“I’ll take full accountability for it. I got to do a better job. I take full responsibility, and I got to be better in the second half,” says Fresno State offensive coordinator Pat McCann about the Bulldogs’ performance against Colorado State last Saturday.

In the 28-22 home win that made the Bulldogs bowl-eligible, the offense dominated in the first half but turned stagnant and didn’t score the rest of the way.

It only took the tail end of the year for McCann to admit responsibility for the offense’s woes. The Bulldogs have only scored 47 fourth-quarter points in 11 games this season.

Related Story: Fresno State Becomes Bowl Eligible, Defeats Colorado State on Senior Night

Offense Looks to Complement Defense

The saying “the best defense is a good offense” exists for a reason, and it doesn’t personify this team. Hopefully the offense shows up when they head to the Rose Bowl to take on Big Ten opponent  UCLA on Saturday.

So how can the offense complement the defense to close out games?

“Once we get a lead, we got to keep it and keep it in our possession. We got to possess the ball longer and that’s ultimately what it comes down to,” said McCann.

According to wide receiver Mac Dalena, “That’s our goal this week — to attack the second half, especially the fourth quarter. Giving our defense a chance to stay off the field a little longer and give us a chance to score more points.”

Defensive Standouts and Challenges

Meanwhile, Korey Foreman showed up big time last week on defense. The defensive end and USC transfer had his best game as a Bulldog with six tackles and a sack.

“I’m just taking advantage of every single rep that I get so when I do look back, I’m not living with regrets but living with the fact with I know that I did everything I could and left it out on the field,” said Foreman.

Will his performance and the coach’s confidence translate to more playing time?

“He’s earned an opportunity, and hopefully he’ll take advantage of it,” said defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.

Who didn’t show up was cornerback Cam Lockridge, who didn’t suit up on Senior Night against the Rams. The mood around the locker room regarding Lockridge is don’t ask don’t tell. It appears the Bulldogs could be without his services against the Bruins as well.

“It’s next man up and we roll from there. Our guys will step up and our young guys will play and execute everything that we’re capable of doing,” said Coyle.

Next man up against Colorado State was cornerback Julian Neal and he was up to the challenge.

“Just out there doing my job. Just win the game and that’s all that matters,” said Neal.

Bowl Eligibility and Coaching Future

They’re already bowl eligible, but even without championship contention there’s significance as to why another victory would matter for Fresno State. The better the record, the better the bowl game. That translates to a better paycheck for athletics department.

In addition, every game factors into whether interim head coach Tim Skipper sheds the interim tag and remains in charge of the program. Last year, he stepped in for Jeff Tedford and led the Bulldogs to a win in the New Mexico Bowl. This time, the entire season goes on his resume.

“We want to win for Skip. We want him to have that job. Everybody here loves Skip, and we want them to resign him. Hopefully we can get a win for him and this program,” said Neal.

Related Story: Take a Bow, Bulldog Football Fans. Some Power 4 Schools Would Love to Have You.

Players to Watch

For this contest, one player can’t just stand out. For the Bulldogs, everybody has to show up to end the season on a strong note.

The Bulldogs come into the game hoping to continue their mastery of the high-profile Bruins. Fresno State has won four straight against UCLA and three straight at the Rose Bowl.

Their last trip to Pasadena produced a dramatic 40-37 victory with quarterback Jake Haener driving the offense.

Players like Dalena, defensive end Devo Bridges, safety Kosi Agina, linebacker Malachi Langley, offensive linemen Mose Vavao, and linebacker/fullback Tyler Mello were on that roster in that win. They know Bruin football and know what it’ll take to win in such a storied stadium.

Other players who know about beating the Bruins are Foreman and linebacker Tuasivi Nomura. Having played for the USC Trojans, they’ve played in the crosstown rivalry game and Foreman made probably the biggest play in their rivalry in recent memory.

In 2022, the Trojans had the lead 48-45 when the Bruins were marching down the field for a comeback. Foreman picked off quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to return the Liberty Bell back to SC.

Related Story: With or Without Lockridge, Can Bulldogs Get Out of Their Own Way to Become Bowl ...

Mountain West Football Matchups

All games will be played on Saturday, Nov. 30, (except Oregon State vs. Boise State, Utah State vs. Colorado State, Stanford vs. San Jose State) and broadcast times are Pacific.

Air Force (4-7) at San Diego State (3-8)

Game Starts: 7:30 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1; Betting Odds: minus 3.5 for Air Force. The Falcons have won three straight, scoring at least 22 points in each win. The Aztecs have lost five straight games, never scoring more than 26 points.

Oregon State (5-6) at No. 11 Boise State (10-1)

The game is on Friday. Game Starts: 9 a.m.; Broadcast: Fox; Betting Odds: minus 18.5 for Boise State.

The Broncos’ spot in the conference championship game has been secured, but they need a strong showing against the stumbling Beavers to make a case for getting a bye in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.

Heisman hopeful and running back Ashton Jeanty leads the nation in rushing with 2,062 yards, rushing touchdowns with 27 and all-purpose yards with 2,164. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has passed for 2,361 yards and 19 TDs with a 62% completion rate.

Utah State (4-7) at Colorado State (7-4)

The game is on Friday. Game Starts: 12:30 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1; Betting Odds: minus 6 for Colorado State. The Rams have held MW opponents to just 17.0 points per game through six games, the top mark in the league. They’re bowl eligible for the first time since 2017.

New Mexico (5-6) at Hawai‘i (4-7)

Game Starts: 8 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1; Betting Odds: minus 2.5 for New Mexico.

Both teams are coming off bye weeks. The Lobos average 33.8 points per game and currently rank sixth nationally with 248.9 rushing yards per game.

Nevada (3-9) at No. 21 UNLV (9-2)

Game Starts: 5 p.m.; Broadcast: CBSSN; Betting Odds: minus 17.5 for UNLV. A victory on Saturday can propel the Rebels to the conference title game against Boise State. They’re bowl eligible in consecutive seasons for the first time. This is the annual Battle for the Fremont Cannon rivalry game.

Stanford (3-8) at San José State (6-5)

The game is on Friday. Game Starts: 1 p.m.; Broadcast: CBS; Betting Odds: minus 2.5 for San Jose State. The Spartans look to rebound from back-to-back losses against ranked teams and clinch a third straight winning season.

Wyoming (2-9) at Washington State (8-3)

Game Starts: 3:30 p.m.; Broadcast: The CW Network; Betting Odds: minus 17.5 for Washington State. Cougars quarterback John Mateer has amassed 2,957 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for a program-record 14 scores. Wide receiver Kyle Williams has 967 yards and 12 touchdowns.