CFB-FBS: Mountain West Conference Week 14 Release and Previews

WEEK 14 GAME SCHEDULE

Friday, November 29, 2024

Oregon State Beavers at No. 12 Boise State Broncos

FOX 10 a.m. MT

SERIES HISTORY

Oregon State Beavers Notes

Game Notes

• Oregon State closes out its 2024 regular season Friday when visiting Boise State. Kickoff at Albertsons Stadium in Boise is slated for 9 a.m. PT (10 a.m. in Boise). • The game will air live on FOX. Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline) will call the action. • The game will air live on the Beaver Sports Radio Network. For a list of affiliates, turn to page two of these notes. • Every game this season can be heard live on the Varsity Network, a free application available via computer browsers, smartphones and tablets. After downloading the application, search for Oregon State. • The teams are meeting for the 11th time, with Oregon State holding a 6-4 advantage in the series. The Beavers were 34-17 winners in 2022, the last meeting. The teams last met in Boise in 2010, a 37-24 win by the Broncos.

Oregon State By The Numbers

21 – Conversions on 37 fourth-down attempts this season. The 21 successful attempts rank third nationally.

28 – Rushing scores, third-most by a Beaver squad dating back to 1996. That trails only 2022 (36) and 2021 (33).

41 – Points by the Beavers versus WSU, marking a season-high.

45.6 – Percent success rate on third down- 73-for-160 – ranking 23rd nationally.

77 – Catches for Trent Walker, which is good for 10th in a single-season at OSU. His 12 catches against Washington State are tied for the eighth-most in a game. Walker ranks 10th nationally for total catches.

972 – Rush yards by Anthony Hankerson this season. He is 28 yards shy of the 19th 1,000-yard season in Oregon State history.

2012 – The last time OSU defeated top-25 opponents in back-to-back games, doing so versus No. 13 Wisconsin and No. 19 UCLA.

Against Boise State

• The teams are meeting for the 11th time, with Oregon State holding a 6-4 advantage. It’s just the fourth game in Boise between future conference opponents, with the Broncos leading there, 3-1. \ Just one point separates the teams, with OSU totaling 295 to Boise State’s 294. • The Beavers are 3-0 in games decided by seven points or less. • Oregon State head coach Trent Bray is 3-1 as a member of the Beavers versus Boise State. He was 2-1 as a linebacker, winning games in Corvallis in 2003 and 2005. He was also Oregon State’s defensive coordinator in the Beavers’ 34-17 win in 2022, also in Corvallis. \ Bray’s 19 tackles in the 2004 game are the most by a Beaver against the Broncos. That tally also marks the seventh-most in a game at Oregon State. • Skyler Thomas is the lone current Beaver on defense who made a tackle in the 2022 matchup, totaling two solo. No current players on the offensive side of the ball made a catch, a rush or a pass in the 2022 game. • Mike Hass’ 293 yards at Boise State in 293 is the most in a single-game ever by a Beaver. He also had 12 catches in that game, which is tied for eighth. \ A look at top individual performances by Oregon State players against Boise State heading into the game:

To Bowl

• Getting to 6-6 would make the Beavers bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive season. Oregon State has made four consecutive bowl games once previously, from 2006 to 2009 when it went to the Sun Bowl, Emerald Bowl, Sun Bowl and Las Vegas Bowl, in that order. • The Beavers went to the Los Angeles Bowl in 2021, the Las Vegas Bowl in 2022 and the Sun Bowl in 2023.

Boise State Broncos Notes

A WIN WOULD…

• Be Boise State’s 11th overall win of the season, which is its most since 2019 (12-2). • Extend the Broncos’ winning streak to 10 games, which would be their longest in a single-season since 2010 (10-game winning streak to start the season). • Be Boise State’s 11th straight win at home. • Complete Boise State’s first perfect home record during the regular season since 2019 (6-0; 7-0 including the MW Championship). • Register Boise State’s 122nd win while playing as a ranked team in the AP Top 25 poll.

WHAT’S THE RUSH?

Boise State, which owns the fifth-best rushing offense in the country (252.0 ypg), has run for 200+ yards in eight games this season. It marks the third straight season in which the Broncos have at least seven 200-yard rushing games in a single season. The last time Boise State had more than eight 200-yard rushing games in a season was 2014, when it had nine. New Mexico (7) is the only other Mountain West team this season with five or more games of 200 rushing yards.

ESTABLISHING THE RUN GAME

The current average of 252.0 rushing yards per game is the highest average in the program’s FBS era (since 1996), with the next-closest being 229.8 yards per game, achieved in 2004. The Broncos rank second in the FBS in yards per carry, averaging 6.45. This year, the Broncos have 12 individual 100-yard rushing performances, a single-season program record. The previous record of 11 was set in 2014. Per Stats Perform, Boise State has outrushed its opponent in 10 games, with Tennessee (11) being the only FBS team to do so more.

GROUND GAME

Boise State’s total of 2,772 rushing yards is already the highest regular season number of the program’s FBS era (since 1996). Only three Bronco FBS teams have finished the season with more rushing yards. The 2006 team ran for 2,784, the 2014 squad had 2,994 and the 2023 group rushed for 3,008. The Blue and Orange have 38 rushing touchdowns this season, the team’s most in a regular season since the 2006 Broncos had the same number. The 2004 team finished with 46 regular season rushing touchdowns.

IN TOTALITY

While the Boise State offense has been churning in the run game, it also ranks among the best in total offense as the Broncos are fifth in the nation with 479.5 yards per game. Boise State has four games of 500+ total yards this season, which already equals its total from the last two seasons combined and are its most in a season since 2013 (4). The program’s FBS record for most 500-yard games of total offense during a season is six set in 1996.

OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT

Boise State ranks third nationally with 41.2 points per game, the most since 2011, when the Broncos averaged 44.2. At the current rate, Boise State will finish the regular season with 494 points, the team’s highest regular season total since 2011, when the Broncos finished with 519 points. The current total of 453 points surpasses the season total from the last four seasons. In addition to being fifth in the country in total offense, Boise State is third in the country in yards per play (7.03) and fifth in total yards (5,274). The Broncos are one of only 12 FBS teams with 5,000 or more total yards entering Week 14.

UNDER PRESSURE

Boise State’s pass rushers have been incredibly effective in reaching the quarterback this season. According to Pro Football Focus Ultimate, the Broncos have 189 total pressures, which combines sacks, hits and hurries. This is tied for 14th in the FBS. There are 14 Broncos with multiple pressures and 23 Broncos with at least one. Ahmed Hassanein has a team-high 48, ranking sixth in the country. He also has 13 quarterback hits, ranking second in the country.

BRONCOS IN THE BACKFIELD

Boise State continues to wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields, ranking second in the nation with 43 sacks. The 43 total sacks are the most since 2014, when the Broncos had 47 sacks. The 1996 and 2010 squads each had 49 sacks, the program record for the FBS era, which began in 1996. Leading the attack for the Broncos are Jayden Virgin-Morgan (9.0) and Ahmed Hassanein (8.5). They are one of one duos in the FBS with at least 8.5 sacks each, joined by Suntarine Per and Princely Umanmielen (10.5 each) from Ole Miss. The Broncos also have 87 tackles for loss, tied for eighth in the country.

DOWN, NOT OUT

Boise State has not trailed much this season, but it faced a 14-0 deficit after the first 24+ minutes of the game at San Jose State. The Broncos came back, however, and secured their largest deficit overcome since Oct. 7, 2023 vs. San Jose State (trailed 27-7, won 35-27). Last week, Boise State trailed for over 21 minutes against Wyoming, but rallied from a 13-10 deficit in the fourth quarter to win, 17-13. The Broncos have trailed in four of their 10 wins this year and have only spent a combined 87:37 of game time trailing in games (13% of game time).

GET THE BALL OUT

Boise State has recovered eight fumbles this season, including two or more in three different games. The Broncos are first in the Mountain West and 11th in the country with 12 fumbles forced.

Utah State Aggies at Colorado State Rams*

FS1 1:30 p.m. MT

AGGIES AND RAMS SERIES HISTORY

• Utah State is 38-39-2 all-time against Colorado State, including a 17-19-1 road record. USU has won each of the last five meetings in the series with a 44-24 home win last year, a 17-13 road win in 2022, a 26-24 home win in 2021, a 34-24 home win in 2019 and a 29-24 road win in 2018. The two teams did not meet during the 2020 COVID season. Overall, USU has won eight of the last 11 games played in the series. CSU’s last win against USU was a 27-14 road win in 2017 and its last home win was in 2016 by a final score of 31-24. The first-ever game between the two teams was in 1902 with CSU winning in Logan, 24-5.

