On the fifth trip to the red zone, Fresno State finally found the end zone.<\/p>\n
After settling for three field goals on its first four red-zone trips, quarterback E.J. Warner connected with tight end Richie Anderson on a two-yard touchdown pass with 6:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n
Complemented by a stellar defensive performance, Fresno State defeated Miami (Ohio) 18-3 to win the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on Saturday in Tucson, Arizona.<\/p>\n
Warner \u2014 dubbed \u201cLittle Kurt Warner\u201d by Snoop Dogg \u2014 started the game, the final contest of his college career. He showed his usual efficiency, completing 70% of his passes for 214 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. His stat line and leadership earned him the game\u2019s Most Valuable Player award.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a lot of ups and downs this year, but we persevered. We got out with nine wins, so just happy for all these guys, happy I was to be a part of it this year,\u201d Warner said during the postgame ceremony.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs improved to 9-4 in head coach Matt Entz\u2019s first season. Miami fell to 7-7.<\/p>\n
Wide receiver Josiah Freeman saved his best for last, recording the Bulldogs\u2019 first 100-yard receiving game of the season. He finished with 143 yards, including 109 after the catch.<\/p>\n
Again, the Bulldogs played running back by committee. Eight rushers gained 177 yards, led by Brandon Ramirez with 53 yards on 11 carries.<\/p>\n
The defense held the RedHawks to 192 total yards and limited quarterback Thomas Gotkowski to 6-for-22 passing for 72 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception.<\/p>\n
six for the DOGGS<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcfa@TheCW_Sports<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DJTMtT7S0L<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) December 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n First Half Defensive Struggle<\/p>\n The first half featured a defensive struggle, with Fresno State and Miami trading stops. The Bulldogs forced two turnovers \u2014 their 25th and 26th of the season \u2014 and benefited from a fortuitous special teams play.<\/p>\n The offense struggled early, but the defense repeatedly picked up the Bulldogs. A sack stalled Miami\u2019s opening drive and held the RedHawks to a field goal, despite a 32-yard run by Keith Reynolds. On Miami\u2019s second drive, Jakari Embry intercepted a pass after Finn Claypool hit Gotkowski.<\/p>\n Fresno State finally got on the board with a 28-yard Dylan Lynch field goal, tying the game at 3-3. The points capped a 15-play, 82-yard drive.<\/p>\n Special teams then pushed Miami into disaster. A punt sailed over the head of Pierse Stainton and rolled into the end zone. Instead of taking a safety, Stainton attempted a kick, which was blocked by Ethan Tierney and recovered by Johnathan Arceneaux at the 10-yard line. Lynch converted a 23-yard field goal to give Fresno State a 6-3 lead.<\/p>\n The defense forced another turnover late in the half, stripping running back Jordan Brunson at the Bulldogs\u2019 22-yard line with 1:09 remaining. Six plays later, Lynch kicked a 25-yard field goal for a 9-3 halftime lead. Lynch\u2019s three short field goals underscored Fresno State\u2019s red-zone struggles, as the Bulldogs failed to convert touchdowns on three first-half opportunities.<\/p>\n All Snoop, All the Time<\/p>\n Snoop Dogg was everywhere during the Arizona Bowl. He offered sideline analysis, joined the broadcast booth, caught a kickoff that sailed into the end zone, recorded a special track for the game, celebrated with the tailgate crowd, did the opening coin flip, and appeared throughout bumpers and commercial breaks.<\/p>\n Mr. Broadus even delivered pregame pep talks to both teams.<\/p>\n \u201cWho came to get busy? Where are my dogs at? Y\u2019all represent California,\u201d Snoop told the Bulldogs, as shown on The CW broadcast. \u201cStay connected, from the hip to the tip. It\u2019s not about the chip, it\u2019s about the relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n He also encouraged players to \u201cget that NIL money\u201d and advised them to invest wisely.<\/p>\n A pre-game pep talk from @SnoopDogg<\/a> >>> pic.twitter.com\/fFNbBjkjTC<\/a><\/p>\n