Fresno State snapped a two-game losing streak with a 24-21 victory over Nevada, highlighted by Elijah Gilliam's standout performance and a strong defensive effort. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
- Elijah Gilliam shines with two touchdowns and a 71-yard screen pass reception, making a case for the top running back position.
- Linebacker Malachi Langley leads Bulldogs' defense with 13 tackles and two sacks against UNR quarterback Brendon Lewis.
- Backup QB Joshua Wood's third-quarter rushing touchdown seals Fresno State's fourth consecutive victory over Nevada Wolf Pack.
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Game-Defining Play: Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene’s 71-yard screen pass to Elijah Gilliam in the 3rd quarter
Key Stat: Elijah Gilliam, 20 carries, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions for 74 yards, 140 all-purpose yards
Stars of the Game:
OFFENSE – Elijah Gilliam
DEFENSE – linebacker Malachi Langley, two sacks, 13 total tackles
Up Next: San Jose State at Fresno State
Fresno State football spoiled Nevadaās 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.
Related Story: Will Fresno State Rebound Against Nevada or Continue Its Slide?
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 Bulldogsā top running back for the remainder of the season.
Related Story: Fresno State Falls to Washington State in Fourth Quarter Heartbreaker
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 ā typically solid all season ā gave up 240 total yards in the first half.
Despite those stats, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyleās 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 Stateās favor.
The Wolf Pack rotated between Lewis and Preston Purdy, younger brother of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, but the Bulldogsā defense kept up relentless pressure throughout the game.
Related Story: Bulldogs vs Cougars: Players to Watch; Mountain West Matchups
Offensive Performance
Despite throwing an interception ā his ninth of the season, ranking him No. 2 in the FBS ā 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 Bulldogsā 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.
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