Fresno State defense dominates in Pac-12 debut

Fresno State’s defense was dominant.

It was relentless.

It provided the type of play that could carry Fresno State (4-1, 1-0) to a Pac-12 championship.

Constant defensive pressure and big plays on big downs as Fresno State showcased in a 26-6 victory at Washington State on Saturday night during the program’s first ever Pac-12 contest.

“Really love their resolve, really love the toughness of this football team,” Bulldogs coach Matt Entz told the television audience after the game.

Fresno State players made the defensive performance look so effortless, and covered up for the Bulldogs’ shortcomings on offense.

Entz, in his second season at Fresno State, has preached complementary football since his arrival.

Saturday was another example of that.

The Bulldogs made five sacks, generated two turnovers (one interception, one fumble) and forced the Cougars into seven 3-and-out possessions.

In fact, on 11 of 14 drives, Washington State ran five plays or less. And each of those possessions either ended in a punt (eight times) or a turnover (fumble, interception, turnover on down).

“Fresno State is putting on a coaching clinic,” game analyst Ryan Leaf said on the game’s televised broadcast.

Granted, Washington State (1-4, 0-1) entered Saturday as one of the worst offensive units in the country, ranked 128 out of 138 Football Bowl Subdivision teams based on an average of 313 total yards per game.

The Cougars looked even more anemic against the Bulldogs, held to 182 total yards, including a mere 30 yards rushing.

All of which makes one wonder whether Washington State’s offense is that bad or Fresno State’s defense is that good?

But then consider what the Bulldogs have done leading into Pac-12 play: ranked eighth in the nation with nine turnovers forced (six interceptions, three fumbles recovered) and 38th in defensive scoring while limiting opponents to an average of 19 points per game.

Among the eight Pac-12 programs, Fresno State leads the conference in defense (358 total yards per game, 16.4 points per game) and is tied for first in turnovers generated (seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries).

A clearer picture could emerge next week after Fresno State’s big showdown against Boise State (4-1, 1-0) at Valley Children’s Stadium — a game that could ultimately decide the Pac-12 champion.

The teams each sport the best overall record among Pac-12 programs and are undefeated after one game in conference play.

It’s apparent, though, that the Bulldogs must continue to work through issues on offense.

The loss of top running back Rayshon Luke after he suffered a possible concussion against Washington State in the first quarter doesn’t help.

Fresno State did finally score points in the first quarter Saturday for the first time this season, though it was with a field goal.

Overall once again, the Bulldogs started off sluggish and entered halftime tied 6-6.

So slow starts have now become customary.

Fresno State in previous games at the break:

Trailed 17-14 to RiceLed 6-3 against San Jose StateBuilt a 32-0 lead on Sacramento State (but that also included a scoreless first quarter from both teams)Fell behind 30-0 at USC.

As was the case in the previous two games, though, Fresno State made changes at the half that helped the Bulldogs pull away.

Fresno State quarterback Jayden Mandal completed 24 of 33 passes for 245 yards on Saturday. A closer look at his second-half performance shows he went 13 of 13 for 133 passing yards as he attacked a bit more down field while mixing in close passes.

Mandal did not throw a touchdown for the night but also avoided an interception. He also was sacked just once.

Receiver Josiah Freeman hauled in seven catches for 61 yards. He added a touchdown off a receiver reverse run of 3 yards for the game’s first touchdown, during the third quarter.

Luke, despite his early exit, finished with a game-high 46 rushing yards on six carries.

Fellow running backs Bryson Donelson and Julius Gillick combined for 34 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Mandal contributed on the ground, too, rushing nine times for 27 yards.

Not exactly an impressive showing by anyone on offense Saturday.

But with the Bulldogs defense punishing the Cougars all night, the offensive performance was good enough.

Kicker Manaki Watanabe converted on 4 of 5 field goals against Washington State.

For the season, Watanabe improved to 11 of 13 and now leads the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with an average of 2.75 field goals per game.

Linebacker K’Vion Thunderbird, meanwhile, led the Bulldogs defense with seven tackles.

Justin Johnson snagged Fresno State’s one interception.

This story was originally published October 4, 2026 at 1:03 AM.

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