Fresno State totaled just eight yards of total offense after the first 15 minutes of play. It was the first time the Bulldogs were held without a first down in the opening quarter since Boise State last season.
Cincinnati, on the other hand, amassed 110 yards of total offense and led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Bearcats pushed the lead to 14-0 after Zach Collaros ran for a four-yard touchdown with 11:44 remaining in the half.
The Bulldogs had no answer for UC wide receiver D.J. Woods, who had five receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown in the first half. The Bearcats looked like they were on their way to a blowout win.
But the Bulldogs’ defense stepped up their game.
The Bearcats would lose a combined 28 yards on their next three drives. And the Bulldog offense happened to find their rhythm as well. Ryan Colburn found Robbie Rouse for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 2:25 remaining in the game.
After Chris Carter stripped Collaros of the football with 39 seconds remaining in the game, Colburn found Jamel Hamler four plays later for a 16-yard touchdown.