Fresno State Athletics
Mathews Breaks Records, Eyes Full Season
10/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 17, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Ryan Mathews won a place in Bulldog fans' hearts in 2007 and has kept it with his explosive rushes leading Fresno State to multiple wins. But now he has a more enduring spot in Bulldog lore, a place in the Fresno State record books.
After a night with 233 yards rushing, Mathews became the sole record holder for Fresno State's most consecutive games with 100 or more rushing yards. Last week at Hawai'i, Mathews tied Wendell Mathis's 2005 record of five-straight games with 100 yards of more. Saturday's game performance against San Jose State gave Mathews six.
"Tonight felt really good," said Mathews. "The offensive line opened up holes for me, making it so I went untouched a lot and just had to break a few tackles. They deserve all the glory; they made this happen for me tonight and throughout the season."
The last six games have proven Mathews to be nearly unstoppable as he has amassed 974 yards on the ground in the six games this season.
"He is a very, very special player," said head coach Pat Hill. "He has more than proven himself to be a really good running back."
Mathews began the season rushing for 106 yards against UC Davis and then ran for 107 at Wisconsin. Returning to Bulldog Stadium, Mathews ran over Boise State totaling a career-best 234 yards. Mathews had 145 and 149 on the road against Cincinnati and Hawai'i, respectively. He nearly tied his career-best with his 233 yards Saturday night against San Jose State.
"It feels really good to get those kind records, but I really just care about the wins," said Mathews. "The numbers are nice, but they don't mean anything for the most part they just get erased at the end of the year anyway.
With six games complete and six to go, Mathews is glad to be playing.
"This is the first season I haven't been hurt," he said. "I'm just thankful to be playing and thank God I'm still healthy and playing. I look at this one game at a time and out there having fun with my boys.
"I'm looking forward to the next game and the chance to get back on the field again."
"We Are Your Team" - Your Fresno State Bulldogs will be heading south to take on the New Mexico State Aggies on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. This intense match up can be seen on ESPNU. They will return home on Oct. 31 to take on Utah State Aggies. Tickets can be purchased at the Bulldog Ticket Office, by calling 278-DOGS or online at GoBulldogs.com.
