Bulldogs fly high over Owls

Fresno State extends winning streak to two games in dominant fashion against Rice

The Collegian

The Bulldogs are in the habit of getting into streaks this season.

After beginning the season with a three-game winning streak, Fresno State dropped three straight and is now in the midst of another streak—a two-game win streak.

The Bulldogs (5-3, 2-3 Western Athletic Conference) had their second dominant performance in as many weeks during their 55-21 dismantling of Rice Saturday.

Fresno State dominated in all areas of the game for the first three quarters before sliding off a little in the fourth when the game was already out of hand.

Quarterback Paul Pinegar had his second consecutive efficient performance, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 12 of 18 passes during three quarters of play.

Wide receiver Joe Fernandez continued his streak of big games, narrowly missing becoming the Bulldogs’ first 100-yard receiver of the year. Fernandez finished with five catches for 90 yards.

The Fresno State defense contained the nation’s No.1 rushing team for three quarters, allowing only 167 yards on the ground and one touchdown, while the secondary intercepted three passes.

In the third quarter, cornerback Richard Marshall intercepted a Rice pass and returned it 100 yards for his school-record third career interception return for a score.

The Fresno State special teams unit got in the scoring act as well. Freshman Clifton Smith returned a third-quarter punt 67 yards for a touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 52-7 lead.

Fresno State will play Hawaii on Friday at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.