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Bulldogs' Gameplan Works to Perfection Until Late 4rth Quarter
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 8 months ago on
August 31, 2024

Fresno State interim head coach Tim Skipper watches his team warm up during pregame against Michigan, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP/Jose Juarez)

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Fresno State interim head coach Tim Skipper revealed his gameplan after Michigan’s 30-10 football victory over the Bulldogs.

Slow down the No. 9 ranked and defending national champion Wolverines.

The strategy almost worked. Fresno State held Michigan to just 269 yards. And, the Bulldogs pulled within six points, 16-10, with 10:06 left to play.

But Michigan answered with a seven-play, 75-yard drive to build a 13-margin and later extended it to the final 20 points — failing to beat the 21.5-point betting line.

“They have a heart of a champion,” Skipper said of Michigan.

Quarterback Mikey Keene pointed the finger at himself for the Bulldogs’ sputtering offense. Of course, a Michigan defense packed with future NFL players is not an easy nut to crack.

Keene completed 22 of 36 passes for 238 yards and one TD. But he and the Bulldogs were betrayed by two interceptions — one bounced off a receiver’s hands and the other Michigan’s Will Johnson returned for a score.

And, the Bulldogs failed to run the ball with any efficiency. Tailback Malik Sherrod, who wasn’t at full strength, finished with 24 yards on 14 carries. The Bulldogs finished with 244 total yards, with 30 yards lost to the three Michigan sacks of Keene.

Fresno State safety Camryn Bracha was all over the field, finishing with 10 tackles — seven solo and three assisted. 

Senior defensive lineman Ezra Christensen had Fresno State’s lone sack.

In all, the Bulldogs surrendered just 18 first downs.

Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates after sacking Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, bottom, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates after sacking Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, bottom, in the second half, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Wolverines sacked Keene three times for 30 yards in losses. (AP/Jose Juarez)

The Thrill of the Big House

Fresno State was not starstruck by the 110,665 fans in attendance at the nation’s largest college football stadium.

Skipper said they trained for the loud noise, and the new helmet intercom system helped.

Even with the loss, players savored the experience.

“This is something I’m going to remember forever. Obviously, we wanted a different outcome. We take it with a grain of salt. We are blessed to be here,” Keene said. “This is a dream you have when you want to play college football.”

Bulldogs linebacker Tuasivi Nomura, a transfer from USC, called the atmosphere “electric.” It helped pump him up during the game.

He also saw the strips of red-clad Fresno State fans  among Michigan’s Maize and Blue.

“I see that red out there,” Nomura said.

“We love the Red Wave,” Skipper said. “We travel well.”

Fresno State defensive back Cam Lockridge intercepts a pass and runs with the ball against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP/Jose Juarez)
Fresno State defensive back Cam Lockridge intercepts a pass and runs with the ball against Michigan in the first half, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP/Jose Juarez)

 

 

 

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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