The non-conference schedule came to an end on Saturday for the Fresno State Bulldogs, and after four games we have learned some things about this edition of the FSU football team.
On Saturday the Bulldogs struggled early with Rice, as the Owls quarterback Jacurri Brown gave them fits. Fueled by two long touchdown plays, the Owls owned a 17-14 halftime lead. However, behind a great mix of running and passing on offense, and a defense that bent but didn’t break, the Bulldogs outscored the visitors 24-7 in the second half to pull away to a 38-24 victory.
This comes on the heels of a game where Fresno State led 6-3 over San Jose State at the half but outscored them 20-7 in the second half. They outscored Sacramento State 17-3 in the second stanza and even held USC in the opening season loss to just nine points in the second half. That is a combined 61-26 score that Fresno State is outscoring opponents on in the second half. That is definitely something to watch for in conference play.
Despite the opening week debacle against USC, Jayden Mandal has been exactly what the Fresno State Bulldogs needed at quarterback under Matt Entz. The team tends to lean more on the run than the pass but does need whoever is under center to make an occasional big play, which Mandal has done so far through four games.
While his completion percentage has been a little erratic, Mandal hasn’t turned the ball over since the USC game. To help matters, Mandal has only been sacked once in the three wins that Fresno State has put together. A mix of lack of turnovers and sacks is something that the Bulldogs need to continue if they will make a push in the Pac-12.
Not really meaning to look beyond the next game but being a media member we get to. The October 10th contest against Boise State appears to be a pseudo-Pac-12 championship game. Both teams emerged out of non-conference play with a 3-1 record. Fresno State’s schedule may have been a little easier but given the Bulldogs defense, second half play, and Mandal’s efficiency, it will be tough to count out the Bulldogs despite not being as tested as the Broncos.
Despite there being half a season remaining after the contest with the Broncos, a win there would put the Bulldogs in the driver’s seat for the league crown. On top of that if the Bulldogs take care of business the rest of the way, they can easily make an argument for the College Football Playoff given that they improved vastly over the season after the USC loss and five road wins over who knows how many bowl teams. While that might excite some Fresno State fans, let’s temper it a little bit and focus on Washington State next week.