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Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
Bulldogs make things difficult, but start rebound against Idaho
FRESNO -- Fresno State fans began exiting Bulldog Stadium early in the fourth quarter Saturday night. So did the Bulldogs' energy.
Leading by 25 points, it was hard to believe Fresno State could surrender the victory to Idaho, one of the worst teams in the nation. But the resilient Vandals scored two touchdowns in 2 minutes, 34 seconds and came decently close.
In the end, though, Fresno State’s run game and a key defensive play helped seal the 45-32 win as the Bulldogs bounced back from last week’s disappointing loss to Hawaii.
The Bulldogs (4-2, 1-1) ran all over Idaho before an announced homecoming crowd of 37,015 and got the win they needed to stay alive in the race for a Western Athletic Conference title.
The Bulldogs tallied 318 rushing yards, equaling a season high that was set last week.
“That’s just our personality,” running back Anthony Harding said. “We run first, people know that. Thank the offensive line. The O-line is doing the work, we just followed them. They make us look good.”
Lonyae Miller rushed for a career-high 181 yards and a touchdown, Ryan Mathews ran for 57 yards and a score and Harding added 94 yards.
The stadium had a lethargic, scrimmage-like feel throughout the chilly night but things tensed up at the end. Fresno State allowed the nation’s 97th best scoring offense to tally 452 yards (outgaining the hosts by 9 yards).
The Vandals, who are 1-6 and have lost 16 straight WAC games and 22 straight to Football Bowl Subdivision teams, scored to make it 42-24 on a 22-yard pass to Lee Smith between two defenders with 10:22 to play.
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