Fresno State dominates Southern

Fresno, CA (News4usOnline) – For the first time in school history, the Fresno State Bulldogs squared off against the Southern Jaguars in a college football game. Fresno State and Southern, recognized as a historically black college or university (HBCU), played each other on the home turf of the Bulldogs on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Valley Children’s Stadium.

Fresno State prevailed, 56-7. The Bulldogs tallied 507 yards in total offense to beat the Jaguars. It was the third straight week that Fresno State (3-1) amassed 500 yards or more in total offense. Aside from Southern, Fresno State also generated 500 yards or more in wins against Oregon State and Georgia Southern.  

Fresno State running back Rayshon Luke came into the game fourth in the FBS in touchdowns and second in the FBS in rushing touchdowns. He was also named the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance last week. Though he only rushed for 31 yards in the Bulldogs’ win, Luke still managed to find the endzone at least once. 

The Bulldogs played Southern without their starting receiver Josh Freeman, due to an injury.  Fresno State quarterback E.J. Warner took up the slack, spreading the football nine different players. For the game, Warner completed 20 of 24 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns. 

Bryson Donelson helped the Bulldogs offense get untracked with 91 yards and a touchdown on the ground in nine carries. 

“I think we’ve left some plays on the field in our previous three games where we had 10 of the 11 on the same pageant good teams are going to find the 11th”, said Fresno State head coach Matt Entz. “I still think we need to continue to improve our tackling, especially in the open field.”

Bulldogs offensive guard Julian Polendo earns his first career start against Oregon State.

In the first quarter of the game, Southern came away with a total of -2 yards. In the second quarter, the Jaguars began moving the ball better, with Jaguars player Trey Holly eventually going in for the score on a 1-yard touchdown run.

It was the only touchdown the Jaguars scored. Southern quarterback Ashton Strother finished the game with a total of 127 yards on 9-for-14 passing. After Southern scored that first touchdown, Donelson made off with a 57-yard touchdown run. 

By halftime, Fresno State had built its lead to 35-7. The Jaguars had a total of 132 yards in the first half. The Jaguars gained only 10 yards over the last two quarters of the ballgame. The Jaguars were held to 142 yards in total offense. 

Four Bulldog players Harold Duavall, Jordan Brown, Richie Anderson III, and Jonathan Arceneaux scored their first career touchdowns.

On the starting quarterbacks, Entz said, “We have three really talented quarterbacks in that room right now and I’m excited where we are at and we got things to improve on, particularly the nature of the game.”

The Bulldogs are undefeated against FCS opponents. The victory against Southern represents the biggest win of the season for the Bulldogs. For Southern, the loss to Fresno State is the third in four games (1-3) for the Jaguars, and it also happens to be their largest margin of defeat.

After defeating the Jaguars, it is now the Bulldogs’ 20th straight win over an FCS opponent. 

Fresno State’s next opponent is the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.