FRESNO, Calif. -- Fresno State won apivitolMountain West matchup against one of the top offenses in the conference with a 34-32 win against Nevada on Homecoming at Bulldog Stadium.
The Bulldogs used 134 rushing yards behind the legs of running back Jordan Mims. Quarterback Jake Haener threw for 256 yards on 26 completions.
Fresno State's defense held tough, limiting the Nevada offense to just 47 yards rushing. The 'DogsD totaleda season-high 5.0 sacks and 11.0 TFLs.
The Bulldogs moved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in MW play.
How It Happened
Nevada opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal just over nine minutes into the game. Fresno State had a quick response asRonnie Rivers broke loose down the right sideline for a 64-yard touchdown run on the third play of the Bulldogs' ensuing drive.
Mims extended the lead to 14-3 less than a minute into the second quarter with a 1-yard plunge, capping off a 10-play, 91-yard drive.
A fumble inside Fresno State's 20-yard line gave the Wolf Pack a short field with 11:01 remaining in the half. Nevada used just a minute off the clock to move the ball into the end zone and cut the Bulldogs' lead to 14-10.
Out of the half Fresno State and Nevada traded touchdowns on each of their first two possessions. The game stood 28-23 four seconds into the fourth quarter. Following the Wolf Pack pulling back within five for the second time in the half,Cesar Silva extended Fresno State's leadto eight with a 47-yard field goal with 12:37 on the clock.
Needing a stop, the Bulldog defense came up with a three-and-out following anArron Mosby sack on third-and-9. The 'Dogs turned the stop into another Silva kick, this time from 43 yards to extend the advantage to 34-23. Nevada answered, though, with one of its own with Brandon Talton converting from 38 yards out.
With Fresno State leading 34-26, Nevada drove 90 yards on its final drive to pull within two. Needing the two-point conversion to force overtime, Carson Strong looked to RomeoDoubsbutJustin Houston pushed the receiver out of bounds before he could get his feet down to all but end the game with only two seconds remaining on the clock.
Notes
- Fresno State became bowl eligible with the win. It's the first time since 2018 that the Bulldogs have been eligible for a bowl game.
- Fresno State remains undefeated at home with a 4-0 mark at Bulldog Stadium this season.
- Fresno State had two rushing touchdowns scored in a game for the first time since Cal Poly (9/11/21).
- Fresno State won the turnover battle for the second-straight game, losing only one to Nevada's two.
- Ronnie Rivers tied the program record for most career rushing touchdowns (39).
- DaRonBland had his first interception as a Bulldog, picking off Carson Strong in the first quarter.
- David Perales had his second forced fumble of the season with a strip sack in the fourth quarter.
- Perales tied his career-high with 2.5 TFL, which he set last season at Nevada.
- Perales had a career-high 2.0 sacks.
Quotes
Fresno State Head CoachKalen DeBoer
Kalen DeBoer on today's performance…
"I guess if you want to watch a game till the last second just come watch us play, right? About every game comes down to the last drive. Proud of the guys, it was a lot of what we thought. The momentum swings and knowing what they had offensively, just trying to find a way to get off the field was hard at times, but the defense got it done with some big plays. Probably not how you want to draw it up at the end, but we got the stop, and it's probably the best team game I think we've played. You think about even Cesar's kicks that were huge in the 4thquarter. Theoffensegetting it down in there far enough to be able to kick it. Justreally proudof the defense, Perales with the strip-sack. Even though we didn't get a first down, it's another couple of minutes come off the clock and makes life tough for them. But credit to them, they're areally goodfootball team. We knew they were going to fight; they had a lot to play for just like we do. What a game."
Jordan Mims, Fresno State running back
On when he realized he was having apretty specialgame…
"I really wasn't thinking about it, nor really thought about it. If I had 134 yards or not. I just took every play and tried to execute what I had to do."
On being mentally prepared for the opportunity…
"I feel pretty good. I obviously put on some more weight and got more explosive and things like that. But for the most part, I feel really good."
Jake Haener, Fresno State quarterback
On the balanced attack on offense…
"I thought it was a great team win. We came out, we ran the ball well, and did enough in the pass game to get it done. We made it close at the end, but we're just happy to get a win."
OnJordanMims'game…
"Yea Jordan stepped up. He's a great player, great friend of mine, good kid - ran his tail off tonight. He's the reason we got this win, stepping up the way he did and just being a physical runner and a great ball player. Really proud of him."
David Perales, Fresno State defensive end
About wearing his cowboy hat during the pre-game 'March to Victory' and post-game press conference…
"Our team decided to dress up today, and I thought it would be a perfect fit for the valley. Trying to represent."
About the defensive performance...
"Everybody was playing so hard. I am so proud that everyone gave it their all. We went through a tough time when they scored, and everyone just stuck together and finished the game off. The offense was
Up Next
Fresno State looks towards another big Mountain Westwestdivision matchup as it travels to Carson, Calif. to face undefeated San Diego State in the battle of the Old Oil Can. Kickoff is set for7:30 p.m., andwill be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.