As the old saying goes, that’s just what the doctor ordered. In Fresno State’s case, it was likely their bye week.
The Fresno State Bulldogs completed their most complete game since the Sacramento State win on Saturday night by dismantling the Oregon State Beavers by a final of 38-22.
The offense was balanced with 202 passing yards and 190 rushing yards. The defense allowed just 77 rushing yards, forced two turnovers, caused three turnovers on downs, and held Oregon State to their lowest point output
on the season.
“We just got back to work,” Head Coach Matt Entz said following the contest. “It was a great two weeks. Spirited group out there tonight and it was a little bit of good school football.”
What the win means for Fresno State is that they’re now within a game of second place, and a tie for fourth place with four games to play. A win against Utah State next week lands bowl eligibility for the second time in as many years under Entz.
The Bulldogs will need a little more help to get to second place, as Oregon State is still a game ahead of them in the standings. The Beavers do have a road game with Boise State looming ahead on November 14th that will likely decide the conference regular season championship.
Nonetheless, the win went a long way, and now the Bulldogs seemingly have an easier schedule down the stretch with not only Utah State on deck, but then Texas State and Colorado State with a flex game to end the season, with that looking like a contest against San Diego State. None of those teams have a record better than .500 right now.
For the Beavers, this likely ended a shot at the College Football Playoff. Yes, there is still a shot to win the Pac-12 Championship both regular season and postseason. However, with three losses on their record, it is highly unlikely they will be selected for the CFP even with a conference championship.
Right now, the Bulldogs just need to take care of their own business and let the rest of the season play out. And that starts with a contest in Logan, Utah next Saturday night.
As has become the norm this season for the Bulldogs, it will be a night game yet again, but not too late as has been of late. The contest will be at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time, instead of the 7:30, or 8:00 pm kickoffs of late. The game will be broadcast on USA Network like last night’s game against Oregon State.
