Fresno State football spoiled Nevada’s Homecoming with a 24-21 win at Mackay Stadium on Friday night. The Bulldogs improved to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in Mountain West play.

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Bulldogs Break Losing Streak

Riding a two-game losing streak, the Bulldogs arrived in Reno aiming to regain momentum and close their schedule on a winning run, potentially finishing with eight or nine regular-season wins.

The Wolf Pack entered the game with momentum, having won two of their last three games, including a victory over Oregon State. That energy carried into the opening drive, where running back Savion Red scored a touchdown, putting Nevada up 7-0 with 11:03 left in the first quarter.

Fresno State answered with a field goal, making it 7-3. The second quarter was all about running back Elijah Gilliam, who rushed for two touchdowns and ended the night racking up 66 yards on 20 carries.

Gilliam delivered the game’s highlight with a 71-yard screen pass reception in the third quarter, setting up a key score. He had 2 receptions for 74 yards, with a total of 140 all-purpose yards on the night. His performance underscored his push to become the Bulldogs’ top running back for the remainder of the season.

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Defensive Turnaround

A pair of scoring drives from Nevada put the Wolf Pack ahead 21-17 at halftime. It was a worrying sign, as the Bulldog defense — typically solid all season — gave up 240 total yards in the first half.

Despite those stats, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle’s defense bounced back with a standout performance. Linebacker Malachi Langley sacked Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis twice, contributing to four total sacks by the defense that night. Langley also led the team with 13 tackles.

The secondary did an admirable job without safety Dean Clark who was ejected from the game in the second quarter for a targeting penalty on a scrambling Lewis.

Nevada’s special teams struggled, with Bulldog defenders tackling their punter twice in the backfield, turning the momentum in Fresno State’s favor.

The Wolf Pack rotated between Lewis and Preston Purdy, younger brother of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, but the Bulldogs’ defense kept up relentless pressure throughout the game.

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Offensive Performance

Despite throwing an interception — his ninth of the season, ranking him No. 2 in the FBS — quarterback Mikey Keene delivered a strong performance, completing 13 of 20 passes for 190 yards.

Backup quarterback Joshua Wood’s rushing touchdown in the third quarter ultimately sealed the 24-21 victory for Fresno State, as both teams went scoreless in the fourth quarter. This win marked the Bulldogs’ fourth straight victory over the Wolf Pack.

The game served as a key indicator of both teams’ trajectories for the rest of the season. For Fresno State, it was a critical bounce-back as they continue into conference play.

If the defense maintains its high level of play, the offense stays dynamic, and Keene makes smart decisions, the Bulldogs have a chance to win out the remainder of their schedule.