Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Fresno State Bulldogs Stumble in Fourth Quarter, Suffer Narrow Loss to Hawai'i
STEVEN HEADSHOT 1
By Steven Sanchez
Published 3 weeks ago on
November 2, 2024

Hawai'i pulled out a comeback victory over Fresno State 21-20 at Valley Children's Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Game-Defining Play:Ā  Pass interference call on Fresno State’s defense in the fourth quarter that lead to the game winning touchdown for Hawai’i.
Key Stat: 176 total offensive yards
Stars of the Game:
OFFENSE: running back Elijah Gilliam. DEFENSE: linebacker Phoenix Jackson
Up Next: Fresno State at Air Force

Fresno State fell short in their bid for a repeat Mountain West Conference victory, as Hawai’i edged them out 21-20 on Saturday at Valley Children’s Stadium. The Bulldogs now stand at 5-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play.

Low-Scoring Start Sets the Tone

The game began low scoring, as Hawai’i struck first on a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brayden Schager to wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, putting the Rainbow Warriors up 7-0 with 7:12 remaining in the first quarter.

Fresno State was advancing downfield when quarterback Mikey Keene fumbled, handing possession to Hawai’i. Luckily, a personal foul on the Rainbow Warriors’ defense gave the Bulldogs another shot.

On the next play, running back Elijah Gilliam dashed 10 yards for a touchdown, tying the game 7-7 with 1:32 left in the first quarter.

Running back Elijah Gilliam gallops into the end zone against Hawai’i at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)

Bulldogs Take the Lead

Linebacker Malachi Langley forced a fumble on a crucial fourth-down attempt by the Rainbow Warriors, giving Fresno State possession at Hawai’i’s 29-yard line with 12:52 remaining in the second quarter.

Wide receiver Jalen Moss gets a touchdown reception against Hawai’i at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)

Quarterback Mikey Keene connected with wide receiver Moss on a 5-yard out pass into the end zone, giving Fresno State the go-ahead score. However, kicker Dylan Lynchā€™s extra point was blocked, leaving the Bulldogs with a 13-7 lead at 10:21 in the second quarter.

Both teams exchanged a pair of three-and-outs, but Hawai’i had possession as the first half wound down. Quarterback Schager left the game after an injury on a scramble just before halftime, returning at the top of the third quarter.

Defensive Touchdown Extends Fresno State’s Lead

Fresno State broke the stalemate in the second half when linebacker Phoenix Jackson returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 20-7 with 3:58 remaining in the third quarter.

Hawai’i quarterback Brayden Schager is under pressure from Bulldog linebacker Phoenix Jackson at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (GV Wire/Steven Sanchez)

There were no offensive touchdowns the entire quarter.

Hawai’i Mounts a Comeback

Bulldog cornerback Cam Lockridge, a former Rainbow Warrior, delivered a hit on Pofele Ashlock during a critical fourth-down attempt in the fourth quarter, knocking the ball loose. A targeting penalty was called, resulting in Lockridge’s ejection and allowing Hawai’i to retain possession.

The Rainbow Warriors capitalized on the penalty with a touchdown pass from quarterback Schager to wide receiver Nick Cenacle, narrowing the gap to 20-14 with 9:04 left in the fourth quarter.

Hawai’i regained possession and moved closer to the end zone, but Schager’s pass to Cenacle was disrupted by Bulldog defender Jackson, causing a fumble that safety Jayden Davis recovered.

Fresno State’s offense took the field but struggled to run down the clock, thwarted by Hawai’i’s timeouts and a third-down sack.

Hawai’i had one final opportunity. On fourth down, Schager threw a pass into the end zone, which was broken up by linebacker Tuasivi Nomura and safety Dean Clark. A defensive pass interference call was made, keeping the Rainbow Warriors’ hopes alive.

Schager then connected with Cenacle for a touchdown, sealing the victory for Hawai’i.

Fresno State Coach Reflects on Loss

The Bulldogs were unable to finish strong, with head coach Tim Skipper saying, “You got to finish. We had control and we stalled, and they won. Finishing is key to this thing,”

Despite a solid defensive performance against one of the conference’s top quarterbacks, the Bulldogs struggled offensively, totaling just 176 yards (157 passing, 19 rushing), which is not indicative of championship-caliber football.

