The Fresno State Bulldogs are coming back this week from their worst loss this season, 24-43 against Air Force. The Dogs allowed over 300 rushing yards and 28 first downs. The  Air Force offense had the ball for nearly 40 minutes of the game. For Fresno State, the second half was something difficult to be proud of. Bulldogs only had 25 yards on offense and gave up 21 points in the second half. This may be seen as the worst loss under coach Tedford. 

Offensively, the Bulldogs had a great first half. Fresno State scored 24 points and QB Jorge Reyna played his best half of football all year. He started the game with 13 straight completions and finished the half nearly perfect with 2 touchdown passes as well. Reyna finished the game 20-27 with 209 passing yards and 2 TDs. A ray of hope on the offense was Freshman WR from Tulare, CA Emoryie Edwards who had 4 catches for 73 yards and 1 touchdown. Fresno State offense was a non-factor in the second half but barely had the ball in the second half. Fresno didn’t resemble the team we all know but they will surely bounce back this week. After the game, Senior LB/DE Mykal Walker said, “We didn’t play our brand of football.”

The Bulldogs return home tonight against UNLV for Friday Fest. Fresno State hasn’t had a home game in nearly 3 weeks. The Dogs are still looking for their first conference win this season.

Keys to the game:

 Valley native Charles Williams is 20th in the nation and 2nd in the conference in rushing yards with 598 rushing yards and 7 TDs. The Dogs have to tackle in space and take away the run-game early to keep Williams in check. UNLV is coming off of a big win against Vanderbilt and had 206 rushing yards. Fresno State has to take away the run game and make UNLV beat them through the air, an area UNLV has struggled all year. 

Offensively, the Bulldogs have to open up the offense on the ground and run the ball. Fresno State only had 59 total rushing yards last week, the fewest rushing yards they have had all year in a game. The Dogs have to control the tempo of the game and make big plays through the air. If Fresno State can take care of the ball, balance the offense out, and be consistent running the ball all game,  then the Dogs will have a very good chance to win. 

Fresno State is 2-3 (0-1) still looking for their first win in Mountain West Play. UNLV is 2-4 (0-2) coming off of a big time win against a SEC team. The Dogs are coming off of an upsetting loss but will look to bounce back tonight. It’s Friday Fest tonight – Red Wave, come out a support at 7:30pm at Bulldog Stadium as the Dogs look to take down the Rebels. The game will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network and live on ESPN 940.     

Twitter: @tnijhar2 | Read all of his articles HERE.