Even though Fresno State’s football season hasn’t lived up to expectations, Bulldog fans are doing their best to maintain the program’s national profile.

After leading all Group of 5 programs in attendance with an average of 39,939 fans per game in 2023, Fresno State has sold out three of its five home games and is averaging 40,621 per game this season.

In fact, Fresno State is drawing more fans for home games than Power 4 schools such as Cal, Houston, Maryland, SMU, Stanford, and Virginia. This comes after Fresno State led the Mountain West in attendance in three of the seven sports, the most of any school, 2023-24.

Check out this season’s college football attendance at this link.

Ticket Prices Rise as Attendance Grows

This strong attendance has come despite a rise in ticket prices to shore up Fresno State’s athletic budget. That’s a good sign for the Bulldogs as they prepare to move into the born-again Pac-12, where they will need a bigger budget and renovated facilities to compete successfully against consistently stronger competition.

The Bulldog Foundation, which raises funds for scholarships and other athletic department needs, is coming through, too.

“The Bulldog Foundation generated over $10.4 million in revenue during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, including $9.9 million in donations, representing the highest total in Fresno State athletics history,” said Frank Pucher, the senior associate athletics director for external relations at Fresno State.

New Leadership for Bulldog Foundation

The need to properly support Fresno State’s athletic goals is why on Nov. 8 the university brought in Randy Rigali as the new executive director of the Bulldog Foundation/Assistant Athletic Director for Development.

He’ll oversee the foundation’s annual giving program and premium seating efforts while also providing oversight of donor solicitation strategy, donor retention, donor acquisition, and stewardship efforts. He starts in December.

Rigali came from Long Beach State, where he helped lead ticket sales and revenue generation efforts. His sales unit generated $1.06 million in athletics ticket revenue for 2023-24. It was the first time in LBSU history the college crossed $1 million in sales.

Growing Fresno State’s NIL chest will also be essential for Pac-12 success. NIL is an important factor in attracting talented recruits and retaining proven players.

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Key Players to Watch for Fresno State

Offense: Redshirt freshman tight end Richie Anderson, No. 88

Anderson was targeted for five receptions for 60 yards against Air Force on Nov. 9. He believes the offense has something in store for the Rams on Saturday.

“We’re going to come at them, and we’re not dodging nobody. We play fearless, we’re going to keep playing our way, Bulldog football,” said Anderson.

Defense: Senior linebacker/fullback Tyler Mello, No. 42

Two-way player Mello is the epitome of “Bulldog born, Bulldog bred.” He spent his whole collegiate career at Fresno State. Saturday is Senior Night and his last time suiting up.

Mello got significant playing time against Air Force as a defender. He got a touchdown reception against Sacramento State on Sept. 7. No matter what side of the ball he’s on, he’s going to give it 100 percent.

“Wherever they put me on the field I’m going to do my best to help the team,” said Mello.

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Key Players to Watch for Colorado State

Offense: Redshirt sophomore quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, No. 16

Fowler-Nicolosi has completed 63.2% of his passes for 1,803 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions this season. He was an All-Mountain West conference honorable mention in 2023.

Defense: Redshirt senior linebacker Chase Wilson, No. 30

Wilson has 79 tackles and two interceptions on the year. Last season he was a second-team all-conference selection.

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Mountain West Football Matchups

All games will be played on Saturday, Nov. 23, (except UNLV vs. San Jose State) and broadcast times are Pacific.

No. 12 Boise State (9-1) at Wyoming (2-8)

Game Starts: 4 p.m.; Broadcast: CBSSN; Betting Odds: minus 22.5 for Boise State.

The Broncos are primed to appear in their first-ever College Football Playoff berth after punching a ticket to play in the conference championship. They barely beat Nevada 28-21 and had to come back from 14 points down in the second quarter to win decisively 42-21 against San Jose State.

They rally around Heisman hopeful running back Ashton Jeanty. He has 1,893 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. All eyes will be on Jeanty, but quarterback Maddux Madsen has been ballin’ out. He’s thrown for 2,194 yards with 19 touchdowns through the air and three as a rusher.

No. 23 UNLV (8-2) at San José State (6-4)

The game is on Friday. Game Starts: 7 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1; Betting Odds: minus 7.5 for UNLV. The Rebels have won two straight games and four of their last five. UNLV’s offense has been averaging nearly 40 points per game with a top 10 run game at nearly six yards per carry. Their No. 23 ranking is the highest in program history.

Air Force (3-7) at Nevada (3-8)

Game Starts: 7:30 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1; Betting Odds: minus 3.5 for Nevada. Air Force shut out Oregon State 28-0 last week and is on a late-season roll. The Falcons average 209.4 rushing yards per game, ranking them No. 14 in the country. Wolf Pack quarterback Brendon Lewis is 162-of-240 for 1,730 yards, 12 touchdowns and also leads the team with 692 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

San Diego State (3-7) at Utah State (3-7)

Game Starts: 12:30 p.m.; Broadcast: CBSSN; Betting Odds: minus 4.5 for Utah State. The Aggies are third in the MW and eighth in the country in total offense (463.9 ypg). Graduate QB Spencer Petras is top 10 in the FBS in completions (26.13) and passing yards (286.0) per game.

(Betting lines are from Fox Sports and ESPN.)