Looking ahead, even with what appears to be an easier schedule, the Bulldogs’ recent performance leaves upcoming games uncertain.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What to Know About Pam Bondi, Trump’s New Pick for Attorney General

DON'T MISS

North Korean Leader Says Past Diplomacy Only Confirmed US Hostility

DON'T MISS

Democrats Strike Deal to Get More Biden Judges Confirmed Before Congress Adjourns

DON'T MISS

Newsom Gaslights on Potential Gas Price Hikes in Fresno Visit

DON'T MISS

Automakers to Trump: Please Require Us to Sell Electric Vehicles

DON'T MISS

President Biden Welcomes 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics to White House

DON'T MISS

Ohtani Makes History With 3rd MVP, Judge Claims 2nd AL Honor

DON'T MISS

Trump Chooses Pam Bondi for Attorney General Pick After Gaetz Withdraws

DON'T MISS

Average Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage in the US Rises to Highest Level Since July

DON'T MISS

Cutting in Line? American Airlines’ New Boarding Tech Might Stop You at Now Over 100 Airports

UP NEXT

North Korean Leader Says Past Diplomacy Only Confirmed US Hostility

UP NEXT

Democrats Strike Deal to Get More Biden Judges Confirmed Before Congress Adjourns

UP NEXT

Newsom Gaslights on Potential Gas Price Hikes in Fresno Visit

UP NEXT

Automakers to Trump: Please Require Us to Sell Electric Vehicles

UP NEXT

President Biden Welcomes 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics to White House

UP NEXT

Ohtani Makes History With 3rd MVP, Judge Claims 2nd AL Honor

UP NEXT

Trump Chooses Pam Bondi for Attorney General Pick After Gaetz Withdraws

UP NEXT

Average Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage in the US Rises to Highest Level Since July

UP NEXT

Cutting in Line? American Airlines’ New Boarding Tech Might Stop You at Now Over 100 Airports

UP NEXT

MLB Will Test Robot Umpires at 13 Spring Training Ballparks Hosting 19 Teams

Steven Sanchez,
Entertainment/Sports Writer
Steven Sanchez, a resident of Clovis, graduated from Buchanan High School in the class of 2007 and obtained his film degree from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steven is a multifaceted artist, working as a filmmaker, writer, photographer, videographer, and published author. He has a profound passion for movies, comic books, and rock ā€˜nā€™ roll. A dedicated football enthusiast, he cheers for the Las Vegas Raiders. In his leisure time, he indulges in reading and collecting vinyl records. Steven is often found attending rock shows in town, a keen enthusiast of live music. He holds a special fondness for his grandma's homemade meals and spending time with his twin sister.

Newsom Gaslights on Potential Gas Price Hikes in Fresno Visit

3 hours ago

Automakers to Trump: Please Require Us to Sell Electric Vehicles

3 hours ago

President Biden Welcomes 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics to White House

3 hours ago

Ohtani Makes History With 3rd MVP, Judge Claims 2nd AL Honor

3 hours ago

Trump Chooses Pam Bondi for Attorney General Pick After Gaetz Withdraws

4 hours ago

Average Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage in the US Rises to Highest Level Since July

4 hours ago

Cutting in Line? American Airlines’ New Boarding Tech Might Stop You at Now Over 100 Airports

4 hours ago

MLB Will Test Robot Umpires at 13 Spring Training Ballparks Hosting 19 Teams

5 hours ago

Death Toll in Gaza From Israel-Hamas War Passes 44,000, Palestinian Officials Say

5 hours ago

Jussie Smollett’s Conviction in 2019 Attack on Himself Is Overturned

5 hours ago

What to Know About Pam Bondi, Trump’s New Pick for Attorney General

NEW YORK ā€” Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, was chosen Thursday by Donald Trump to serve as U.S. attorney general hours after...

53 minutes ago

53 minutes ago

What to Know About Pam Bondi, Trump’s New Pick for Attorney General

2 hours ago

North Korean Leader Says Past Diplomacy Only Confirmed US Hostility

2 hours ago

Democrats Strike Deal to Get More Biden Judges Confirmed Before Congress Adjourns

3 hours ago

Newsom Gaslights on Potential Gas Price Hikes in Fresno Visit

President Joe Biden with Mary Barra, the chief executive of General Motors, at the Detroit Auto Show, Sept. 14, 2022. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to erase the Biden administrationā€™s tailpipe rules designed to get carmakers to produce electric vehicles, but most U.S. automakers want to keep them. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
3 hours ago

Automakers to Trump: Please Require Us to Sell Electric Vehicles

3 hours ago

President Biden Welcomes 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics to White House

3 hours ago

Ohtani Makes History With 3rd MVP, Judge Claims 2nd AL Honor

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at First Horizon Coliseum, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, NC. (AP/Alex Brandon)
4 hours ago

Trump Chooses Pam Bondi for Attorney General Pick After Gaetz Withdraws

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend