Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
SMU
Football Wins Defensive Struggle 14-7
11/18/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 18, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State scored 14 first half points and made it hold up as the Bulldogs defeated SMU 14-7 before 40,184 fans at Bulldog Stadium. The win makes FS bowl eligible for the second consecutive year and improves its record to 6-4 (5-2 WAC). SMU drops to 3-8 (2-5).
The Bulldogs got on the board immediately, with Derrick Ward flashing through the line and streaking 53 yards for a touchdown. The run was the longest of the year for Fresno State.
Fresno State added to its lead toward the end of the first half. Once again, it was Ward who got into the end zone, this time on a 1-yard plunge to give FS a 14-0 advantage. The sophomore running back finished the day with 79 yards on 13 carries.
The Bulldogs defense, so impressive the entire season, helped keep the Mustangs at bay for the remainder of the game. SMU finally broke through with 6 minutes 11 seconds remaining in the game when Johnnie Freeman caught a 28-yard pass from Josh McCown to make it 14-7. The Mustangs had one more drive in them, taking the ball down to FS's 45-yard line with just under two minutes remaining. But McCown's pass was intercepted by Bryce McGill to end SMU's threat.
The 14 points scored by Fresno State was the least amount it has scored in a game it has won since Nov. 22, 1986, when the Bulldogs beat San Jose State 14-7. It also increased Fresno State's home winning streak to 15, the third-longest in the nation. Pat Hill is also 19-3 at home in his tenure, including 15-1 in WAC games.
Next up for the Bulldogs is the regular season finale Saturday at archrival San Jose State (7-4, 5-2 WAC). Game time is 12:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium.
