![\"Fresno](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/FRS_EPZ_DOGFOOT_RICE_07.JPG\" "\\"Fresno")
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Fresno State head coach Matt Entz is seen along the sidelines in the game against Rice Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 in Fresno. Rice led 17-14 at halftime.<\/p>\n
ERIC PAUL ZAMORA<\/p>\n
ezamora@fresnobee.com<\/p>\n
Fresno State\u2019s offense continued to struggle in the first half Saturday night, particularly in the opening quarter.<\/p>\n
This time, the Bulldogs faced Rice, a team that entered the nonconference portion of the schedule with one of the worst defenses in the FBS.<\/p>\n
Through the first three games, Fresno State had scored 38 points in the first half.<\/p>\n
Against Rice, however, the Bulldogs once again couldn\u2019t get going early before the offense finally found its rhythm and Fresno State defeated the Owls 38-24.<\/p>\n
Just how concerning has the Bulldogs\u2019 slow start become?<\/p>\n
Rice\u2019s defense had given up points in the first quarter until shutting out the Bulldogs in the quarter.<\/p>\n
It was also the fourth consecutive game in which Fresno State failed to score an offensive touchdown in the opening quarter.<\/p>\n
There are legitimate factors contributing to the struggles.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs have lost key players along the offensive line, but the backups have the ability to protect quarterback Jayden Mandal and create running lanes.<\/p>\n
Fresno State coach Matt Entz acknowledged the team\u2019s slow starts and said the Bulldogs need to find a way to get moving.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said it two weeks in a row: production on third down, or lack thereof,\u201d Entz said. \u201cI think we\u2019re doing a decent job on early downs, but we haven\u2019t had the success we want, expect, or require to be successful on third down. I think we were 1 of 5 on third down in the first half. A week ago we were 1 of 8. That\u2019s not a recipe for success.\u201d<\/p>\n
That has to change if Fresno State wants to contend for a Pac-12 championship.<\/p>\n
Even Mandal acknowledged that he needs to play better.<\/p>\n
The struggles are particularly notable given the quality of the opposing defense.<\/p>\n
Entering Saturday\u2019s game, Rice ranked 80th nationally in total defense, allowing 349.7 yards per game. The Owls ranked 61st in passing defense at 190.7 yards per game, 98th against the run at 159.0 yards per game and 106th in scoring defense at 27.7 points per game.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs eventually found their offense against Rice, but slow starts will become more difficult to overcome as the schedule gets tougher.<\/p>\n
Fresno State opens Pac-12 play Saturday at Washington State in Pullman, Wash.<\/p>\n
The following two games loom even larger: No. 22 Boise State visits Valley Children\u2019s Stadium before the Bulldogs travel to face San Diego State.<\/p>\n
If Fresno State is going to compete against those teams and throughout its Pac-12 schedule, the offense needs to start faster.<\/p>\n
Entz didn\u2019t budge when asked about making adjustments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you were to come to practice you would see third down periods, things that happen on the practice field,\u201d he said. \u201cWe try to do a team takeoff early in practice. We did it last week. We\u2019ll continue to emphasize those things because no way are we going to sit here and keep doing the same thing. That\u2019s a definition of insanity. We\u2019re going to find a way to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n
Anthony Galaviz<\/a><\/p>\n The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news\/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He\u2019s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.\u00a0
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