Pullman, WA (KSEE/KGPE) – Smothering defensive performance guides Fresno State (4-1, 1-0) to their first ever conference win in the Pac-12, as the Bulldogs grind out a 26-6 finish against Washington State (1-4, 0-1).
It was a slow start for both sides offensively to begin. First drive for each team ended with a three-and-out, committing four total penalties in the process.
Bulldog offense started to cook on their second drive. A 13-yard run to convert 3rd and 6 by Jayden Mandal kickstarted the campaign. Fresno State followed up with a 36-yard big hitter from Rayshon “Speedy” Luke to get into the red zone. ‘Dogs stalled after a false start on 4th and inches, forcing them to settle for a 27-yard field goal by Manaki Watanabe to make it three-nothing. These were the first points scored by Fresno State in the opening quarter this season.
A mishandled snap on the Bulldogs next drive would set up the Cougs’ at midfield in the second quarter. Caden Pinnick and company would string together a few plays before being stopped at the 14-yard line. A 32-yard Washington State field goal then tied the game at three…