The Bulldogs of Fresno State, during a 5-game road trip to open the season, traveled to New Mexico for a conference opener against the New Mexico Lobos and were victorious is a 21-16 defensive rock fight.
23 of the 37 total points scored in this game occurred in the 4th quarter as both teams struggled to establish a consistent offensive attack and both turned it over. Fresno State’s offense was once again held scoreless in the first half of a ball game with their only score coming on a 46-yard pick six by Al Zillion Hamilton. New Mexico had their defense dialed in, especially in the secondary as the Lobos turned Fresno QB Mikey Keene over 3 times and allowed zero touchdowns and 79 passing yards. On paper, coach Bearass exceeded expectations with a defense that many consider to lack the horses and in this particular game they were spectacular with the exception of just one drive in the 4th quarter.
Coach AUChase, visibly frustrated with QB Mikey Keene, stuck with the veteran with the hopes that the law of averages would kick in before the game was over and the decision proved to be the right decision. Despite the poor game, to Mikey Keene’s credit he led a huge drive that included two big completions down the middle of the field to TE Jake Boust and WR Jalen Moss. The drive was punctuated by a Malik Sherrod touchdown run and the Bulldogs finally had the momentum they needed to regain control of the game. New Mexico forced a late stop in the game and had a chance to drive and take the lead but an untimely, miraculous red zone interception by Cam Lockridge sealed their fate.
The Bulldogs have another cross-country road trip on the horizon with Jacksonville State and if they hope to have any shot at winning they need to shore up the offensive issues that have plagued the team through 3 weeks of the season. Malik Sherrod has proved to be a reliable running back but the inconsistent passing game, dropped wide open passes, etc. are a point of emphasis for the Bulldogs going into this week of practice.
Rough one tonight for the Lobos. The defense did all it could until it couldn’t. The big play remains a thorn in the side of the Lobos. Few and far between on the offense and back breaking on defense. This one looked to be Lobos early but Dampier tossed a pick 6 to the Bulldogs and got some confidence brimming. 3 interceptions for Lobos couldn’t translate into enough points and after tossing 3 of their own the defense folded to quick chunk plays which handed Fresno a well earned conference win and had the New Mexico faithful asking questions in the aftermath.
GG Coach Chase.
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