Utah State Aggies Notes

KICKOFF COVERAGE

• Utah State (4-7, 3-3 MW) concludes Mountain West play and its season this weekend at Colorado State (7-4, 5-1 MW) on Friday, Nov. 29, at 1:30 p.m. (MT). The game will be televised on Fox Sports 1 (Xfinity Ch. 265/691HD, DISH Ch. 150, DirecTV Ch. 219) with Chris Vosters (play-by-play) and Sed Bonner (analyst) on the call. • During its current two-game winning streak, Utah State is averaging 48.0 points and 534.0 yards of total offense (321.5 rushing, 212.5 passing). Defensively, USU allows just 15.0 points and 360.5 yards (117.5 rushing, 243.0 passing) and has 11.0 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss. • Utah State is 4-5 in its last nine road games and has scored at least 27 points in each of those four road wins. Over the last four years, USU is 13-11 (.542) in road games. • Utah State is 55-37 (.598) all-time in Mountain West play, including a 25-19 (.568) road record. USU has the third-best record against MW opponents since it joined the league in 2013. Boise State (80- 17) has the best record, while San Diego State (62-32) has the second-best record. Overall, USU is 9-5 in its last 14 MW road games and 23-19 (.548) in its last 42 road games overall. • Utah State is second in the Mountain West and 20th in the nation in passing offense (276.4 yards per game) and third in the MW and eighth in the nation in total offense (466.1 ypg). • Junior QB Bryson Barnes is this week’s Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week. Barnes accounted for four touchdowns and had 332 yards of total offense as he came off the bench in the second quarter to led Utah State to a 41-20 Mountain West home win against San Diego State. Barnes set a single-game school record for rushing yards by a quarterback as he gained a career-high 193 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. Barnes was also 13-of-15 passing for 139 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. • Senior S Jordan Vincent is third in the Mountain West and 18th in the nation in tackles per game (9.3). Vincent has 12 career double-digit tackle games, including eight this season, which are the most in the MW and tied for the third-most in the nation.

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY JOINING THE PAC-12 CONFERENCE

• The Pac-12 Conference Board of Directors announced on Sept. 24, 2024, that is has voted unanimously to admit Utah State University, an esteemed institution recognized for its excellence in both academics and athletics, to the conference effective July 1, 2026. Competition will begin for all conference sports in the 2026-27 academic year.

AGGIES vs. RAMS SERIES THIRD-MOST PLAYED IN SCHOOL HISTORY

• Utah State and Colorado State will be meeting for the 80th time in series history this weekend in what is the third-most played rivalry in school history. USU’s most played rivalry is Utah (113), followed by Brigham Young (91), Colorado State (79) and Wyoming (73).

UTAH STATE VERSUS THE STATE OF COLORADO

• Utah State is a combined 78-80-6 (.494) against teams from the state of Colorado, with a 38-39-2 mark versus Colorado State, a 13-19-3 ledger against Denver, a 6-11-1 record against Colorado, a 7-0 mark versus Western State, a 5-4 record against Colorado Mines, a 3-0 record versus Colorado College, a 1-0 mark versus Regis, and a 5-7 record against Air Force.

Colorado State Rams Notes

NOTING THE RAMS

• The Rams are in year three under head coach Jay Norvell who was named the program’s 24th head coach on Dec. 6, 2021. Norvell led his former program, Nevada, onto Sonny Lubick Field in the 2021 finale on Nov. 27 and returned to Fort Collins nine days later as the Rams’ new head coach. • Colorado State is a winning football program! With a 21-13 victory at Air Force on Oct. 19, the Rams went above .500 for the first time under head coach Jay Norvell and the first time since 2017. When the Rams marched into Reno on Nov. 2, they took home a 38-21 victory to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2017. • CSU’s offensive line has been one of the best in the nation, and the numbers back it up. In addition to paving the way for 180.2 rushing yards per game (43rd nationally), the Rams front unit has surrendered just nine sacks across the entire season, tied for the fourth-best mark in the nation. Behind the Mountain West’s most seasoned player Jacob Gardner (56 starts in 56 career games) and Drew Moss (45 career starts), The Mob is creating nightmares for opposing defenses. • Colorado State’s defense has been locking up the Mountain West. The Rams have held MW opponents to just 17.0 points per game through six games, the top mark in the league and the only mark below 20.0. • The turnaround of the CSU run game in 2024 cannot be understated. In 2023, the Rams mustered just 92.2 yards on the ground per game, which was the ninth worst mark nationally. This season the Rams are racking up 180.2 rushing yards per game, which has them among the top 45 in the nation. It is one of the ten-largest increases by any FBS team and is largest by any MW team. The Rams have also gone from 10 rushing touchdowns last season to 18 already in 2024. • Colorado State has kept it clean this season, only being knocked for 47.5 penalty yards per game This marks ranks in the top 50 nationally and is third in the MW. • Colorado State set a Canvas Stadium – and program – record with 40,099 fans in attendance for the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Sept. 14. It also marked back-to-back sellouts after Ram Nation turned out for the home opener against Northern Colorado on Sept. 7. In total, Colorado State has sold out four of its first six home games of the season.

NOTING THE GAME

• The Rams and Aggies are set to play for the 80th time in history on Friday. Colorado State narrowly lead the all-time series 39- 38-2, but Utah State has won each of the last five and have been victorious in two-straight trips to Fort Collins. • Utah State carries with it a top-10 offense in terms of yardage as the Aggies average 466.1 total yards per game. This will pose a challenge to a Colorado State defense that leads the MW in scoring in conference games (17.0 points per game).

Stanford Cardinal at San José State Spartans

CBS 1 p.m. PT

THE MATCHUP

• The Bill Walsh Legacy Game returns on Friday afternoon at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose. • Named after San Jose State alum and former Stanford head coach Bill Walsh, these two Bay Area programs met on a near-annual basis from 1948-2013. Stanford owns a 52-14-1 record against the Spartans. • The last meeting of these teams came in 2013 when Stanford opened its season with a 34-13 win over San Jose State. Tyler Gaffney scored twice on the ground and Kevin Hogan threw two touchdown passes. • The last time Stanford played at San Jose State, the Spartans defeated the Cardinal 35-34 despite a four-touchdown performance from Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards. It remains the only win for San Jose State at home against Stanford in just four tries. • The Stanford-San Jose State rivalry has five future dates on the calendar. These teams will play at Stanford in 2025, 2028 and 2034. San Jose State will host in 2026 and 2035.

Stanford Cardinal Notes

THE OPENING KICKOFF

• The 2024 season concludes on Friday afternoon for Stanford football as the Cardinal takes on the San Jose State Spartans. The game is televised on CBS and kicks off at 1:00 pm PT. • Friday will be the Cardinal’s third Friday game of the season, but the first time playing on a short week as the previous Friday games came to begin the season and following a bye week. Stanford has not played two games in a six-day span since 2021. • Stanford concluded ACC play on Saturday with the 127th Big Game at California. The Golden Bears retained The Axe with a 24-21 win. Stanford finished its first season of ACC action with a 2-6 record. • In the loss at California, Justin Lamson ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter. With seven touchdowns on the season, Lamson set the Stanford quarterback single-season rushing touchdown record, surpassing the previous record of six by Jim Plunkett and Kevin Hogan. • Stanford’s defense was able to smother California in a variety of ways during the 127th Big Game. The Cardinal sacked Fernando Mendoza six times, producing the first six-sack game of the year by Stanford’s defense and the team’s most since the season-opening win at Hawai’i in 2023. Stanford also got a special teams turnover, giving the Card a turnover forced in 13 straight games going back to last season. • Conversely, Stanford’s offense did not turn the ball over against California, snapping a streak of 14 straight games with a turnover. • Micah Ford threw his second touchdown pass of the season in the 127th Big Game, a two-yard score to Emmett Mosley V. He became the first Stanford non-QB with multiple touchdown passes in a season since Christian McCaffrey in 2015. • 16 different Cardinal have made their first collegiate starts in 2024. That is tied for the eighth most in FBS and leads the ACC. 19 players have also made their collegiate debuts this year, totaling 42 collegiate debuts in the first two years under Troy Taylor. • Friday’s game against SJSU is a revival of the Bill Walsh Legacy Game. The name was given to the once-annual rivalry following Walsh’s death in 2007. Walsh graduated from San Jose State and coached at Stanford for five seasons across two stints.

