The Fresno State football team played a complete game recording their first shutout of the season against New Mexico State at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday. The score being 48-0 in front of a crowd of 39,079.

“We put in more effort and physicality this week in practice to prepare for New Mexico State. We battled each other to get better so we can celebrate on Saturdays,” said head coach Tim Skipper at the postgame conference.

Both sides of the ball played soundly. The offense accumulated a total of 525 yards (244 passing, 281 rushing). The defense only allowed a total of 138 yards from the Aggies offense. They limited both the run and passing game to less than 100 yards while accumulating three interceptions.

This puts the Bulldogs at 20-1 in the series against the Aggies.

Needless to say, it was a clinic for the Bulldogs. Showcasing the potential this team has going into the season. It was an opportunity for these players to shine.

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Here are the players of the game:

Fresno State Offense

Senior Running Back Malik Sherrod, No. 2

Sherrod played a tremendous game against the Aggies. He rushed for 113 yards with 15 carries including a touchdown, averaging 7.5 yards when he got the ball.

This is his first 100-yard game of the year so far with 24 yards against Michigan and 54 yards against Sac State. Despite those stats and rehabbing an injury throughout fall camp and the first two weeks of the season limiting his playing time, he got two touchdowns last week against the Hornets.

This game demonstrates that he’s in good health and that we can see Sherrod getting the ball more as the season progresses.

“You got to a find a way. Anytime we get the ball we got to find a way to score,” said Sherrod. “It all starts at practice. We did a good job practicing this week and working on finishing better through contact leading up to the game.”

Senior Wide Receiver Mac Dalena, No. 0

Dalena enjoys showing out big on gameday, especially when the games start. He may have gotten just 2 receptions for 82 yards but every time he got the ball he scored. He led and gave the Bulldogs their only touchdowns through the air.

The deep ball is his specialty. On the second play from scrimmage on their first drive, junior quarterback Mikey Keene connected with Dalena for a 69-yard touchdown to open up the scoring with 12:04 on the clock.

It was similar to his stellar performance last week against Sac State. He got 7 receptions for 235 yards, but his touchdown came on the first play of the game with a 75-yard shot down the field. He’s proven that when they call his number, he’ll make a spectacular play.

Honorable Mention: Sophomore Quarterback Joshua Wood, No. 3

Even though he’s Mikey Keene’s backup, Wood has displayed his versatility in red zone situations these last couple of weeks. His QB draw plays usually have him finishing in the end zone.

He got one last week against Sac State and got two against the Aggies. He may have only had one completion for one attempt passing that went 15 yards against New Mexico State but he’s showing that using his legs puts points on the scoreboard.

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Fresno State Defense

Senior Cornerback Cam Lockridge, No. 1

Lockridge is a stud on defense, no questions asked. He’s got an instinct for the ball as he’s been the master of the takeaways these last few weeks.

He got an interception in the season opener against Michigan, a fumble recovery last week against Sac State, and then it culminated on Saturday with two picks against New Mexico State. He’s been getting the ball often you’d mistake him for an offensive player.

It had the Aggies confused to where they used two quarterbacks in the game, Parker Awad and Deuce Hogan, and they combined for just 11-of-29 passing for 61 yards and three interceptions.

Adding to that he led the defense in tackles with six. He missed the last nine games last season due to an injury and went through the rehab process throughout camp so for him to ball out this way has been amazing to see. It showcases his fortitude and perseverance.

“Just wanting to score when I get the ball in my hand. I don’t play offense so when I get the ball it feels like scoring, that where my ball instincts come from,” said Lockridge.

Redshirt Junior Defensive End Korey Foreman, No. 0

Foreman really came alive when he took the field against the Aggies. He got a sack, forced a fumble, and batted a ball down. He was so disruptive that on the end of those plays you usually saw him in their backfield.

He may not be a starter, but he’s been big on third downs and being used in certain packages and rotations for the Bulldogs this season. Last week against Sac State he forced a fumble. When he’s on the field he makes noise.

He came into the season with a lot of buzz having been a USC transfer and rated a five star recruit out of high school. Becoming Fresno State’s highest rated recruit in program history.

With linebacker Tuasivi Nomura’s mentorships (he was a USC transfer last year) and a performance like this shows that he’s bought into the Bulldog way.

“Bulldog football isn’t intimidated or weak. We give no handouts to anybody. We take advantage of all the opportunities we get. I’m bought into the Bulldog way one hundred percent,” said Foreman.

Honorable Mention: Senior Safety Kosi Agina, No. 10

Agina was second on the stat sheet in total tackles with six. His nose for the ball and being at the right place at right time can’t be understated.

He may not be listed as a starter but with the defensive packages and coverages the Bulldogs have, he gets on the field quite often. When he’s out there he hustles to the ball.

He forced a fumble last week against Sac State. Be on the lookout for him as he’ll continue to make plays for the defense.

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Fresno State will open Mountain West play at New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 21, at University Stadium. The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PT and will broadcast on truTV/MAX.