Bulldogs run away from Mustangs

Fresno State 42, Southern Methodist 0

By CHHUN SUN

At the end of the third quarter in Saturday’s game, about 38,000 people in Bulldog Stadium participated in the Bulldog Bounce. But the Fresno State football team participated in its own Bulldog Bounce, which started earlier in the game, snapping a three-game losing streak in a dominant 42-0 win over Southern Methodist for its first Western Athletic Conference victory.

The Bulldogs (4-3, 1-3 WAC) showcased the control and poise that had them ranked in the Top 25 in the early season. Although no longer a nationally ranked team, the Bulldogs keep their Bowl hopes alive with Saturday’s win.

The shutout over SMU (1-7, 1-4 WAC) was the first of head coach Pat Hill’s tenure.

The Bulldogs used their running attack early in the game, as tailback Bryson Sumlin ran for two short-yardage touchdowns in the first quarter. But quarterback Paul Pingear, who had two interceptions last week, came out aggressive. He completed 14 out of 20 passes, including three touchdown passes.

But it was Pingear’s rushing that really pushed away any chance of a SMU’s comeback.

At the start of the second half, with the Bulldog leading 35-0, Pingear scrambled and remained untouched for 42 yards to the SMU 17-yard line, when safety Jamey Harper knocked him out of bounds. Four plays later, Pingear connected on a pass to wide receiver Joe Fernandez.

“When we execute, we win. It’s a great team win. I hope it continues on to the next game,” Pingear said in regards to the Bulldogs’ game on Saturday at Rice.

“I said all along that this kid is a very capable quarterback,” Hill said.

The Bulldogs even converted a reverse play in the second quarter, when Jennings ran 28 yards for a touchdown. The run was evidence that SMU was unable to stop the Bulldogs’ offensive attack, which finished with 465 total yards.

But the Fresno State defense was the primary reason for the control the Bulldogs had over the game, with two fumbles recovered in the first half (one by defensive lineman Garrett McIntyre in the first quarter and one by linebacker Dwayne Andrews in the second quarter). Both recoveries led to touchdowns.

By the start of the third quarter, the game was so far beyond reach for SMU, that Hill said he gave every player that suited up a chance to play, including backup quarterback Jordan Christensen. The sophomore attempted the first official game pass of his career at the start of the fourth quarter, but ended the game completing 1 of 3 passes.

With six seconds remaining, the reserve defense had a goalline stand.

“It’s great how they all got reps,” coach Hill said. “It’s great to get them all in the game. We’re developing young men for the future.”

Although the game is the push his team needed, coach Hill said the game is still only a win.

“A win is a win,” coach Hill said. “But it’s amazing how well things happen when things go well. We were in a slump, but I’m very proud how the kids bounced back.”