Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, September 2
Fresno, CA
7 p.m. PT
Fresno State
1-0
66
vs
0
Incarnate Word
0-1
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Incarnate Word
0
0
0
0
0
Fresno State
17
17
32
0
66
Photo by: Kiel Maddox
Tedford era opens with 66-point blowout win over Incarnate Word
9/2/2017 11:00:00 PM | Football
Box ScoreHC Jeff Tedford Post-Game Press ConferenceWR KeeSean Johnson Post-Game Press ConferenceDE Robert Stanley Post-Game Press ConferenceQB Chason Virgil Post-Game Press ConferenceUIW-FS Post Game QuotesDerek Carr Jersey Retirement Press Conference QuotesGame HighlightsPhoto Gallery (Kiel Maddox)Photo Gallery (Keith Kountz)
FRESNO, Calif. - The Jeff Tedford era opened in style on Saturday night at Bulldog Stadium as the 'Dogs blanked Incarnate Word 66-0 behind 613 yards of offense in front of 39,447 fans.
On a night that saw legendary Bulldog quarterback Derek Carr have his No. 4 jersey retired in a halftime ceremony, the Bulldogs offense flashed back to Carr's Senior Night scoring the most points in a game since November 23, 2013 when they piled on 69 in a 41-point win over New Mexico.
Saturday's shutout was the first pitched by the Bulldogs since September 5, 2009 (vs. UC Davis). The 'Dogs held Incarnate Word to 125 yards of offense on the night, including negative 30 yards rushing for a new Bulldog Stadium record for fewest rushing yards by an opponent. UIW had 60 yards offense after three quarters of play.
Sophomore quarterback Chason Virgil went 16-of-29 through the air for 246 yards and a touchdown. Junior wide receiver KeeSean Johnson posted his second career 100-yard contest totaling 120 yards on seven receptions while true freshman Ronnie Rivers, the first 'Dog to start at running back since 1980, added 60 yards on nine carries and a TD.
Sophomore Josh Hokit accounted for three scores, running for two and tossing one on a halfback pass. Junior transfer Marcus McMaryion completed 6-of-7 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, entering in the third quarter.
The defense was led by junior Tank Kelly's six tackles and a standout night by junior transfer Emeka Ndoh who posted two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
How It happened
After stalling on the opening offensive drive, the 'Dogs defense went to work right away forcing a turnover on a 3rd-and-14 as junior defensive end Emeka Ndoh striped UIW quarterback Taylor Laird of the ball and recovered the ball.
On the ensuing drive, the 'Dogs put together a six-play, 43-yard drive that spanned 2:32 on the clock as a 1-yard touchdown plunge from Hokit gave Fresno State its first score of 2017.
After the 'Dogs forced a three-and-out on the Cardinals next possession, junior running back Dejonte O'Neal broke off a career-long 44-yard punt return down to the UIW 17. With three plays only netting four yards on offense, senior kicker Jimmy Camacho converted a 30-yard field to put the Bulldogs up 10-0.
On Fresno State's next possession after forcing a three-and-out, Hokit increased the score to 17-0 on a 65-yard halfback pass as he connected with sophomore tight end Jared Rice who was streaking down the left side of the field wide open for a 65-yard score. Hokit's touchdown throw was the first touchdown thrown by a non-quarterback since Robbie Rouse in 2012 – a 1-yard throw on Nov. 24 vs Air Force.
The scoring continued in the second quarter as Camacho connected on his second field goal of the night, this one a career-long 47 yards, to put Fresno State ahead 20-0.
The offensive fireworks continued as the Bulldogs put up two more touchdowns in the second quarter as Hokit punched in his second touchdown of the game, a 4-yard run, and after an eighth straight three-and-out by UIW, Virgil connected with junior tight end Kyle Riddering for 2-yard TD, his first career TD reception, to put the 'Dogs in control 34-0.
After gaining 361 yards of offense in the first half and scoring 34 points, Fresno State continued to pile up the points in the second half, adding 34 in the third quarter alone. The 'Dogs picked up a pair of safeties and a 30-yard run from true freshman Ronnie Rivers sandwiched in between to put the 'Dogs out front 45-0.
Fresno State added three more touchdowns between the 7:48 and 0:33 marks in the third quarter, including a pair of scoring tosses from McMaryion, and the first touchdown run from freshman running back Jordan Mims to push the 'Dogs lead to 66-0 after three quarters.
It was the most points scored by Fresno State in a season opener since 1988 when they tacked on 68 against New Mexico.
Quotables
Head Coach Jeff Tedford's opening statement...
"I thought the team went in to the game tonight with the focus they needed. We needed to stay focused on this game and on ourselves, and we did that. It was great for me to return to Bulldog Stadium and run down the ramp again, but tonight was about watching the players run down the ramp and the energy they had tonight."
