Forget the score, 'Dogs on their way back

By Jeff Christian
The Collegian

On paper, the final score might look like another embarrassing loss in the seemingly never-ending Fresno State losing streak.

However, the Bulldogs 32-point loss at LSU was much closer than the score indicates and Fresno State played one of the top teams in the country tough for nearly three quarters.

Fresno State bounced back from the disastrous start and played even with LSU until midway through the third quarter.

Down 17-3 early in the third quarter, quarterback Sean Norton led the Bulldogs offense deep into LSU territory. Fresno State potentially had three chances at the end zone as they faced a second and goal from the three-yard line.

Unfortunately, a false start penalty cost Fresno State five-yards and essentially took the ball out of running back Dwayne Wright’s hands and gave the Tigers’ smothering coverage and tenacious defense a chance to make a stand. Two pass plays later, the Bulldogs had lost four yards and they were forced to kick their second field goal of the game.

That goal line sequence was the decisive moment in the game. Fresno State’s defense has struggled in nearly every aspect and has been a weak point all season.

The defensive line has struggled to provide adequate pass pressure and opposing quarterbacks have had time to dissect the inexperienced players in the secondary. When the defensive line has created pressure, missed tackles have let the opposing offenses off the hook.

During the first 35 minutes of the game on Saturday night, the Fresno State defense turned in its most impressive play of the season.

They bounced off the canvass from an early LSU knockout punch and held the Tigers to only three offensive points for the remainder of the first half.

Fresno State’s defensive success was due to their ability to put pressure on LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. After giving up the early 38-yard touchdown run, the defense shutdown the LSU ground game and gave the Fresno State offense several opportunities to keep the team in the game.

Fresno State’s offense was simply overmatched. The Tigers’ defense was ranked number one in the nation going into the game and they once again proved that they are as good as advertised.

Although Fresno State came as close as 17-6, it was only a matter of time until the Bulldogs defense got tired or the LSU offense broke loose. The Tigers answered Fresno State’s scoring drive with three consecutive touchdown drives and extended their lead to 38-6. The touchdowns turned what had been a highly contested game for nearly three quarters, into a perceived blowout.

Nearly a five touchdown underdog, Fresno State needed to control the big plays and force turnovers to pull off the upset.

Instead, they weren’t able to create any turnovers and despite the solid defensive play in the first half, they once again lost the big play battle. The Tigers scored four offensive touchdowns, all of which were over 20-yards. Russell only had two touchdown passes, but they were 58 and 30-yards respectively.

The big play woes continued for the special teams unit as well as LSU wide receiver Craig Davis had a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs were able to keep the game close, but they were just simply overmatched in nearly every aspect. The LSU football program contends for a national championship nearly every season.

The difference in programs was clearly evident for Bulldogs fans Saturday night. It would be Coach Pat Hill’s dream to turn the Fresno State program into a national powerhouse similar to the likes of LSU.

But Fresno State doesn’t compete at the same level financially or in regard to the talent pool that LSU recruits from. That’s not to say that the Bulldogs don’t have talented players or that they can’t compete with schools like LSU.

In fact, since Hill has been here, Fresno State has played the big-time programs and have been competitive or beaten several. Some of that success has hurt Fresno State because many of the top teams and programs refuse to play at Fresno State or schedule the Bulldogs at all. Also, the top teams don’t overlook Fresno State if they see them on their schedule. Teams don’t come out to play against Fresno State emotionally flat or unfocused because they don’t want to be added to the Bulldogs list of BCS school triumphs.

Fresno State lost to LSU by 32, but the final score doesn’t truly reflect how closely contested the game was for a majority of the first three quarters.

Although for the first time in eight years a bowl game is likely out of Fresno State’s future, the Bulldogs can take several positive things, most importantly the competitive swagger and intensity from Saturday’s game into their showdown at rival Boise State Nov 1.

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