Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, December 12
Las Vegas, NV
7:30 p.m. PT
Fresno State
3-3 , 3-3
39
vs
49
New Mexico
2-5 , 2-5
1st quarter1st
2nd quarter2nd
3rd quarter3rd
4th quarter4th
FinalF
Fresno State
7
17
7
8
39
New Mexico
7
14
7
21
49
Photo by: Photo by Zak Krill
Fresno State falls 49-39 to New Mexico in Las Vegas
12/12/2020 11:49:00 PM | Football
LAS VEGAS – Once owning a 31-21 lead midway through the third quarter, Fresno State's hopes to leave the desert with a win for a second time were dashed after surrendering 28 unanswered points before tacking on a late score to fall 49-39 to New Mexico on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Fresno State totaled 408 yards of offense with 350 of those coming off the arm of Jake Haener who was 26-of-43 through the air and tossed three touchdowns. Jalen Cropper hauled in a career-high 12 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. Fresno State's local receiving trio of Cropper, Josh Kelly (96) and Mac Dalena (88) accounted for 318 yards.
New Mexico's offense totaled 495 yards and went an astounding 12-of-16 on third downs while its defense produced eight sacks. It was the most since their program record nine sacks in 2005.
How It Happened
Fresno State opened up the game by getting into the Lobo's backfield and forcing a quick three-and-out. Kwami Jones finished off the possession with his fifth sack of the season.
Following a botched punt of 21 yards, Fresno State capitalized on solid field position from New Mexico's 44-yard line. Haener twice found Cropper on third down, the first on third-and-8 for a 32-yard gain, and the second to the left corner of the end zone on third-and-goal to put the 'Dogs in front 7-0.
A trend that then started early was the Lobo's answering Fresno State's touchdowns. A 75-yard drive drew the Lobos level with 6:34 left in the first.
Late in the first quarter, the Bulldogs found themselves starting at midfield following a UNM three-and-out. Haener rolled to his right and hit Zane Pope on a crossing route for a 16-yard score to regain the lead just six seconds into the second quarter.
Three minutes and 75 yards later, Nathaniel Jones answered with a 3-yard score for New Mexico to knot the game at 14 a piece.
The Bulldogs then scored 10 unanswered points and took a 24-14 lead midway through the second quarter. Asa Fuller first connected from 30 yards out, and then Jordan Mims broke loose for the longest play from scrimmage this season, an 84-yard touchdown run down the sideline.
The Lobos answered the Bulldogs' touchdown once again through a seven-play, 71-yard drive that cut Fresno State's lead to 24-21 at the half.
Midway through the third quarter and knocking on the doorstep, Haener faked a handoff to Ronnie Rivers, who drew the attention of the defense, and the Bulldog signal caller slipped out to the right and walked untouched into the end zone from three yards out to give the 'Dogs a 10 point advantage once again, 31-21, with 6:43 left in the third quarter. But from that point on, it was all New Mexico. The Lobos increased their defensive pressure and their offense scored 28 unanswered points to put the game out of reach.
Mac Dalena added a 24-yard touchdown reception late in the game, followed by a 2-point conversion, to make the final score 49-39.
Notable
• Jordan Mims' 84-yard touchdown run was the 10th longest run from scrimmage in program history. It was the longest play from scrimmage by the Bulldogs in 2020.
• Mac Dalena caught his first career pass (a 51-yarder in his second quarter) and his first career touchdown (a 24-yard catch in the fourth quarter).
• Jalen Cropper had a career-high 12 catches. It was his second game in 2020 with 10+ catches.
• The Bulldogs did not force a turnover for the first time since the season finale at San Jose State in 2019.
• The Lobos won the 19th meeting in the all-time series between the two squads. Fresno State remains the all-time series leader, 13-5.
• Fresno State fell to New Mexico in a Mountain West game for the first time (5-1).
• Fresno State dropped its first game of the season when entering the fourth quarter with a lead (3-1).
• Fresno State allowed the most points in a game since allowing 52 to Toledo on Sept. 17, 2016.
Quotable
Kalen DeBoer, Fresno State head coach
Opening Statement...