Head Coach Jeff Tedford on what it was like to have Derek Carr at the game tonight…
"It was great. He came to our pregame meal and said a few things to the team that hit the nail right on the head with what we want the guys to do. He really touched on how important all the little things are that people don't see. Touchdowns and wins all start with the preparation that goes into that. As a staff, we talk about how important all that hard work and preparation really is. Derek is really brought that to life for them. He is really well respected in this community. I congratulate Derek on being honored tonight. It was great to have him back, as well as David and their entire family."
Quarterback Chason Virgil on playing in front of a large crowd…
"You definitely notice it as a player, we were able to see in warm ups all the people that were standing around waiting for us to walk down the ramp and the stadium kind of fills as the warm ups go on, coming out and to walk out you hear the fans screaming and it was definitely loud and it was good to see the stadium packed."
Notables
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On a night that saw legendary Bulldog quarterback Derek Carr have his No. 4 jersey retired in a halftime ceremony, the Bulldogs offense flashed back to Carr's Senior Night scoring the most points in a game since November 23, 2013 when they piled on 69 in a 41-point win over New Mexico.
Saturday's shutout was the first pitched by the Bulldogs since September 5, 2009 (vs. UC Davis). The 'Dogs held Incarnate Word to 125 yards of offense on the night, including negative 30 yards rushing for a new Bulldog Stadium record for fewest rushing yards by an opponent. UIW had 60 yards offense after three quarters of play.
Sophomore quarterback Chason Virgil went 16-of-29 through the air for 246 yards and a touchdown. Junior wide receiver KeeSean Johnson posted his second career 100-yard contest totaling 120 yards on seven receptions while true freshman Ronnie Rivers, the first 'Dog to start at running back since 1980, added 60 yards on nine carries and a TD.
Sophomore Josh Hokit accounted for three scores, running for two and tossing one on a halfback pass. Junior transfer Marcus McMaryion completed 6-of-7 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, entering in the third quarter.
The defense was led by junior Tank Kelly's six tackles and a standout night by junior transfer Emeka Ndoh who posted two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
How It happened
After stalling on the opening offensive drive, the 'Dogs defense went to work right away forcing a turnover on a 3rd-and-14 as junior defensive end Emeka Ndoh striped UIW quarterback Taylor Laird of the ball and recovered the ball.
On the ensuing drive, the 'Dogs put together a six-play, 43-yard drive that spanned 2:32 on the clock as a 1-yard touchdown plunge from Hokit gave Fresno State its first score of 2017.
After the 'Dogs forced a three-and-out on the Cardinals next possession, junior running back Dejonte O'Neal broke off a career-long 44-yard punt return down to the UIW 17. With three plays only netting four yards on offense, senior kicker Jimmy Camacho converted a 30-yard field to put the Bulldogs up 10-0.
On Fresno State's next possession after forcing a three-and-out, Hokit increased the score to 17-0 on a 65-yard halfback pass as he connected with sophomore tight end Jared Rice who was streaking down the left side of the field wide open for a 65-yard score. Hokit's touchdown throw was the first touchdown thrown by a non-quarterback since Robbie Rouse in 2012 – a 1-yard throw on Nov. 24 vs Air Force.
The scoring continued in the second quarter as Camacho connected on his second field goal of the night, this one a career-long 47 yards, to put Fresno State ahead 20-0.
The offensive fireworks continued as the Bulldogs put up two more touchdowns in the second quarter as Hokit punched in his second touchdown of the game, a 4-yard run, and after an eighth straight three-and-out by UIW, Virgil connected with junior tight end Kyle Riddering for 2-yard TD, his first career TD reception, to put the 'Dogs in control 34-0.
After gaining 361 yards of offense in the first half and scoring 34 points, Fresno State continued to pile up the points in the second half, adding 34 in the third quarter alone. The 'Dogs picked up a pair of safeties and a 30-yard run from true freshman Ronnie Rivers sandwiched in between to put the 'Dogs out front 45-0.
Fresno State added three more touchdowns between the 7:48 and 0:33 marks in the third quarter, including a pair of scoring tosses from McMaryion, and the first touchdown run from freshman running back Jordan Mims to push the 'Dogs lead to 66-0 after three quarters.
It was the most points scored by Fresno State in a season opener since 1988 when they tacked on 68 against New Mexico.
Quotables
Head Coach Jeff Tedford's opening statement...
"I thought the team went in to the game tonight with the focus they needed. We needed to stay focused on this game and on ourselves, and we did that. It was great for me to return to Bulldog Stadium and run down the ramp again, but tonight was about watching the players run down the ramp and the energy they had tonight."