San José State Spartans Notes

OPENING DRIVE

• The defending co-regular season Mountain West champions look for their fourth bowl game in the last five years and a third bowl game in a row for the first time in SJSU history. • This is the first Bill Walsh Legacy Game since 2013 and the first time the Spartans have hosted since a 35-34 win over Stanford on Sept. 9, 2006, in front of the third-largest home crowd in SJSU history. • With a 24-13 win at Oregon State (11/9/24), the Spartans are bowl-eligible for the third season in a row for the first time since having four straight seasons with winning records from 1989-92. • The Spartans are 12-6 in their last 18 games overall and are 9-4 in their last 13 conference games. • The Spartans were the first FBS school in California to become bowl-eligible. • The Spartans have won seven bowl games ever, new head coach Ken Niumatalolo has six bowl wins as a head coach. • The Spartans had 11 first-time FBS starters in their game vs. Sac State (8/29/24), which was the fifth most in the country. The Spartans have started 20 first-time FBS starters through six games, the country’s third-most. • The Spartans have seven home games for the first time since 2006 and are 14-3 in their last 17 games at CEFCU Stadium and 20-6 at CEFCU Stadium since 2020. • The Spartans end the regular season with three straight home games for the first time since 1979. • Against No. 13 Boise State and No. 23 UNLV, it was the first time ever the Spartans have hosted ranked teams on back-toback weeks. The Spartans had played ranked teams back-toback seven teams before and as recently as last season at No. 6 USC and home against No. 18 Oregon State. • The Spartans had five takeaways against Sac State (8/29/24), which was the most takeaways for SJSU since having six against New Mexico on Oct. 4, 2019. • SJSU has forced 24 turnovers this season, which is good for fifth in the nation and first in the MW. The Spartans’ 17 interceptions are good for second in the nation and first in the Mountain West and the Spartans have a takeaway in every game this season. • Against Nevada (10/5/24), the Spartans had no turnovers for the only time this season. • Nick Nash had a receiving touchdown in 10 consecutive games prior to last weekend. At the time, it was the longest active streak in FBS and an SJSU record, plus was the longest streak to start a season in MW history. • Nash has more touchdown receptions (14) than 32 FBS schools have thrown this season. • This season, Nash leads all FBS players outright in receptions (96), receptions per game (8.7), and receiving touchdowns (14). He is second in the country in receiving yards (1,291) and receiving yards per game (117.4). • Nash was named a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist for the first time in his career. • Nash is the new SJSU single-season record holder with 96 receptions. Noel Grigsby had 89 in 2011 and is now second in SJSU history. Zay Jones has the FBS single-season record of 158 in 2016 for ECU. • Nash was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week (9/16/24) following his career-high 17 receptions for a career-best 225 yards with three touchdown catches in the game. It was the second time in his career Nash has caught three touchdown passes in a game (8/26/23 at No. 6 USC). • Nash is second in SJSU history with 23 receiving touchdowns and has only been a true wide receiver for 25 games. He is six away from the record by Chandler Jones from 2010-13 and his 14 touchdowns are one away from the SJSU single-season record of 15 by Jones in 2013. • Nash broke the SJSU regular-season reception record of 15 against Kennesaw State with 17 receptions (9/14/24) set by Tuati Wooden (vs. Tulsa, 2003), Steven Pulley (vs. Stanford, 1999), and Guy Liggins (vs. Fresno State, 1986). • Nash had 17 (9/14/24 vs. Kennesaw State) and 16 receptions (9/20/24 at WSU). The 17 receptions are tied for the most for an FBS wide receiver in a single game this season. • Nash has 10 or more receptions in four games this season, which ties an SJSU record (Evan Jurovich, 2007). • Nash is the third FBS player since 1996 to have 50+ receptions and 8+ touchdown receptions through the team’s first four games of the season (Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree in 2007 and Louisiana Tech’s Troy Edwards in 1998). • According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Nash leads the country as a slot receiver in catches (84), yards (1,155), receiving touchdowns (14), catches for first downs (56), contested catches (16) and catches gaining 15 yards or more (32).

Saturday, November 30

Fresno State Bulldogs at UCLA Bruins

Big Ten Network 12:30 p.m. PT

SETTING THE STAGE

• Fresno State closes out its regular season at UCLA on Saturday. • The Bulldogs wrapped up conference play with a 28-22 home victory over Colorado State last weekend, securing bowl eligibility for the fourth year in a row. • Fresno State ended the year with a 4-3 record in Mountain West play. Since joining the Mountain West in 2012, the Bulldogs have had eight seasons with a winning record in conference play. • Fresno State has won its last four meetings with UCLA. • Fresno State has won three in-a-row at the Rose Bowl. • Fresno State makes its third trip to UCLA since 2018. • Seniors Mac Dalena (WR) and Malachi Langley (LB) have appeared in 57 consecutive games as Bulldogs. That is the fifth-longest streak of games played by players at one school in the FBS. For Dalena, that is every game of his collegiate career. • Every position group outside of linebacker and quarterback have had at least one game with a starter out with injury this season. At the linebacker spot, Malachi Langley and Tuasivi Nomura have started each game. Mikey Keene has started every game at QB this season. Season starts breakdown can be found on page 33. • Running back Bryson Donelson was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week for his performance in the win over Colorado State. He is the first Bulldog since 2021 to earn the honor. • Donelson ran for 140 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries last weekend. It was the most rushing yards by a Bulldog true freshman since Ryan Mathews in 2007. • Quarterback Mikey Keene leads the Mountain West in passing yards (2,668), pass completions (246) and completion percentage (70.49). • His current completion percentage of 70.49 is second-best all-time in Fresno State history behind Jake Haener’s 72.0 percent in 2022. • Keene is just six completions away from breaking into the program’s Top 10 for a single season. • With a 88.5 percent completion percentage against Air Force (23-of-26), Keene broke the single game program record. He surpassed Derek Carr’s 87.5 (28-of-32) mark against Air Force in 2012. • WR Mac Dalena caught his eighth touchdown of the season against Colorado State. With one more, he will break into the program’s top 15 for single season touchdown receptions. • Dalena is also exactly 100 yards away from a 1,000 yard receiving season. If he hits the 1,000 yard mark, he would become the 13th Bulldog in program history to have 1,000 yards receiving in a single season. Dalena would be the first since Jalen Cropper in 2021 to be added to the list of Bulldogs with the accomplishment. • Senior linebacker Malachi Langley is the most experienced player on the Bulldogs’ roster, playing in 61 career games. • Langley is currently sixth all-time with 314 career tackles. • Langley’s 314 career tackles are the 15th most among all active FBS players. • Fresno State ranks 25th in the FBS and third in the Mountain West in turnovers gained, totaling 19 on the year (14 interceptions, five fumbles).

DEEP DIVE

• Fresno State travels to UCLA for the first time since 2021 • Fresno State has won its last four in the series with UCLA, and three-straight at the Rose Bowl • Fresno State’s last trip to the Rose Bowl was a dramatic victory behind quarterback Jake Haener driving the offense to a last minute game-winning drive that saw a touchdown catch by Jalen Cropper with just 14 seconds to go. • Of the members on that 2021 team that defeated then-No. 13 UCLA, 10 are currently in the NFL with an additional three in the CFL. • The first of the four wins in the series with UCLA, that snapped a six-game losing streak for the Bulldogs, came in a 17-9 victory in teh Silicon Valley Football Classic on Dec. 20, 2003. • The series between the Bulldogs and Bruins dates back to 1927 with UCLA winning the first six games of the series, all at home. • UCLA is set to travel to Fresno for the first time in the series’ history on Sept. 4, 2032. • UCLA is coached by first-year head coach DeShaun Foster. • UCLA’s last win in the series was a 24-21 win in 2001. Both current head coaches were members of their respective teams in that game with Skipper a linebacker and Foster a running back. • Fresno State defensive line coach Jethro Franklin had a brief stint as the interim defensive line coach at UCLA in 1999. • UCLA defensive assistant Librado Barocio was on staff at Fresno State in 202 as the Director of On Campus Recruiting.

TEAM NOTES

Fresno State vs. Big Ten

It hasn’t been long since Fresno State last faced a Big Ten opponent. The Bulldogs have Big Ten opponents as bookends for the 2024 season as they opened the year at then-No. 9 Michigan on Aug. 31 and close the regular season at UCLA this weekend. Prior to this season, the Bulldogs opened the 2023 season at Purdue and left back to Fresno with a 39-35 win. Prior to the that win, Fresno State’s last win over a current Big Ten team was Fresno State’s 2021 victory over UCLA (UCLA was a member of the Pac-12 this season). Its previous win over an active Big Ten team was a 52-51 overtime victory over Rutgers on August 29, 2013 in Fresno with Derek Carr and Davante Adams leading the way. • Fresno State is 14-34 all-time against current members of the Big Ten.

Anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.

Legendary Fresno State head coach Pat Hill coined the term “Anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.” during his tenure as head coach. Hill instilled that mentality into the program, that the ‘Dogs would face anybody, anytime and anywhere. Since then, they have. In recent history (since 2017), the Bulldogs have faced 17 current Autonomous 4 opponents. The ‘Dogs are 8-9 in those meetings and have won three of the last four, falling only to then-No. 9 Michigan in the 2024 opener. • All-time, Fresno State has 42 wins over current Autonomous 4 opponents.

Bowling secured

With a win last Saturday, Fresno State became bowl eligible for its fourth consecutive season. It is the first time since the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons that Fresno State appeared in a bowl game in four-straight seasons. Last year, the Bulldogs defeated New Mexico State 37-10 in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. Fresno State has a 17-15 all-time bowl game record. The Bulldogs have won their last five bowl games, an active streak that is third in the nation behind Georgia and Minnesota with seven each. Tim Skipper would be the fourth first-year head coach to lead the Bulldogs to a bowl game, joining Alvin Pierson (1945), Tim DeRuyter (2012) and Jeff Tedford (2017). Tedford is the only one to have led the team to a victory, defeating Houston in the Hawaii Bowl that season. That win by Tedford and Co. sparked the Bulldogs’ current bowl game winning streak.

UCLA Bruins Notes

THE MATCHUP

The UCLA football team (4-7, 3-6 Big Ten Conference) closes the 2024 regular season with an intrastate contest against Fresno State (6-5, 4-3 Mountain West) at Rose Bowl Stadium, starting this Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. PT. The 11th meeting between the Bruins and Bulldogs will be televised on Big Ten Network. The UCLA Sports Network will broadcast the contest, which will also be aired over SiriusXM. UCLA is coming off a 19-13 loss to crosstown rival USC in Pasadena, Calif. last Saturday. Quarterback Ethan Garbers threw for 265 yards on 20-of-29 passing and recorded a passing touchdown for a sixth straight game. Moliki Matavao was on the receiving end of Garbers’ touchdown pass, giving the tight end back-to-back weeks with a score. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger led UCLA in tackles for the ninth time this season with 12. It is a year of change for UCLA football, as head coach DeShaun Foster took the reins at his alma mater Feb. 12, 2024. A member of the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame for his prowess in the Bruin offensive backfield from 1998-2001, Foster spent seven seasons in the National Football League. He piled up more that 4,500 total yards and 16 touchdowns, including a 33-yard scoring dash in Super Bowl XXXVIII as a member of the Carolina Panthers. Foster spent the previous 11 seasons — including 10 at UCLA — in the collegiate coaching ranks before being promoted from associate head coach and running backs coach.

