the ‘Dogs had went away with a turnover on downs near the start of the fourth quarter.
The Rams needed just five plays to get in the end zone on their ensuing drive, closing the door on the Bulldogs’ hopes at a comeback.
The Bulldogs will have another week off as they enter their second bye week of the season, thanks to their Week 0 game against Kansas to start the season.
Fresno State (5-2, 2-1) next plays on Saturday, Oct. 25, when the San Diego State Aztecs (4-1, 1-0) head to Valley Children’s Stadium for Homecoming. Kickoff has not been announced yet.
