The Fresno State Bulldogs entered this week on a two-game losing streak, coming off their first shutout loss at home in over 40 years.
Despite a mid-season quarterback switch and tough matchup against a historic rival, the ‘Dogs were able to silence the noise and beat the Boise State Broncos on the road, 30-7.
In a first half where the visiting Bulldogs went three-and-out on five of their seven total drives, they found themselves with a 10-7 lead entering halftime.
An Elijah Gilliam 1-yard rushing touchdown and kicker Dylan Lynch field goal gave the Bulldogs their first halftime lead since Oct. 4 when the ‘Dogs faced the Nevada Wolf Pack at home.
The Broncos, who were forced to use their backup quarterback, struggled to get drives going. The Broncos’ starting quarterback Maddux Madsen suffered a right leg injury early in the game, forcing the Broncos to use the second stringer, Max Cutforth.
Second half turnovers by Cutforth kept the Bulldogs in control.
Of the six scoring drives for the ‘Dogs, four of them started in Boise State territory giving quarterback Carson Conklin and the offense an easier time to either get in the end zone or set up Lynch with an attempt at three points.
When Lynch was called, he was perfect, making all three of his field goal attempts.
Similar to the five other Bulldog victories, the defense made plays when needed and the rushing attack did a bulk of the work on offense.
Going into the game, the Broncos averaged 457.2 yards per game and 35.3 points per game. The Bulldogs shut them down, allowing just 193 total yards and one score. The Bulldogs sacked the Boise State quarterbacks four times and totaled 10 tackles for loss.
Freshman linebacker Tytus Khajavi and defensive back Simeon Harris both picked off Cutforth.
As for the Bulldog offense, Conklin went 10-for-21 for just 35 passing yards. The trio of running backs in Rayshon Luke, Bryson Donelson and Brandon Ramirez totaled 167 rushing yards. Donelson and Ramirez found the end zone as well as running back Elijah Gilliam who started the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.
Conklin closed the game out with a kneel down, marking his first victory as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback.
The win snaps Boise State’s 16-game home win streak. The Bulldogs also retain the Milk Can, which the ‘Dogs have held since 2023.
The Bulldogs (6-3, 3-2), who are now bowl eligible, will look to ride the winning momentum when they return home to face the Wyoming Cowboys (4-4, 2-2) at Valley Children’s Stadium on Nov. 15. Kickoff has not yet been announced.
