Fresno State opened its new Pac-12 era with a dominant defensive performance, defeating Washington State 26-6 on Saturday night in Pullman.
The Bulldogs kept the Cougars out of the end zone, forced two turnovers and recorded five sacks while earning their fourth consecutive victory.
The big picture: Fresno State improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play after winning the first Pac-12 game in program history.
The Bulldogs have won four straight since opening the season with a 39-0 loss at USC.
Turning point: The teams entered halftime tied 6-6 after combining for four field goals.
Fresno State took control immediately after the break. The defense forced a three-and-out before the Bulldogs drove 56 yards in six plays, with Josiah Freeman scoring on a three-yard reverse to produce the game’s first touchdown.
Washington State fumbled on its next offensive play, but the Cougars blocked Manaki Watanabe’s field-goal attempt to remain within seven points.
The reprieve did not last.
Fresno State shut out Washington State throughout the second half and added 13 points during the fourth quarter to put the game away.
By the numbers: The Bulldogs outgained Washington State 375-182 and allowed just 30 rushing yards.
Washington State finished with nine first downs and converted three of 14 third-down attempts.
Fresno State possessed the ball for nearly 36 minutes.
Quarterback Jayden Mandal completed 24 of 33 passes for 245 yards without throwing an interception.
Freeman caught seven passes for 61 yards in addition to scoring the third-quarter touchdown.
Watanabe made four field goals from 27, 22, 31 and 33 yards.
Driving the win: Fresno State’s defense repeatedly created short fields during the fourth quarter.
After Washington State took possession at its own four-yard line, the Bulldogs forced a turnover on downs at the eight. Julius Gillick scored on the next play to extend Fresno State’s lead to 23-6.
Linebacker Justin Johnson then intercepted Caden Pinnick on Washington State’s next snap and returned the ball to the Cougars’ 20-yard line. Watanabe added his fourth field goal three plays later.
Pinnick completed 21 of 34 passes for 152 yards and an interception. Washington State’s only points came on field goals of 32 and 50 yards by Jack Stevens.
Injury report: Fresno State running back Rayshon Luke left during the first quarter and did not return after entering concussion protocol, according to the Associated Press.
Luke finished with 46 rushing yards and remained the Bulldogs’ leading rusher despite his early departure.
What’s next: Fresno State returns to Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday to host No. 22 Boise State for homecoming.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on The CW, KFRE 59.