Fresno State Athletics
Game Notes
10/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 11, 2008
Recap | Box Score | Quotes | Game Action 
Fresno State vs. Idaho
Bulldog Stadium
Postgame Notes and Quotes
Oct. 11, 2008
Ajirotutu in the Zone
Junior receiver Seyi Ajirotutu's first career touchdown came early in the second quarter, but not via a reception. He was Johnny on the Spot when he recovered an Anthony Harding fumble in the end zone to give the Dogs a 14-3 lead with 13:18 remaining in the first half. He scored Fresno State's third touchdown of the game with his first career TD reception of 15 yards with 21 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
Miller Goes Long Again
One week after electrifying Bulldog Stadium with an 80-yard touchdown run, the eighth-longest in school history, junior back Lonyae Miller did better against Idaho. He scored on a 90-yard touchdown run, the third longest in Fresno State history and the second-longest in Bulldog Stadium history. Only Josh Levi's 94-yard run against San Jose State in 1999 was longer. Miller finished the game with 15 carries for 181 yards and averaged 12.1 yards per carry. In his last two games, Miller has 35 carries for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He's averaging 9.8 yards per carry in those games. He had 138 total rushing yards in the first four games combined.
Openers
Fresno State scored touchdowns on their opening drives of each half, the first time this season it has scored a touchdown to open either half. Tom Brandstater scored Fresno State's first TD of the game on a 1 yard run and Ryan Mathews scored on a 20 yard touchdown on a four-play drive to start the second half.
Lewis Big Grab
End Chris Lewis had his first career fumble recovery and it was big for a couple reasons. First, it halted an Idaho drive deep into Bulldog territory. Secondly it set-up a magical play as Lonyae Miller took the ball 90 yards for a touchdown on Fresno State's first play from scrimmage after the turnover.
Ground Attack
The Dogs put up more than 200 yards for the fourth game this season and third straight game with 318 yards against the Vandals. Fresno State entered the week ranked No. 22 in the NCAA in rushing yards per game (207.6) and has 638 rushing yards in the last two games, 318 in each. As a team, Fresno State averaged 8.4 yards per carry with Lonyae Miller (12.1) and Anthony Harding (11.8) leading the way.
Jake's Day
Senior safety Jake Jorde set a new career-high for tackles in a game, leading the Dogs with 10 tackles. Ben Jacobs and Sharrod Davis had nine tackles each. Davis' nine tackles were a career high as well.
Notables
Fresno State ran just 24 plays in the second half of the game and the Vandals led the Dogs in time of possession by nearly 10 minutes ... Sophomore center Joe Bernardi's father, Gary, attended the game, the first time he's been able to see his some play in college. Gary is a long-time college assistant coach, currently serving at UNLV and the Rebels had a bye this week ... Vince Pascoe made his second career catch in the game, both have been for touchdowns. Pascoe had a 1 yard touchdown reception last season at Oregon ... receiver Devon Wylie returned to action for the first time since the Wisconsin game ... Fresno State's 21 points in the first half against the Vandals is the most in a half in game this season, surpassing Fresno State's 20-point output at UCLA ... Fresno State's 45 points were the most by the Dogs in a WAC game since last season's 49-41 win at Nevada ... Fresno State is 17-4 in October home games under Pat Hill ... one week after turning the ball over six times against Hawaii, Fresno State had just one against Idaho tonight ... the Dogs are off next Saturday and will return to action Oct. 25 at Utah State.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Dogs travel to Utah State to take on the Aggies on Saturday, October 25, at Noon. The game will be broadcast by the Bulldog Sports Network and can be seen on KAIL-TV Digital 7.1 (MY 53) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with the Bulldog Blitz pre-game show. The Dogs return home to Bulldog Stadium on Friday, November 7, as they host Nevada at 6 p.m. in a game televised nationally on ESPN2. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
