Twice this season the Fresno State football team has had a chance to clinch a victory over a high-profile team but gave the game away due to interceptions from junior quarterback Mikey Keene. When the Washington State Cougars came to town last Saturday, the Bulldogs were primed for an upset until a pick-six dashed those hopes — repeating what happened against Michigan.

The “explosiveness” that the offensive players and coaches preach about shows up against teams they’re supposed to beat, but not when it comes to top-tier teams. For the Bulldogs to go on a winning run, changes on offense should be considered.

Among the possibilities on my list: Making a quarterback change, reopening the competition for starting spots, or changing up the playbook. Will the Bulldogs do any of these things? Fans can only wonder.

Coaches Dodge Questions About Offensive Changes

At Monday’s news conference, head coach Tim Skipper eluded that question with generic answers like “we got to be on the same page,” “we got to play Bulldog football,” and “we’ll get better.” Not giving The Red Wave any hints on the direction of the team going forward (other than the status quo).

The offensive woes haven’t complimented defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle’s defense. They’ve stepped up big like having Michigan only score two offensive touchdowns the whole game. The Bulldogs limited Washington State’s No. 10 ranked offense and held dynamic Cougars quarterback John Mateer to his least productive game this season.

It’s an issue that needs to be addressed from offensive coordinator Pat McCann. At the news conference, he was also dodging that inquiry. Suggesting that the team and coaches need to do all this stuff to assist Keene to perform better.

Currently, Keene has eight interceptions this season ranking him No. 3 in the FBS when it comes to turnovers. It seems like no accountability is being taken for the offensive struggles.

Maybe it’s happening behind closed doors. Players and coaches need to call each other out or it’s going to be a long season — even with a made-to-win schedule the rest of the way — for everyone involved.

Related Story: Fresno State Falls to Washington State in Fourth Quarter Heartbreaker

Nevada Game Could Define Bulldogs’ Season

Before the season, the Bulldogs would have been big favorites Friday night in Reno against Nevada. However, after the Wolf Pack upset Oregon State last Saturday 42-37, it’s anybody’s game.  Both teams have the same number of victories so far, which was unfathomable during the preseason.

Related Story: Bulldogs vs Cougars: Players to Watch; Mountain West Matchups

Key Players to Watch for Fresno State

Offense: Senior running back Elijah Gilliam, No. 33

Against the Wolf Pack, it’ll be a familiar storyline for Gilliam like last season. With Malik Sherrod more than likely out for this game, Gilliam will have to step in and take over the running duties.

He’s been the starting ballcarrier the last three games. He did a fantastic job against Washington State with his first career 100-yard rushing game (120 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown). The rushing game has been a big concern for the Bulldogs, but a glimmer of hope was displayed against the Cougars.

The Wolf Pack is ranked No. 72 in rushing defense in the country so Gilliam should put up some yardage. Most importantly, he’s going to play with the intent to prove that he should be the starter for the rest of the season.

Defense: Junior defensive tackle Jacob Holmes, No. 23

Holmes started for the first time this year against the Cougars. He put in a good performance: six tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss. Holmes became the first Bulldog since 2022 to have a 4+ TFL game.

He led the team in sacks in 2023 with five. The Bulldogs will be looking for another standout effort from the big guy who’ll take on a UNR offense that’s N0.17 in the FBS in rushing. Their passing game is ranked No. 117, and No. 49 for sacks allowed. Looking forward to seeing the No. 23 jersey in the Nevada backfield.

Key Players to Watch for Nevada

Offense: Redshirt junior quarterback Brendon Lewis, No. 2

Lewis rushed for 151 yards and a TD against Oregon State. So far, he has 1,100+ passing yards with nine touchdowns and five picks. He’s a dual threat with over 500 rushing yards.

Defense: Redshirt junior linebacker Drue Watts, No. 7

Watts has 49 total tackles on the year (28 solo, 21 assists). He was voted a College Football News Freshman All-America Third Team in 2023 and is a two-time All-Mountain West Honorable Mention.

Related Story: After UNLV Blowout Loss, Skipper Says Bulldogs Are ‘Playing for ...

Mountain West Football Matchups:

All games will be played on Saturday, Oct. 19 (except Fresno State vs. Nevada) and broadcast times are Pacific.

Colorado State (3-3, 1-0) at Air Force (1-5, 0-3)

Game Starts: 5 p.m.; Broadcast: CBSSN. Analysts predict the Rams will beat the Falcons. The teams compete for the Ram-Falcon Trophy and Air Force leads the all-time series 38-22-1. The Falcons have won the last seven games in a row against CSU.

Hawai‘i (2-4) at Washington State (5-1)

Game Starts: 12:30 p.m.; Broadcast: The CW Network. Analysts predict the Cougars will beat the Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii leads the all-time series against Washington State 3-2 but it’s the first time the teams will meet in Pullman.

New Mexico (2-4, 1-1) at Utah State (1-5, 0-2)

Game Starts: 1 p.m.; Broadcast: truTV/Max. Analysts predict the Lobos will beat the Aggies. Overall, USU is 9-2 against UNM all-time in conference games and have won seven-straight games against the Lobos.

Wyoming (1-5, 1-1) at San José State (4-2, 2-1)

Game Starts: 1 p.m.; Broadcast: MW Network. Analysts predict the Spartans will beat the Cowboys. Wyoming leads the all-time series 7-6 but are looking to stop a two-game losing streak to San José State.

UNLV (5-1) at Oregon State (4-2)

Game Starts: 7 p.m.; Broadcast: The CW Network. Analysts predict the Rebels will beat the Beavers. They’re meeting for the sixth time with UNLV leading the series 3-2 but their last contest was in 2009 when Oregon State won.

(Analysts are from Fox Sports and ESPN.)