QUICK HITS

• Redshirt junior LB Carson Schwesinger was named one of five finalists for the Butkus Award on Monday. The winner will be announced in December. Schwesinger is the sixth Butkus Award finalist in UCLA history and first since Eric Kendricks (2014). The former walk-on was also one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy earlier this season. • Schwesinger leads the Big Ten Conference in total tackles (121), total tackles per game (11.0), solo tackles (79), solo tackles per game (7.2) and double-digit tackle games (eight). • Nationally, Schwesinger ranks first in solo tackles (79) and solo tackles per game (7.2). The next closest solo tackler in the FBS trails Schwesinger by nine (Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, 70). Schwesinger ranks third in the FBS and leads all defenders from “Power 4” conferences in total tackles (121). • Schwesinger led the Bruins with a career-high 17 tackles at Washington (Nov. 15), which were the most by a Bruin since Jayon Brown in 2016 (19 versus Colorado on Nov. 3, 2016). • Schwesinger eclipsed 100 tackles for the season at Washington, becoming the first Bruin to accomplish that feat since S Adarius Pickett in 2018 (123) and first UCLA linebacker since Kenny Young in 2017 (110). Schwesinger saw his streak of six straight double-digit tackle performances come to an end against Iowa (Nov. 8). That streak is good for the longest by a Bruin defender since Eric Kendricks in 2014, who went on to win the Butkus Award that season. Schwesinger has led UCLA in tackles in nine of 11 games in 2024. • Schwesinger was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after notching the first two interceptions of his career in UCLA’s 20-17 win over Iowa. • UCLA’s rushing defense ranks seventh in the nation with 99.3 yards allowed on the ground per game. Last year, the Bruins finished second in the nation in rushing defense, giving up 80.8 rushing yards per game to opponents in 2023. • Redshirt senior QB Ethan Garbers has thrown for a touchdown in six consecutive games, going without an interception in four of those contests. Against USC, he snapped a streak of four straight games with multiple touchdown throws, which was the longest such streak of his career. • WR Kwazi Gilmer was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after having the most impactful game of his freshman campaign thus far at Nebraska (Nov. 2). The Sierra Canyon School product posted a season-high 88 receiving yards while reeling in his first career TD reception on a 48-yard grab. • Garbers was awarded UCLA’s first-ever Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award after leading the Bruins to their first conference win in a 35-32 decision at Rutgers (Oct. 19). Garbers recorded the best statistical game of his career, setting single-game career highs in passing yards (383), passing touchdowns (four) and completion percentage (32-38, 84%). He also completed the longest pass of his career (67 yards) and made the then-longest rush of his career (49 yards), both for touchdowns.

Wyoming Cowboys at Washington State Cougars

The CW 3:30 p.m. PT

Series History

The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 8th Overall

Series Record: Washington State leads, 5-2

Series Began: Sept. 29, 1962

UW Record in Laramie: 0-3

UW Record in Pullman: 2-2

UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0

UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs: 0-0

Longest UW Win Streak: 1 (Twice)

Longest WSU Win Streak: 2 (Twice)

 Largest UW Margin of Victory: 21 (1964 and 1990)

Largest WSU Margin of Victory: 23 (2018)

Most Points Scored by UW: 34 (1990)

Most Points Scored by WSU: 41 (2018)

Wyoming Cowboys Notes

Third-Down Defense:

The Cowboy third-down defense this season has been outstanding. The Pokes hold opponents to 27 percent on the season to rank third in the nation and first in the Mountain West. Against Boise State, the Cowboys held Boise State to 1-of-10 on third down, as the Broncos came in ranking in the top-three in the nation averaging 53 percent on third down. For the season, Wyoming has held opponents to four or less in every game but one this season. If you take out the season opener (ASU 8/15) the Cowboys are holding opponent to 20 percent on third-down.

Getting Defensive:

The Wyoming defensive was on point against one of the nation’s top outfits in Boise State. Wyoming held Boise State to 140 yards below their season average of total offense. Wyoming held Boise State to 1-of-10 on third down and the Broncos were held to 26 points below their season average. It was a season-low in scoring for the Broncos and the fewest points they have scored since scoring 16 on Sept. 9,2023 against Central Florida.

Hoyland from Deep:

Wyoming kicker John Hoyland showed off his leg against Boise State. He was 2-of-3 on field goals including a season-long 54 yarder. He had a 49-yard kick last week at Colorado State. He is now 12-of-16 this season in field goals and is 11-of-12 inside the 50 yard line.

Stevenson Shows Out:

Wide receiver Justin Stevenson had a career game against Boise State. He had a career-high four catches for a career-high 82 yards. He also added his third touchdown of the season. He added a career-long 63-yard reception to set up a field goal for the Pokes in the fourth quarter. He has 15 receptions for 191 yards this season.

Getting to the Quarterback:

A pair of Cowboy veteran recorded a pair of sacks against Boise State. Linebacker Shae Suiaunoa recorded his first of the season on a third-down and DeVonne Harris recorded the second of the season and 14th of his career that would help the Cowboys hold Boise State to a field goal to close the first half.

Shay Closing Out Career Strong:

Linebacker Connor Shay is finishing his career strong with the Cowboys. He has led Wyoming in tackles in back-to-back games. He has 18 in the last two games with a career-high 12 against Colorado State and six against Boise State.

Sargent and Chunk Plays:

Wide Receiver Jaylen Sargent has been the king of the chunk plays through the air for the Cowboys this season. He had a 31-yard reception and a 41-yard reception against Boise State. Over his last three games, Sargent has six catches of 30-yards or more yards.

Harrison Since Return:

Cowboy running back Harrison Waylee has now appeared in three games for the Poke since his return from injury. He has recorded 254 rushing yards on 51 carries for five yards per rush and adds 84.7 yards per game.

Ferrell Closing Out Strong:

Running back Jamri Ferrell is closing his career strong for the Pokes. Over his last three games, Ferrell has recorded 201 yards on 37 carries for 5.4 per rush.

Chunk Plays for the Pokes:

The Cowboys were on point holding onto the ball moving the chains against Boise State. Wyoming had eight chunk plays with four catches of 15 or more yards and four rushes of 10 or more yards in the contest. Those chunk plays combined for 213 yards of the total offense output of 319 yards against the No. 12 Broncos.

Holding onto the Ball:

Wyoming held a 34:04-25:56 in time of possession against Boise State. It was the fourth time in the last five games with over 34 minutes of possession. Wyoming had a season-high 37 minute of possession against New Mexico. For the season Wyoming has the advantage on the season holding onto the ball 30:34 to 29:26.

Playing Discipline Football:

The Cowboys head into the contest at Washington State averaging 5.5 penalties per game to rank third in the Mountain West this season. Wyoming has had five or fewer penalties in five games this season.

A Note on Third Quarter Defense:

The Cowboy defense has been solid in the third quarter during conference play. In fact, Wyoming allowed only 20 points in the quarter in seven conference games. That number is 2.8 point allowed in the quarter this season.

Tough Schedule:

The Cowboys have played a tough schedule this season. In fact, Wyoming has played three opponents that are in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff in Arizona State, BYU and Boise State. Colorado State and Washington State have also been in the polls or received votes this season. When Wyoming faces Washington State it will mark the eighth team that is Bowl Eligible that the Brown and Gold has played this season.

Harris Settling In:

Defensive end DeVonne Harris missed time this season with an injury. He recorded a season-high six tackles with a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery at Colorado State and added five with a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss against Boise State. He has 4.5 tackles for loss for the season and has 22.5 tackles for loss in his career with the Cowboys, as he is nearing the top-10 in career tackles for loss at UW.

Jayden Williams in the Middle:

Interior defensive lineman Jayden Williams has recorded a solid redshirt freshman season for the Cowboys with 28 tackles for the season. He recorded a career-high seven tackles for the Brown and Gold at Colorado State and earned the start for the Brown and Gold against Boise State. Ferrell with a Big Run: Running back Jamari Ferrell finished the game at Colorado State with six carries for 74 yards. Ferrell recorded a 62-yard rush in the third quarter for the longest of his career.

Sargent Stepping Up:

Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent has also had his best stretch of football the last three games for the Brown and Gold. At Colorado State, Sargent recorded three catches for 45 yards. In his last three games, Sargent has recorded 317 yards after recording 186 at New Mexico adding 86 against BSU.

Westland Racks Up Tackles:

Defensive end Tyce Westland and DeVonne Harris had strong games at Colorado State with 14 tackles combined as the group is shorthanded due to injuries. Westland had eight tackles against the Rams tying a career best. For the season, Westland has 37 tackles and two sacks. The former eight-man player from Nebraska also has five tackles for loss.