Head Coach Jeff Tedford on what it was like to have Derek Carr at the game tonight…
"It was great. He came to our pregame meal and said a few things to the team that hit the nail right on the head with what we want the guys to do. He really touched on how important all the little things are that people don't see. Touchdowns and wins all start with the preparation that goes into that. As a staff, we talk about how important all that hard work and preparation really is. Derek is really brought that to life for them. He is really well respected in this community. I congratulate Derek on being honored tonight. It was great to have him back, as well as David and their entire family."
Quarterback Chason Virgil on playing in front of a large crowd…
"You definitely notice it as a player, we were able to see in warm ups all the people that were standing around waiting for us to walk down the ramp and the stadium kind of fills as the warm ups go on, coming out and to walk out you hear the fans screaming and it was definitely loud and it was good to see the stadium packed."
Notables
- The 'Dogs moved to 13-0 against FCS opponents since 2000.
- The Bulldogs won their 11th straight season opener played at home in Bulldog Stadium.
- Fresno State improved to 56-36-4 in season openers in program history.
- The official attendance was 39,447, which was the largest crowd since hosting Nebraska in 2014.
- The 66-point win was the largest margin of victory since October 5, 1991 when the 'Dogs won 94-17 against New Mexico.
- The Bulldogs scored their second-highest point total in a shutout as they blanked Fort Ord 80-0 in 1942.Â
- Twenty-eight Bulldogs saw their first game action at Fresno State, including seven first-time starters.
- Three newcomers combined for 14 points (Rivers touchdown, Mims touchdown and Ndoh safety).
- The last time the 'Dogs held a team below 200 yards of offense was against Sacramento State (9/10/16).
- The last time the 'Dogs held a team to negative rushing yards was against San Jose State (11/21/08).
- The 'Dogs held UIW to eight first downs for the first game since Sacramento State (9/10/16) that an opponent had less than 10 first downs.
- The last time Fresno State had two safeties in a game was at Nevada (11/22/14).
- Sherman Coleman Jr.'s blocked field in the fourth quarter to preserve the Bulldogs shutout was the first blocked field goal since Marcel Jensen at San Diego State (10/26/13).
- The last time the 'Dogs had four receivers with touchdown receptions was Southern Utah (9/20/14) as Jamire Jordan, Justin Allen, Jared Rice and Kyle Riddering all scored.
- KeeSean Johnson and Jordan extended their consecutive games with a reception to 23 and 25 games, respectively.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateFB
Instagram:Â Fresno_State_Football
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Team Stats
UIW
FS
Total Yards
125
613
Pass Yards
155
414
Rushing Yards
-30
199
Penalty Yards
50
15
1st Downs
8
26
3rd Downs
3
10
4th Downs
0
0
TOP
27:22
32:38
1st Quarter
UIW 0, FS 7
FS - HOKIT, Josh 1 yd run (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick), 6 plays, 43 yards, TOP 2:32
UIW 0, FS 10
FS - CAMACHO, Jimmy 30 yd field goal 4 plays, 4 yards, TOP 1:15
UIW 0, FS 17
FS - RICE, Jared 65 yd pass from HOKIT, Josh (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick) 4 plays, 84 yards, TOP 0:50
2nd Quarter
UIW 0, FS 20
FS - CAMACHO, Jimmy 47 yd field goal 7 plays, 42 yards, TOP 1:49
UIW 0, FS 27
FS - HOKIT, Josh 4 yd run (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick), 5 plays, 84 yards, TOP 1:48
UIW 0, FS 34
FS - RIDDERING, Kyle 2 yd pass from VIRGIL, Chason (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick) 10 plays, 74 yards, TOP 3:15
3rd Quarter
UIW 0, FS 36
FS - TEAM 23 yd safety
UIW 0, FS 43
FS - RIVERS, Ronnie 30 yd run (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick), 4 plays, 61 yards, TOP 1:14
UIW 0, FS 45
FS - NDOH, Emeka 10 yd safety
UIW 0, FS 52
FS - JORDAN, Jamire 24 yd pass from McMARYION, M. (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick) 5 plays, 58 yards, TOP 2:25
UIW 0, FS 59
FS - MIMS, Jordan 13 yd run (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick), 4 plays, 24 yards, TOP 1:51
UIW 0, FS 66
FS - ALLEN, Justin 45 yd pass from McMARYION, M. (CAMACHO, Jimmy kick) 6 plays, 64 yards, TOP 3:27
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
16
TD
1
YDS
246
INT
0
CMP
1
TD
1
YDS
65
INT
0
Players Mentioned
WR
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DB
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K
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WR
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DB
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WR
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QB
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RB
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OL
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DL
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RB
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TE
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TE
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RB
/ FootballQB
/ FootballJeff Tedford to be inducted into the Fresno State Football Ring of Honor
Tuesday, September 23
FB highlight at Hawai'i [9/20/25]
Monday, September 22
Instant Highlight: Fresno State 23, Hawaii 21
Sunday, September 21
Post-Game Press Conference [9/20]
Sunday, September 21