Fresno State has played some of its best football when the offensive line steps up.

That’s often true for most college football teams.

For Fresno State and its conservative, ground-and-pound offense, though, winning the trenches has been its primary blueprint to victory.

That formula could be strenuously tested Saturday with Fresno State (5-3, 2-2) playing at Utah State (3-5, 2-2) and an Aggies defense that ranks No. 1 in the Pac-12 in fewest yards allowed.

Can the Bulldogs offensive line generate a similar push and protection that helped Fresno State generate seven explosive plays of 20 yards or more during last week’s 38-22 win against Oregon State?

“We’re continuing to get better on the offensive line,” Bulldogs coach Matt Entz said. “When we go in with a narrow vision … we understand what we want to do. And we have the answers. We have the solutions to the test per se.”

Finding Right Combo

It has helped that Fresno State has settled with a consistent combination along the offensive line.

The Bulldogs had six different starting offensive line combinations through eight games this season. Plus, four of the five starters have been used at different spots.

But in the past two games, Fresno State has stuck with the same starting five: Ben Baker, Jonah Leaupepetele, Oscar Weigel, Rolan Fullwood, and Brayden Walton.

The combo didn’t work so well two games ago when the Fresno State offensive line gave up six sacks in a 26-23 loss at San Diego State.

But with an extra week of practice thanks to a bye week prior to playing Oregon State, that same offensive line did not surrender a sack against the Beavers.

“Was really pleased with our offensive line and Coach (Brian) Ferentz getting those guys ready to play at a high level,” Fresno State offensive coordinator Josh Davis said. “We blocked them up pretty well.”

In Fresno State’s five wins, the Bulldogs have allowed just two sacks. By comparison, the Bulldogs surrendered 13 sacks in their three losses.

Run Blocks and Pancakes

But it’s more than just pass protection.

The offensive line’s play has influenced Fresno State’s play-calling and allowed the Bulldogs to turn to its rushing game more often.

In each of Fresno State’s wins, the Bulldogs ran the ball a minimum of 33 times and averaged 184 rushing yards.

In Fresno State’s losses, the Bulldogs twice had fewer than 30 carries (they did have 40 carries against San Diego State) and averaged 81 rushing yards.

“Our o-line’s taking some huge steps in the right direction in terms of our brand of ball,” Davis said.

Such offensive line play and its pancake blocks helped Bulldogs running back Bryson Donelson go untouched and run a career-long 63 yards for a touchdown against Oregon State.

Donelson, a junior and a Central Valley Christian High graduate, leads Fresno State with 407 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Fellow running back Rayshon Luke, the quick, tough senior from Arizona, is second on the team with 61 carries for 393 yards and one touchdown.

Davis said Donelson has been playing his best lately but still would like to see Luke get more involved and have a bigger impact.

“We need (the running backs) to touch the ball roughly 30 times combined,” Davis said. “We’re kind of coming into our own with who we are in the run game up front.”

Pac-12 Matchups

No. 20 Boise State (7-1, 4-0) at Colorado State (3-5, 1-3), 3 p.m.

Spread: Boise State 17.5-point favorite

The skinny: Boise State extended its winning streak to seven games after escaping with a 46-45 win against Texas State. The Broncos scored the winning touchdown with an 18-yard pass from backup quarterback Max Cutforth with 2:40 remaining. Quarterback Maddux Madsen, the Broncos usual starter, is questionable for Saturday. Colorado State, meanwhile, is surrendering a nation-worst 42.4 points per game. Its defensive coordinator at the start of the season was dismissed mid game about a month ago, but their Rams defensive woes have continued, including during Colorado State’s 31-14 loss at Utah State last week.

Texas State (4-4, 2-2) at Oregon State (5-3, 3-1), 7:30 p.m.

Spread: Oregon State 6.5-point favorite

The skinny: Oregon State’s offensive coordinator was critical of the Beavers’ effort and energy during a 38-22 loss at Fresno State. Beavers quarterback Braden Atkinson, who is the NCAA passing leader, got sacked five times and didn’t throw a touchdown until 1:45 remained. In addition, the 38 points surrendered last week was the most Oregon State has allowed this season. Texas State, meanwhile, is coming off a 46-45 emotional loss in a game that the Bobcats rallied from a 28-3 deficit, claimed an 11-point lead midway through the fourth quarter but still lost. Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson accounted for five touchdowns last week.