Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
New Mexico State
Bulldogs Prevail Over New Mexico State, 23-18
11/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 11, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Dwayne Wright rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter, as Fresno State ended a seven-game losing streak with a 23-18 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday.
Wright's 6-yard touchdown run with 7:51 remaining put Fresno State (2-7 overall, 2-3 WAC) ahead for good and sent the Aggies to their 20th consecutive loss against Division I-A opponents. The Bulldogs had not won a game since their season-opening victory over Nevada.
New Mexico State (2-8, 0-6) drove to the Bulldogs' 14-yard line on its final possession but lost 16 yards when a shotgun snap sailed over the head of quarterback Chase Holbrook.
Holbrook's 47-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Harris, who outran the defense after catching a short hitch pass, gave the Aggies an 18-16 lead with 13 seconds left in the third quarter. Fresno State responded with a nine-play, 70-yard drive capped by Wright's second touchdown.
New Mexico State fumbled four times, which the Bulldogs converted into 17 points.
Bulldogs quarterback Tom Brandstater completed 11 of 19 passes for 99 yards in a touchdown in his first start since a 68-37 loss to Hawaii on Oct. 14.
POSTGAME QUOTES
Fresno State Head Coach Pat Hill:
"That was as big win for this team. It was great to some smiles in that locker room after the game for the first time in two months. I'm very happy for that group of young men. They have been through a lot this season. It was a big win. Some might not think it was pretty or by enough points, but the bottom line was it was a win and that's all we play for."
"I thought Dwayne Wright ran really hard tonight. He's been a tough runner all season. It was tough to run on them. Like everyone we've faced they loaded the box against us so there weren't many easy yards."
"I was happy with the crowd that came. They are true fans and to them I say `thank you'. To those who didn't come, I know we've disappointed them this season. But the Dogs will be back. I promise you. I hope you come back for senior day next week against Idaho and send this group of seniors out with a bang. They've won a lot of games in their career and deserve some credit."
New Mexico State Head Coach Hal Mumme
"We thought we were going to win"
"[The botched snap] was a devastating blow. We tried to get half of it back on the first play. On the last play we had to try and get 23 yards."
"There is a different leak each week. It's painfully obvious we don't have a kicker and we don't have a running game. I feel like a junior high coach when it comes to place kicking. We just have to find a place kicker."
"I just thought our defense played their hearts out. I'm not down on our kids. They are trying hard."
BULLDOG NOTES:
Several Bulldogs made their first career starts: Marvin Haynes, Trevor Shamblee and Kenny Avon.
Dwayne Wright scored his first touchdown in five games and had his third multiple touchdown game of the season. With 121 yards against New Mexico State, he has 928 for the season with three games remaining.
The Bulldogs forced four fumbles today, the most turnovers by a Bulldog opponent this season.
Clint Stitser's 35 yard field goal in the second quarter extended his consecutive streak of makes to six.
Joe Fernandez caught his 15th career touchdown pass, moving him up to seventh on the Bulldog career list. Fernandez is tied with John Sexton (1968-70) and Brian Roberson (1993-96) on the list.
The Bulldogs got two blocks in the game. Ikenna Ike and Bear Pascoe each blocked a PAT in the game. That gives the Bulldogs seven on the season and 70 in the Pat Hill era, which continues to lead the nation. For Pascoe it was his second of the season and it was Ike's first of his career.
The last time the Dogs blocked two kicks in a game was earlier this season against Hawaii when Jason Shirley had two blocks.
The Bulldog defense held the Aggie offense well below their offensive averages in points (29 ppg) and total offense (464.9 ypg).
Fresno State concludes the home schedule next weekend against Idaho, which marks the return of former Bulldog assistant coach Dennis Erickson. The Vandals were idle this week. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. and tickets are available online at gobulldogs.com or through the Bulldog Ticket Office (559) 278-2509.