Bertagnole and Tackles for Loss:

Defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole will go down as one of the top Cowboys to play the position in program. He ranks in the top-10 in career tackles for loss for the Cowboys with 25 for his career. He had four tackles and a half tackle for loss at Colorado State.

About Washington State

The Cougars (8-3) were No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings two weeks ago before losing 38-35 at New Mexico and 41-38 at Oregon State. Washington State is 5-0 at home this season. John Mateer has completed 64% of his passes for 2,957 yards with 28 touchdowns (tied for fifth in the FBS) and six touchdowns. The dynamic dual-threat sophomore also leads the team with 770 rushing yards and has run for 14 touchdowns, which is a single-season program record for a quarterback. Wide receiver Kyle Williams has 56 receptions for 967 yards to lead the passing game. His 12 touchdown catches are second in the FBS behind San Jose State standout Nick Nash’s 14. Running back Wayshawn Parker, a freshman, has added 690 rushing yards and four touchdowns to the Cougars’ potent attack. Defensively, Washington State is allowing 29.3 points (98th) and 437.1 yards (118th) per game. Linebacker Taariq Al-Uqdah has 68 tackles and defensive back Ethan O’Connor has four interceptions to lead the team.

Washington State Cougars Notes

COUGARS HOST WYOMING FOR SENIOR NIGHT AT GESA FIELD

Washington State closes the regular season hosting Wyoming Saturday at Gesa Field. Kickoff is set for 3:40 p.m. on The CW. 17

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State enters the week with an 8-3 record for the first their most wins since 2018 and are bowl eligible for the eighth time in the last nine full seasons. The Cougars own the nation’s seventh-best scoring offense (38.8) while the defense is No. 25 in the country with 19 takeaways. Quarterback John Mateer leads the country with 42 touchdowns responsible for, fifth in the country in total offense (338.8) and passing touchdowns (28) while wide receiver Kyle Williams is second nationally with 12 receiving touchdowns and cornerback Ethan O’Connor is No. 12 in the country with four interceptions. Head coach Jake Dickert owns a 23-19 career record and is in his third full season.

COUGAR QUICK GAME

TEAM

• WSU is 8-3 for the most wins since 2018, has won 6 straight at Gesa Field, seeking first 9 win season since 2018 • WSU is bowl eligible for the third time under Jake Dickert and for the eighth time in last nine full seasons • WSU owns 3 fourth-quarter comeback wins this season (San Jose State, at Fresno State, at San Diego State) • WSU owns 10 100-yard rushing games this season, most since 2005 (11), owns 2 300-yard games (TTU, USU) • WSU’s 19 defensive takeaways this season are No. 25 nationally, most by WSU since 2022 (21) • WSU has returned 3 INT for touchdowns, the most since 2013 (4) • Jake Dickert and Bill Doba (2003-07) are the only WSU HC with 2 Apple Cup wins in 1st 4 seasons since 1960’s

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

• QB John Mateer is the only quarterback in the country with 20+ pass TD and 10+ rush TD (28 pass – 14 rush) • Mateer set a WSU record for rush yards by a QB with 197 rush yards in the week 2 win over Texas Tech • WR Kyle Williams is 2nd in country with 12 rec TD, 7 rec TD in last 3 gms, leads team with 56 rec, 967 rec yds • RB Wayshawn Parker’s 149 rush yds vs Utah State was a WSU freshman record, 75-yard TD run, longest since ‘06 • TE Cooper Mathers owns WSU single-season record 6 rec TD in 2024, tied for 4th-most by a TE nationally • OL Fa’alili Fa’amoe, DB Jackson Lataimua, Edge Nusi Malani, OL Esa Pole; Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List • RT Fa’alili Fa’amoe was named to watch lists for The Outland Trophy, Lombardi, Polynesian, Reese’s Senior Bowl

Nevada Wolfpack at No. 24 UNLV Rebels*

CBSSN 5 p.m. PT

BATTLE FOR THE FREMONT CANNON SET FOR SATURDAY

The Battle for the Fremont Cannon and the 50th all-time meeting between Nevada and UNLV takes place Saturday at Allegiant Stadium, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. Saturday’s contest will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, with John Sadak (play-by-play), Robert Turbin (analyst), and Emily Proud (sideline) on the call. The Wolf Pack Radio Network will call the game on KOZZ 105.7 FM in Northern Nevada, online at www.thevarsitynetwork.com and on the Varsity Network app. John Ramey (play-by-play) and Mike Edwards (analyst) will be in the booth, with the 60-minute pregame show to begin at 4 p.m. PT.

SERIES HISTORY

Saturday’s meeting will be the 50th all-time between Nevada and UNLV, and the 49th Battle For The Fremont Cannon. Nevada leads the all-time series, 28-21, but the Rebels have captured each of the past two meetings. The Wolf Pack has not lost three-straight meetings to the Rebels since a five-game slide from 2000-04, and, in fact, neither team has won three-straight in the series since Nevada’s eight-game run from 2005-12. Nevada has captured seven of the last nine meetings in Las Vegas and is 1-1 against the Rebels at Allegiant Field–the Wolf Pack won the first meeting of the teams at the new stadium, 37-19 in 2020, before dropping a 27-22 decision in 2022.

Nevada Wolfpack Notes

CHOATE UNBEATEN IN RIVALRY GAMES

Despite Saturday being his first Battle For The Fremont Cannon as Nevada’s head coach, rivalry games are nothing new to Jeff Choate, who went 4-0 in the bitter “Brawl of the Wild” series between Montana State and Montana. Similar to his first season (2016) as Montana State’s head coach, this year Choate takes a three-win team into its final game of the season on the road at a rival with a winning record. In that 2016 rivalry game in Missoula, Choate’s Bobcats pulled the upset, 24-17. While winning all four meetings with the Bobcats’ bitter in-state rival, Choate earned the moniker, “The Griz Slayer.”

NEVADA AGAINST RANKED TEAMS

Saturday will mark Nevada’s 39th game against a Top-25 team since the Wolf Pack moved up to the FBS level in 1992. The game against No. 21/21 UNLV will also be the Pack’s second Top-25 game of the season, following Nov. 9’s 28-21 loss at No. 12/14 Boise State. Nevada is 5-33 against Top-25 teams, with its last such win coming on Nov. 9, 2019, a 17-13 victory at No. 24 San Diego State.

ABOUT UNLV

UNLV enters its second-straight week back in the national polls, rising to No. 21 in both the Associated Press and AFCA Coaches Polls Sunday after coming in at No. 23 on Nov. 17. The Rebels are 9-2 overall and 5-1 in Mountain West play and can clinch a spot in the 2024 Mountain West Championship Game with a win Saturday. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams has stepped in since September and ably led the Rebels, throwing for 1,567 yards and 15 touchdowns against just four interceptions, with Ricky White III being a top target with 70 catches for 965 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground, the Rebels, like the Wolf Pack, feature two backs with over 600 yards, as Williams is second on the team with 664 and eight touchdowns, with Jai’Den Thomas leading UNLV with 697 yards and six scores on the ground.

NO LETUP IN THE SCHEDULE

Nevada’s 2024 schedule has set up as one of the nation’s toughest. Notably, the Wolf Pack has the rare distinction of playing three 2023 FBS conference champions in 2024, with the first two coming back-to-back to start the campaign: Aug. 24 – vs. SMU (2023 American champion) – L, 29-24 Aug. 31 – at Troy (2023 Sun Belt champion) – W, 28-26 Nov. 9 – at Boise State (2023 Mountain West champion) – L, 28-21 Oregon (Michigan, Washington, Boise State) is the only other FBS school to play three 2023 FBS conference champions in 2024. Additionally, Nevada has already played two teams currently (through Nov. 12) ranked in the CFP Top 25 and lost one-possession games to both: 29-24 on Aug. 24 against current-No. 14 SMU; 28-21 on Nov. 9 at current-No. 13 Boise State. Both teams are currently ranked in the Associated Press Poll (Boise State No. 12, SMU No. 13), and a third Nevada opponent, UNLV (Nov. 30) broke back into the poll at No. 23 Monday.

CHANCE TO END THE SEASON ON HIGH NOTES

While the Wolf Pack is out of bowl contention for 2024, it has a chance in this final game to build some momentum going into the offseason. The Rebels took the cannon in 2022, and recapturing the trophy would be a big way for the Wolf Pack to springboard into 2025.

AMONG THE NATION’S BEST IN THE RED ZONE

Nevada’s red-zone performance on offense has been a significant turnaround in 2024. On offense, the Wolf Pack has converted 33 of 36 red-zone trips into points, the 91.7-percent rate ranking 15th in the country and second in the Mountain West. Of Nevada’s 36 trips, 28(!) have resulted in touchdowns, a 77.8-percent rate. That rate has, so far, well out-distanced the Pack’s 2023 rate in which it only scored 16 touchdowns on 35 red-zone trips (45.7 percent).

