The Fresno State football team is on the precipice. And the view below looks mighty, mighty deep.

If Fresno State were to lose Saturday against Oregon State, the Bulldogs would drop a third straight game and log their longest losing stretch in coach Matt Entz’s two-year tenure.

Yet the depths of a Fresno State fall could be even greater, considering back-to-back road games are ahead with Pac-12 bouts at Utah State and Texas State.

Can Fresno State (4-3 overall, 1-2 Pac-12) stop the slide Saturday night before things get out of control?

Oregon State (5-2, 3-0) and its high-powered offense certainly won’t make it easy for the Bulldogs.

“It’ll be a huge challenge for us,” Entz said. “But we’re excited for it.”

Does Recent Past Indicate What’s Possible?

Entz and the Bulldogs have done parkour at tall heights before.

Almost exactly a year ago, Fresno State faced a similar challenge: On a two-game losing streak and facing arguably its toughest conference opponent.

Back then, Fresno State was coming off losses at Colorado State and San Diego State, then had to play at Boise State. The Bulldogs entered the game as a 17.5-point underdog.

Yet Fresno State prevailed 30-7 on the blue turf, largely due to knocking out the Broncos starting quarterback midway through the first quarter.

“It’s a special group,” Entz said about the 2025 Bulldogs following their win at Boise State.

This year’s Bulldogs are coming off close losses to Boise State and San Diego State going into their Halloween night game against the Beavers.

Oregon State is a 6.5-point favorite.

Fresno State is an underdog in its own football stadium for just the fourth time since the shortened 2020 season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related Story: Fresno State Football Faces Scary Halloween Night vs. Oregon State

Potential Deciding Factor

Of all of the factors that could most impact Fresno State’s performance, turnover margin tops the list. Fresno State ranks seventh in the NCAA with 12 turnovers gained and four turnovers lost — in seven games.

Oregon State has been pretty good at generating turnovers and limiting its own mistakes, too. The Beavers rank 20th in the nation with nine turnovers forced and four turnovers lost in seven games.

But if Saturday’s weather turns out to be rainy — The Weather Channel predicts an 85-94% chance of rain from 8 p.m. and on — could a pass-first Beavers team suddenly become turnover prone?

Fresno State took advantage of a big break in its favor a year ago.

If the rain gods bless Fresno State with more luck on Saturday night, the Bulldogs might get to enjoy plenty of tricks and treats this Halloween.

And maybe get enough help to maneuver themselves from the ledge again.

Other Pac-12 games

Colorado State at Utah State, 12:30 p.m.

(Aggies favored 7.5 points)

Washington State at San Diego State, 4 p.m.

(Aztecs favored 2.5 points)

Texas State at No. 20 Boise State, 7 p.m.

(Broncos favored 10.5 points)