The Fresno State football team came into New Mexico injured.
The Bulldogs left a bit more banged up, too.
Yet despite health issues rocking the lineup — starting running back Malik Sherrod missed Saturday’s game and defensive back Camryn Bracha got injured midway through the Mountain West conference opener — Fresno State plugged in different players and maintained enough steadiness to win a third straight game.
Fresno State’s defense, a week after forcing five turnovers, followed with two interceptions and one forced fumble, and quarterback Mikey Keene played a turnover-free game for a second straight week as the Bulldogs beat the Lobos 38-21 from University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M.
The game was played before an announced crowd of 18,019.
Since falling to defending national champion Michigan 30-10 in the season opener, Fresno State (3-1, 1-0) has outscored its past three opponents a combined 132-51.
Granted, the Bulldogs’ past three opponents — New Mexico (0-4), New Mexico State (1-3) and FCS program Sacramento State (2-2) — likely will end up being the least challenging stretch of football on Fresno State’s schedule.