UNLV Rebels Notes

SATURDAY’S PREVIEW…

No. 21/21 UNLV (9-2/5-1) has the chance to reach double-digit wins for only the third time in program history (1974, 1984) when it hosts UNR (3-9/0-6) in the 50th Battle for the Fremont Cannon Saturday on CBS Sports Network … In addition to the famed cannon trophy, the winner of the game will earn three points in the Silver State Series presented by America First Credit Union, an all-encompassing competition between the two schools … In addition to moving up two spots to a program-record No. 21 in the AP and Coaches polls on Sunday, the Rebels made their CFP Rankings debut last week at No. 24 and await Tuesday’s new listing … UNLV made its first-ever appearance in the Coaches Poll on Sept. 15 and then joined the AP version for the first time two weeks later before an OT loss to Syracuse knocked them out … The Rebels have started 9-2 overall for the second consecutive season under head coach Barry Odom and have won a school-record eight consecutive road games dating back to last season … At 18-7, Odom is the first UNLV coach to be at least 10 games over .500 at the school since Tony Knap retired with a 47-20-1 mark in 1981 … The 18 wins in 25 games under Odom represent the most victories over any two-season span since the Rebels went a combined 18-6 in 1983-84 … The Rebels are 10-2 in true road games under Odom after only winning eight total road games in the previous six seasons (8-25) … All-American WR Ricky White III leads the nation with his four blocked punts this season, which is more than any other FBS TEAM in 2024 … UNLV is tied for third in the nation in turnover margin at plus-13 as the Rebel D has forced at least one turnover in 23 of 25 games under DC Michael Scherer … The Rebels, who have not committed more than one turnover in any game this fall, have scored an eye-popping 84 total points off TOs while allowing just 21 such points from opponents.

REBELS vs. WOLF PACK NOTES…

UNR still holds a 28-21 lead in the series after UNLV won the last two meetings, including the last one staged in Las Vegas … The 49 meetings, which include 35 straight years in a rivalry that permanently became an annual event in 1989, are by far the most UNLV has had with any opponent … This marks the 14th meeting between the Rebs and Pack to end a regular-season … The Rebels’ most-recent overtime victory came against UNR in Reno in 2019.

MORE REBELATIONS…

A win Saturday would mean the famed Fremont Cannon would be painted Rebel Red for a third straight year. The only other time UNLV had more than two straight wins over its in-state rival was a five-game streak under the late Hall of Fame coach John Robinson from 2000-04 and a four-game streak from 1974-77 … Playing on the road as a ranked team for the first in history, UNLV’s 27-16 win at SJSU Friday capped a regular-season away mark of 6-0 … The only other seasons UNLV went undefeated on the road were its inaugural campaign in 1968 and its NCAA D-II semifinalist season of 1974 when the Rebels played just two away games apiece … The Rebels, who are bowl-eligible in back-to-back seasons for the first time ever, are 17-1 under Barry Odom when leading after the third quarter and 7-0 this fall when scoring first … Even without adding a sack during the win at SJSU, UNLV has already surpassed its QB sacks total from last year (26) with 30 on the season, which ranks third in the MW and is the most for the program since posting the same amount in 2000 … After having just one 100-yard individual rushing game in 2023, the Rebs already boast nine century-mark outings from five different players this fall, including twice having two in the same game (at USU and at Hawai’i) … Three-time 2024 MW Defensive Player of the Week Jackson Woodard is currently ninth in the nation with 15 tackes-for-loss and is third in the MW with 12 passes defended, including posting an eye-popping total of five at USU … UNLV is staging a historic season on the scoreboard as its 38.7 points-per-game average ranks eighth in the nation and is on target to shatter the school record of 34.9 PPG in 1980 … Under the current coaching staff, the Rebels have scored at least 40 points 13 times in 25 games and their three games scoring at least 50 points this season is only matched by the 1974 and 1980 squads … PK Caden Chittenden, who is one off the national lead in field goals, has set the league’s freshman single-season record for both field goals (24) and kicking points scored (118) … The 504 net rushing yards UNLV gained vs. Utah Tech in Game Two are the most of any team in the nation this season by nearly 50 yards … After limiting four of its opponents to less than 70 yards rushing, UNLV sits 14th nationally with 104.2 yards allowed per outing. To put that in perspective, the lowest season total for rush yards allowed since the Rebels moved to Division I in 1978 was 141.2 during the 2000 season that included a Las Vegas Bowl victory … UNLV leads the league in pass efficiency and sits second in pass efficiency defense … Since UNLV’s change at QB, WR Ricky White III has 60 receptions for 803 yards and seven TDs in the last eight games and has gone for at least 100 yards in 10 of his last 16 regular-season games … After bringing in 11 in the last eight games, the Rebs are tied for sixth in the FBS with 16 team interceptions. In fact, since the beginning of 2022, UNLV’s defense has 48 picks, which is the most in the FBS during that span (Oklahoma is second with 46) … With the win at Oregon State, the Rebels earned three victories over “A5” opponents in the same season for the first time … With a win at Houston and a victory at Kansas, UNLV became the first non-conference team ever to have multiple road wins against Big 12 competition in the same season … Not counting blocks, UNLV has not returned a punt for a touchdown in 23 years — the longest drought in the nation. The last Rebel to do it was Troy Mason, who went 52 yards vs. San Diego State on Oct. 13, 2001, at Sam Boyd Stadium … However, when Jai’Den Thomas went 90 yards into the end zone vs. Fresno State, UNLV snapped a 13-year drought by returning a kickoff for a score for the first time since Deante Purvis sprinted 98 yards to the end zone vs. CSU on Oct. 29, 2011 … Marshall Nichols finished with the second-highest season punting average in school history last fall as his 47.1 yards per attempt ranked sixth in the nation and sat only slightly behind 1984 All-American Randall Cunningham’s 47.5 rate. Nichols is averaging a robust 43.9 this season, which would rank 26th in the nation if he had enough attempts to qualify for the NCAA stats … UNLV QB Hajj-Malik Williams, who stands 15th in the country in pass efficiency, needs just 116 net yards after just eight starts to become the Rebels’ single-season record-holder for rush yards by a QB. He has at least one rush and one pass TD in six of his eight starts … Barry Odom has a 7-2 record in non-conference games during the regular season at UNLV after the Rebels only had a combined six such wins from 2018-22 (6-10). Odom is also tied for the second-most wins after his first 25 games at the UNLV helm.

Air Force Falcons at San Diego State Aztecs*

FS1 7:30 p.m. PT

THE SERIES

• Air Force leads the series with San Diego State, 21-18, with all games coming as conference foes. The Falcons are 12-7 at home, 8-11 in San Diego and 1-0 in neutral site games. • Air Force defeated San Diego State, 49-10, last season in Falcon Stadium. The Falcons defeated San Diego State, 13-3, in 2022 in the last meeting in San Diego to snap a nine-game Aztecs winning streak in the series and a five-game streak in San Diego. • Air Force and San Diego State first played in 1980 in Falcon Stadium, resulting in a 13-10 Aztec win. • Air Force has 11 players from California on the roster. • Senior ILB Osaro Aihie was named MW Defensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Nevada in last week’s 22-19 Air Force win.

Air Force Falcons Notes

LAST SEASON

(Sept. 30, 2023) Air Force defeated San Diego State, 49-10, in Falcon Stadium to snap a four-game home losing streak to the Aztecs. The Aztecs opened the scoring with a Jalen Mayden touchdown pass early in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead. The Falcons scored touchdowns on three straight possessions with touchdown runs by Cade Harris (7 yards) and two from Emmanuel Michel (2, 3 yards) to take a 21-7 lead. Jack Browning closed the half with a Mountain West-record 61-yard field goal to make it 21-10 at the half. Air Force scored 21 points in the third quarter with a pair of 50-plus-yard touchdown passes from Zac Larrier, 54 yards to Harris and 53 yards to Jared Roznos, and Trey Taylor returned an interception 30 yards for a score to make it 42-10. Jensen Jones added a fourth-quarter touchdown run to make up the final margin. Air Force had 476 total yards, including 287 rushing and 189 passing, while holding San Diego State to just 227 total yards, including just 153 after the first quarter. Larrier led the offense with a career-high 103 yards rushing, while recording all career highs in passing, hitting 6-7 passes for 189 yards and two scores.

LAST TIME AT SAN DIEGO STATE

(Nov. 26, 2022) Air Force defeated San Diego State, 13-3, to snap a nine-game losing streak to the Aztecs. Senior fullback Brad Roberts put the Falcons in front for good, rushing five times for 75 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive, accounting for every play and yard, to give the Falcons a 7-0 lead. Matthew Dapore added a 30-yard field goal in the third quarter to push the lead to 10-0. Following an SDSU field goal in the third quarter, Dapore added a 32-yard field goal with 9:03 remaining to make it 13-3. The defense took over from there, recording a pair of interceptions in the end zone in the fourth quarter by Jayden Goodwin and Trey Taylor to seal the win. Roberts finished with 187 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries. Air Force finished with 285 total yards and held the ball for 39:13. The defense held San Diego State to 188 yards, including -1 rushing, and eight first downs.

LAST WEEK

Air Force defeated Nevada, 22-19, to win its third straight game. Dylan Carson scored on an 11-yard run to put the Falcons in front 7-0 early in the second quarter. Nevada kicked a pair of field goals to cut the lead to 7-6 at halftime. The Wolf Pack took the lead, 12-7, on a touchdown pass from Brendon Lewis to Jaden Smith. Owen Allen put the Falcons ahead for good, 15-12, with a nine-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion run early in the fourth quarter. Osaro Aihie recorded his first-career interception on the next drive and Quentin Hayes turned the turnover into points with a one-yard run to make it 22-12. Nevada added a touchdown pass with four seconds left to make up the final margin. The Falcons had 318 total yards, all rushing. Allen led the way with 107 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries while Carson added 105 yards and a score on 14 carries. Aihie led the defense with seven tackles and an interception. Lewis led Nevada with 53 yards rushing. He hit 22-35 passes for 268 yards as Nevada had 362 total yards.

