Fresno State gave up big play after big play, including numerous on special teams. However, when it came down to it, the Bulldogs made the biggest of the season.
With 8:55 remaining in the game with UCLA driving for the go-ahead score, Bulldog corner Sharrod Davis laid a jarring hit on Bruin running back Derrick Coleman. Wilson Ramos recovered the fumble at the Fresno State.
In turn, the Bulldogs would grind out a 17-play drive that ended with Tom Brandstater taking a knee at the UCLA 4 for the final play of the game.
Brandstater complete 21-of-30 passes for 236 yards with touchdown throws to Chastin West (28 yards), Ryan Mathews (25 yards), and Bear Pascoe (4 yards). West’s touchdown grabbed pushed the lead to 36-22 with :27 left in the third quarter. UCLA blocked the ensuing extra point and Brett Lockett returned 95 yards for a two-point defensive PAT.
Mathews finished with 166 yards and a rushing touchdown, which came on an end-around he took 49 yards down the sideline. His lone reception went came on 3rd-and-22 from the UCLA 25 with 6:03 left in the third quarter. Mathews took the screen pass and hurdled Bruin Courtney Viney inside the 10 and kept his balance to score the touchdown.
Marlon Moore started the scoring early returning a UCLA punt 63 yards for touchdown just 49 seconds into the game. The score came a few plays after Terrance Austin returned the opening kickoff for an apparent 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. A holding call negated the return, and the Bruins subsequently went three-and-out setting up Moore’s return.
The win pushes No. 25 Fresno State to 3-1 on the season. UCLA drops to 1-3 after losing its third straight game. Kevin Craft went 11-of-20 for UCLA, and Khalil Bell, returning from injury, gained 73 yards on 20 carries and scored two touchdowns. Coleman led the Bruins' rushers with 86 yards on 10 carries, but his costly fumble overshadows his standout performance.
Game Notes
Marlon Moore was injured with 14:04 left in the third quarter. He held his right knee while lying on the field. He walked off the field, but did not return. He appears ok, but no official word on the extent of his injury.
Joe Bernardi also was shaken up in the third. He limped off the field with a leg or knee injury with 12:37 left in the quarter. There is no official word on the extent of his injury.
True freshman wide receiver Rashad Evans made his season debut on offense. With Devon Wylie still nursing his foot injury and Moore sitting out the second half, Evans saw time at receiver. He made two huge receptions for 12 yards; both came on critical third downs. His final reception for seven yards came on 3rd-and-4 with 5:26 left in the game. Brandstater made the throw just before being hit and Evans secured the ball neatly in his hands to make the reception. The ‘Dogs would subsequently run out the clock to secure the win.
Chastin West had a career-high five receptions for 69 yards.
Seyi Ajirotutu also had five receptions for 67 yards. However, the talented wideout still has yet to score a touchdown in his three-year Bulldog career. Through four games this season, he leads the ‘Dogs with 296 yards receiving.
Mathews’ 166 yards rushing pushes his WAC leading average to 117.5 yards per game. Not to be outdone, he is averaging 25 yards per reception this season, which is good for second on the team. His two receiving touchdowns is also tied the team lead.
FS went for two after Mathews' 49-yard touchdown run on an end-around with the ‘Dogs leading 13-10. Bobby Shepard snapped the ball directly to up-back Bear Pascoe, who fumbled the snap and was immediately tackled.
Pat Hill had more tricks in his sleeve. FS called for a halfback pass with 12:37 left in the third quarter on a 1st-and-10 at the UCLA 22. Lonyae Miller’s pass to Isaac Kinter was overthrown. FS settled for a 35-yard Kevin Goessling field goal on the drive, pushing the lead to 23-19 with 11:34 left in the third.
FS gave up 204 kick returns yards to UCLA, all by Austin. This does not include the opening kickoff of 100 yards that was called back because of a holding call.
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