Bulldogs 40 Vandals 10

GAMECENTER STATS

It is a sign of a great team when they can win by thirty when the offense just does not show up. Special teams and defense shined Saturday in the Western Athletic Conference road win.

Joe Fernandez returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown to tie the score up at seven in the first quarter. Jaron Fairmon returned an illegal punt kick for another touchdown, and Manuel Sanchez recorded a safety, as the Bulldogs took a less than stellar 16-10 lead at the half.

The offense still did not get on track in the third quarter, but the defense held Idaho scoreless the entire second half. Paul Williams blocked a punt that set up a Paul Pinegar touchdown pass to Devyn McDonald. It was Pinegar's only touchdown pass of the game, but he did pass David Carr in career passing yards. He is now third on Fresno State's list of career passing leaders, behind Mark Barsotti and Kevin Sweeney.

Wendell Mathis put the game away with his 58 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, and Bryson Sumlin added a two yard touchdown run to end the scoring.

The offense needs to play better next week and beyond. In past years Fresno State would have lost this game or barely escaped with a nine or ten point win, see at SMU 1999 and 2003. The offense just has not have to contribute much this year for the team to pull out wins.

In the five Bulldog victories, the defense and special teams have been so dominate, the offense is playing second fiddle. Many fans will be disgusted with the offensive play, but the Bulldogs still blew out their opponent, and even covered the spread.

Injuries

Kicker Clint Stitser hurt his leg on a kickoff, and did not return. Kyle Zimmerman kicked Fresno State's last two PATs and kickoffs.