LAST WEEK’S NOTES

Team Notes • Air Force improved to 4-7 overall and 2-4 in the Mountain West. The Falcons have won three straight games, their longest winning streak since opening the 2023 season with eight straight wins. • Air Force improved to 6-2 vs. Nevada, including a 3-1 mark in Reno. The Falcons have won three straight and five of the last six in the series. • Air Force snapped a six-game road losing streak, winning its first true road game since beating Colorado State, 30-13, Oct. 28, 2023. • Air Force Head Coach Troy Calhoun improved to 134-89 in his 18th season. Calhoun improved to 79-58 in Mountain West play. His 79 wins are second all-time in conference history, trailing only Rocky Long (New Mexico/San Diego State), who had 91. His 79 wins is the most at one school in MW history. Calhoun improved to 6-2 all-time vs. Nevada. • Air Force is the first team this season to win a game without completing a pass. The last team to accomplish this was Army in a 28-21 win against Coastal Carolina on Nov. 18, 2023. • Air Force did not complete a pass for the first time since 2022 (vs. Colorado St.) and for the ninth time ever. • Air Force went over 300 yards rushing for the second time this season and has now rushed for over 270 yards in the last three games, averaging 310.7 yards across that span. • Air Force had two players over 100 yards rushing in the same game for the first time since the San Jose State game on Sept. 22, 2023, when Emmanuel Michel ran for 148 yards and John Lee Eldridge ran for 108. • Until allowing a touchdown in the third quarter, Air Force had not allowed a touchdown in six straight quarters, dating back to the fourth quarter of the Fresno State game. • Air Force held Nevada scoreless in the first quarter, marking the second straight game with a first-quarter shutout. The Falcons held Oregon State scoreless last week. The defense has only allowed 10 points in the first quarter the last five games (Army 3, Fresno State 7). • Air Force led 7-6 at the half, marking the fourth time this season leading at the half. The Falcons also led at the half vs. Merrimack (14-0), Wyoming (13-7) and Oregon State (14-0). • Air Force captains for the Nevada game were seniors Camby Goff (DB), Alex Moore (OL) and James Tomasi (DL).

San Diego State Aztecs Notes

SAN DIEGO STATE CLOSES SEASON AGAINST AIR FORCE FOR SENIOR DAY ON SATURDAY NIGHT

• San Diego State wraps up the 2024 season Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium against Air Force. Kickoff for the Aztecs (3-8, 2-4 MW) and the Falcons (4-7, 2-4 MW) is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on FS1 and San Diego Sports 760. • SDSU is coming off its second consecutive 41-20 loss, this time at Utah State on Saturday night. San Diego State led, 13-0, but the Aggies scored the next 41 points, scoring a touchdown on six of their next seven drives, to take a 41-13 lead. The Aztecs closed the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson to Mekhi Shaw with 32 seconds remaining. • SDSU was outgained, 488-412, for the game, including a decisive 322-188 advantage on the ground. In the second half, San Diego State was outgained, 318-177. • Aztec running back Marquez Cooper ran for 118 yards and a touchdown for his fifth 100-yard game of the season and 22nd of his career. • In the game, Cooper became the 23rd player in NCAA FBS history to record at least 5,000 yards rushing. • On the season, Cooper has rushed for 1,180 yards and 10 touchdowns, the first SDSU player with a 1,000-yard season since Greg Bell in 2021. • Cooper is the first player in NCAA FBS history with 1,000-yard rushing seasons with three different teams, including 1,080 and 1,326 while at Kent State in 2021 and 2022, respectively, 1,043 last year at Ball State and 1,180 so far this year. • Cooper’s four 1,000-yard rushing seasons overall are tied for the most in NCAA FBS history. The other players to accomplish the feat are Tony Dorsett (Pittsburgh, 1973-76), Amos Lawrence (North Carolina, 1977-80), Denvis Manns, New Mexico State (1995- 98), Ron Dayne (Wisconsin, 1996-99); Cedric Benson (Texas, 2002-05), DonTrell Moore (New Mexico, 2002-05), Tyrell Fenroy (Louisiana, 2005-08), Damion Fletcher (Southern Miss., 2006-09), Justin Jackson (Northwestern, 2014-17) and Myles Gaskin (Washington, 2015-18). • Cooper is the active leader in FBS play in rushing yards (5,036) and all-purpose yards (5,746), and is third in rushing yards per game (95.0, min. 25 GP) and rushing touchdowns (43), and tied for fourth in total touchdowns (44). • Saturday’s San Diego State-Air Force game will feature two of the most successful teams in the country the last decade. The Aztecs are 79-46 (.632) since the 2015 season, the 20th-best record over that span (min. 100 games) and the fourth best among non-Power 4 schools. The Falcons, meanwhile, are 75-45 (.625), the 23rd-best record over that span and fifth among non-P4 schools. • Remarkably, this is the first time both teams have been under .500 when playing one another since 2013. From 2014-23, the teams played each other seven times. The combined record heading into those meetings was 73-30 (.709). This year SDSU and AFA enter the game at 7-15 (.318). • This is the 39th meeting between San Diego State and Air Force with the Falcons owning a 21-18 series lead. • The Aztecs won a school-record nine straight games in the series before falling, 13-3, on Senior Night in 2022 and then again last year in Colorado. The nine straight wins at the time were the longest active win streak against the Academy. • SDSU is 10-8 all-time against AFA in San Diego. • This could be the last time the two teams meet in the regular season as San Diego State is joining the Pac-12 Conference in the 2026 season and next year’s schedule – SDSU’s last in the Mountain West – is yet to be set. n It’s a tale of two streaks right now for San Diego State and Air Force. The Aztecs have lost five consecutive games for the first time since 2008 after starting the season with a 3-3 record. The Falcons, meanwhile, have won three straight games following a seven-game losing streak. n AFA has outscored its opponents, 86-47, over its three-game winning streak. • QB Danny O’Neil, the first true freshman to start a season-opener in SDSU’s Division I history (since 1969), has completed 185 of 298 passes (62.1 pct.) for 1,951 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions, while posting a 125.2 pass efficiency rating. • EDGE Trey White ranks second in FBS in total tackles for loss (18.5) and tackles for loss per game (1.68), third in tackles for loss yards (102), fourth in total sacks (12.5) and sacks per game (1.14), and eighth in total sack yards (68). White leads the Mountain West in all of those categories. • White is ranked in a tie for third in SDSU single-season history with 12.5 sacks with Andy Coviello (1991), only trailing Mike Douglass (21.0 in 1976) and Brett Faryniarz (13.0 in 1987). n Last month, White was added to the Bednarik Award Watch List for the most outstanding defensive player and was named to five midseason All-America teams. • The San Diego State special teams has continued to impress as this year’s unit is ranked sixth in the country, according to ESPN’s special teams efficiency rating (68.8). The Aztecs have won five of the nine Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year awards issued since 2015. Those five include three kick returners (Rashaad Penny from 2015-17), two punters (Matt Araiza in 2021 and Jack Browning in 2022) and one kicker (also Araiza in 2021). • Both of SDSU’s kickers are leading the league in their respective categories. Punter Tyler Pastula leads the Mountain West with a 46.16 punt average, which ranks seventh nationally and ranks third in San Diego State single-season history. Pastula has two of the six longest punts in FBS play this season (79-yarder at Boise State on Nov. 1 and a 75-yarder at Wyoming on Oct. 12). • Placekicker Gabe Plascencia, meanwhile, has made 12 consecutive field goals – tied for the fifth-longest active streak in the country – and is 13-for-14 on the season. His 92.9 field goal percentage leads the MW and would be a school record if the season ended today. For his career, Plascencia is 17-for-18 in field goal attempts and his 94.4 percentage would be a school record if he had enough attempts (25) to qualify. • Prior to the game, SDSU will honor 24 departing seniors, who will most likely be playing in their final collegiate game.

New Mexico Lobos at Hawai‘I Rainbow Warriors*

Spectrum/T1Sports 6 p.m. HT

THE SERIES

• UH leads the overall series with New Mexico 16-11, including a 12-6 advantage in games played in Honolulu. • Hawai‘i won the last meeting in Honolulu, 39-33, Nov. 7, 2020 at Aloha Stadium. • Since UH joined the Mountain West in 2012, the teams have met six times with UNM holding a slight 4-2 advantage. • The series began in 1964. The schools met 17 times over a 20-year span as members of the Western Athletic Conference. The schools didn’t play again until 2012. • UH had a nine-game win streak from 1983-91 immediately followed with a seven-game win streak by UNM from 1993-2016.

New Mexico Lobos Notes

Game notes not available.

Hawai‘I Rainbow Warriors Notes

GAME STORYLINES

• Following the game, a total of 23 seniors will participate in the traditional senior night ceremony, including six-year seniors WR Spencer Curtis, LB Nalu Emerson and Jonah Panoke and seven-year seniors LB Logan Taylor and DL Elijah Robinson. Emerson and Panoke spent all six seasons in Manoa. • Hawai‘i has won its last six Senior Night games and 11 of its last 12. During its six-game win streak, four of the games were decided by one score including the last three (50-45 vs. CSU, 2021; 31-25 vs. UNLV, 2022; 27-24 vs. CSU, 2023). • UH leads the overall series with New Mexico 16-11, including a 12-6 advantage in games played in Honolulu. • Hawai‘i won the last meeting in Honolulu, 39-33, Nov. 7, 2020 at Aloha Stadium which snapped a four-game home losing streak in the series. The Warriors erased a 20-7 second quarter deficit and totaled 503 yards of offense with four scoring plays of 40 yards or longer. • Since UH joined the Mountain West in 2012, the teams have met six times with UNM holding a slight 4-2 advantage. 4 Both teams were idle last week. • Under head coach Timmy Chang, UH is 0-4 following bye weeks, including 0-2 this season. Hawai‘i, which had one bye week in each of the past two seasons, had three bye weeks this season (Weeks 2, 5, 13). 4 UH (4-7, 2-4 MW) last played at Utah State two weeks ago in Logan, Utah falling 55-10. The Warriors threw five interceptions and were sacked seven times in the loss. • UNM (5-6, 4-3) upset No. 18 Washington State two weeks ago in Albuquerque, N.M., 38-35, keeping its bowl chances alive. The last time the Lobos were bowl eligible was 2016. • This season marks the second consecutive year that UH can spoil a team’s chance for bowl eligibility in the final week of the regular season. Last year, Hawai‘i defeated Colorado State, 27-24 in Honolulu on a walk-off field goal. • UH’s Brayden Schager has made 33 consecutive starts, which is a school-record for a quarterback. If he does not start on Saturday, true freshman Micah Alejado will likely get the nod becoming the first freshman to start a game at QB since Schager in 2021 vs. Fresno State.

HAWAI‘I IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST

• Hawai‘i will wrap up its 13th season in the Mountain West. 4 UH is 33-69 (.324) all-time in the MW — 19-33 (.365) at home and 14-36 (.280) on the road. • Hawai‘i has appeared in one Mountain West Championship game during the 2019 season.

TEAM NOTES

• Three of UH’s seven losses this season were decided by three points or less — UCLA (16-13) San Diego State (27-24), and UNLV (29-27). 4 Under head coach Timmy Chang, UH is 0-15 when scoring 17 points or fewer compared to 12-10 when scoring more than 17 points. • UH enjoyed its largest margin of victory in 3+ seasons at Ching Complex and its largest under Timmy Chang with its 29-point win over Northern Iowa, Sept. 21. • The 21-point win over Nevada was the largest at home over a Mountain West opponent since moving into the Ching Complex in 2021. • UH’s 13-point fourth-quarter comeback against Fresno State was its largest since erasing a 14-point deficit against Fresno State at home on Oct. 2, 2021. • UH has won its last 22 games against FCS teams dating back to 2001 including wins over Delaware State and Northern Iowa this season. The average winning margin victory during the streak is 25.8 points per game. • UH had its most penalties and fewest penalties on the road this season, committing a season-high 14 penalties for 122 yards in a loss to Sam Houston (the most by a Hawai‘i team since 2004) and had a season-low four penalties for 30 yards at Washington State.

MOUNTAIN WEST NOTES

• The regular season comes to a close with all 12 Mountain West squads in action in Week 14, with No. 24 UNLV and Colorado State vying for the final spot in the 2024 Old Trapper Mountain West Football Championship. No. 12 Boise State clinched its spot and the right to host in Week 13 and now awaits its opponent. • The Rams and Rebels enter Week 14 with identical 5-1 MW records but did not face each other this season. If both teams win this week and one is ranked higher than the other in the Nov. 26 CFP rankings, the higher-ranked team will be the second participant in the championship game, per the Mountain West tiebreaking procedures. If the teams both lose, the tie will be broken by results-based computer metrics. • Boise State is No. 12 and UNLV is No. 24 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. The Broncos are currently projected as the No. 4 seed and would get a first-round bye. • The Broncos are No. 11 in the Associated Press and US LBM Coaches (AFCA) polls this week, while UNLV is No. 21 in both of those polls. • The Mountain West has the strongest nonconference schedule in the FBS. MW teams have 35 nonconference games scheduled this season against Autonomous 4 opponents, the most of any FBS league (counting Notre Dame, Oregon State and Washington State as A4 teams), with the next-closest totaling 27. • MW teams have played 12 one-possession games against A4 opponents this season, with four of those games settled in overtime or on the final play of regulation. • The MW has eight wins against A4 opponents this season, more than the combined total of its four peer conferences (five). • Since 2018, the MW has the best winning percentage over Autonomous 5 teams (28.68) among its peer conferences. MW teams have collected 37 wins over such teams in that span, also the most among its peer conferences. • It’s a new era for the College Football Playoff in 2024, as the five highest-ranked FBS conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked at-large teams will earn spots in the 12-team postseason playoff. With unprecedented access to the CFP, the Mountain West is well-positioned to earn a shot at competing for a national title.

GOING BOWLING

Five MW teams are bowl eligible in 2024. UNLV is bowling in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. Boise State is bowl eligible for the 27th consecutive season, the second-longest active streak behind Georgia’s current 28-season run. Colorado State is bowl eligible for the first time since 2017, Fresno State is bowl eligible for the fourth year in a year and San José State is bowl eligible for the third straight season. New Mexico would join the ranks with a win at Hawai‘i on Saturday.

MW OWNS THE RUN GAME

It’s not just Jeanty. The Mountain West on the whole has dominated the run game across the FBS this season. Three MW squads are in the top 10 in the FBS in rushing, led by Boise State at No. 5 with 252.0 yards per game. New Mexico is sixth at 248.9 per contest and UNLV is seventh at 245.3. The MW has had three teams finish in the top 10 in the category twice, in 2012 and 2016. New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier leads the FBS in yards per carry at 7.72, while the Lobos as a team lead the FBS at 6.73, followed by Boise State at 6.45 at No. 2 nationally. Dampier, who is third in the MW with 1,065 rushing yards this season, is the first Lobo quarterback to ever surpass 1,000 yards rushing in a season. His rushing total is the most by a MW quarterback in a season since Nevada’s Cody Fajardo in 2012 (1,121). Boise State has outrushed its opponent in 10 games this season, with Tennessee (11) the only FBS team to do so more. Colorado State is averaging 181.3 rushing yards per game this season compared to 92.8 per game in 2023, the sixth-largest increase by any FBS team (+88.5) and largest by any MW team. The Rams have also gone from 10 rushing touchdowns last season to 18 in 2024. There have been 22 200-yard individual rushing efforts this season, and seven of them have come from MW players, including four by Jeanty. Only one other league, the ACC, has produced more than two.

HAVE RUN GAME, WILL TRAVEL

Continuing the running theme, San Diego State’s Marquez Cooper is the active career rushing leader in the FBS with 5,036 yards. He is just the 23rd player in FBS history to surpass 5,000 career rushing yards and is the first player in FBS history with 1,000-yard seasons at three different institutions. In addition to his 1,180 this year, he also hit the mark at Kent State in 2021 and 2022 and at Ball State in 2023.

MOUNTAIN WEST PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

BRYSON BARNES, UTAH STATE Junior, Quarterback Milford, Utah/Milford HS/Utah

• Came off the bench midway through the second quarter to lead Utah State to a come-from-behind 41-20 win over San Diego State. Helped the Aggies score 41 straight points after trailing 13-0 with 3:16 to play in the first half. • Completed 13-of-15 passes (86.7 percent) for 139 yards and a seasonhigh three touchdowns and rushed 15 times for a career-best 193 yards and another score, racking up 332 yards of total offense and four TDs. • His rushing total was a school record for a quarterback. • Scored Utah State’s first points on a 19-yard run in the second quarter and tied his career-long rush of 63 yards in the fourth quarter. • Turned in a passing efficiency of 230.5.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

OSARO AIHIE, AIR FORCE Senior, Inside Linebacker San Leandro, Calif./San Leandro HS

• Made a career-best seven tackles, including a career-high four solo stops, in Air Force’s 22-19 win at Nevada. • Grabbed his first career interception, returning it 39 yards. • His interception came with the Falcons leading 15-12 with less than five minutes left in the game. Air Force scored on the ensuing drive to make it a two-score game with 1:11 to play

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

JAMES FERGUSON-REYNOLDS, BOISE STATE Junior, Punter Geelong, Australia

• Punted five times for 240 yards, averaging 48.0 yards per punt, in No. 12 Boise’s State’s 17-13 win at Wyoming. • Had a long of 62 yards. • Placed four punts inside the 20-yard line and two inside the 10. • Wyoming’s only return was for one yard, giving him a net of 47.8 yards per punt.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

BRYSON DONELSON, FRESNO STATE Freshman, Running Back Visalia, Calif./Central Valley Christian

• Had 12 carries for a game- and career-high 140 yards and a touchdown to lead Fresno State past Colorado State, 28-22, to clinch bowl eligibility for the Bulldogs. • Became Fresno State’s first true freshman to rush for at least 100 yards since 2017. • Had three rushing plays of 20 yards or more, all in the first half. Averaged 11.7 yards per carry. • Turned in a long run of 43 yards, the longest of his career. • Scored on a 16-yard run in the first quarter