"Two weeks in a row and we are on the wrong end. We have to finish in the second half, that was a point of emphasis all week long. We didn't get to get that done last week, and this week is the same way. We have a lot of guys that are taking a lot of snaps in some spots, we are thin in some areas, and you can just see it wearing us out. Some things I know are really easily fixable and we need to make sure that we are working on in the future. It is kind of hard to believe, I am still processing that this is already the end of the season. Even talking with the guys just now, we feel like there is more we should work on and get better at. Like there is more to come. Six games, and here we are. I am always going to be happy with the fight that these guys had, there is no question that they fought until the end. We had some new bodies in places, especially on special teams, that they haven't been and guys were playing a lot more snaps than they ever have before. I think a lot of what happened tonight offensively was a lot of pressure and that is the name of the game with their defense. They always try to have that one play that puts you behind the sticks and that happened especially in the second half. Once they got their run game going, the play action starts hitting you and you have eyes in the wrong places. You just have to have that belief and trust in each other. We are still trying to find that. Their offense does some good things schematically and they took advantage of us. There is a lot to learn from and build on. You are always discouraged when you lose. It is hard for me to find the words to say, especially here at the end, when you're so used to winning over the years. I know a lot of guys are hurting, and that's a good thing because it means its important. It means you can get better. The beginning of next year starts right now. There is a lot to sort out, with who is returning and we will do that in the days, weeks and months ahead."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateFootball
Fresno State totaled 408 yards of offense with 350 of those coming off the arm of Jake Haener who was 26-of-43 through the air and tossed three touchdowns. Jalen Cropper hauled in a career-high 12 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. Fresno State's local receiving trio of Cropper, Josh Kelly (96) and Mac Dalena (88) accounted for 318 yards.
New Mexico's offense totaled 495 yards and went an astounding 12-of-16 on third downs while its defense produced eight sacks. It was the most since their program record nine sacks in 2005.
How It Happened
Fresno State opened up the game by getting into the Lobo's backfield and forcing a quick three-and-out. Kwami Jones finished off the possession with his fifth sack of the season.
Following a botched punt of 21 yards, Fresno State capitalized on solid field position from New Mexico's 44-yard line. Haener twice found Cropper on third down, the first on third-and-8 for a 32-yard gain, and the second to the left corner of the end zone on third-and-goal to put the 'Dogs in front 7-0.
A trend that then started early was the Lobo's answering Fresno State's touchdowns. A 75-yard drive drew the Lobos level with 6:34 left in the first.
Late in the first quarter, the Bulldogs found themselves starting at midfield following a UNM three-and-out. Haener rolled to his right and hit Zane Pope on a crossing route for a 16-yard score to regain the lead just six seconds into the second quarter.
Three minutes and 75 yards later, Nathaniel Jones answered with a 3-yard score for New Mexico to knot the game at 14 a piece.
The Bulldogs then scored 10 unanswered points and took a 24-14 lead midway through the second quarter. Asa Fuller first connected from 30 yards out, and then Jordan Mims broke loose for the longest play from scrimmage this season, an 84-yard touchdown run down the sideline.
The Lobos answered the Bulldogs' touchdown once again through a seven-play, 71-yard drive that cut Fresno State's lead to 24-21 at the half.
Midway through the third quarter and knocking on the doorstep, Haener faked a handoff to Ronnie Rivers, who drew the attention of the defense, and the Bulldog signal caller slipped out to the right and walked untouched into the end zone from three yards out to give the 'Dogs a 10 point advantage once again, 31-21, with 6:43 left in the third quarter. But from that point on, it was all New Mexico. The Lobos increased their defensive pressure and their offense scored 28 unanswered points to put the game out of reach.
Mac Dalena added a 24-yard touchdown reception late in the game, followed by a 2-point conversion, to make the final score 49-39.
Notable
• Jordan Mims' 84-yard touchdown run was the 10th longest run from scrimmage in program history. It was the longest play from scrimmage by the Bulldogs in 2020.
• Mac Dalena caught his first career pass (a 51-yarder in his second quarter) and his first career touchdown (a 24-yard catch in the fourth quarter).
• Jalen Cropper had a career-high 12 catches. It was his second game in 2020 with 10+ catches.
• The Bulldogs did not force a turnover for the first time since the season finale at San Jose State in 2019.
• The Lobos won the 19th meeting in the all-time series between the two squads. Fresno State remains the all-time series leader, 13-5.
• Fresno State fell to New Mexico in a Mountain West game for the first time (5-1).
• Fresno State dropped its first game of the season when entering the fourth quarter with a lead (3-1).
• Fresno State allowed the most points in a game since allowing 52 to Toledo on Sept. 17, 2016.
Quotable
Kalen DeBoer, Fresno State head coach
Opening Statement...
"Two weeks in a row and we are on the wrong end. We have to finish in the second half, that was a point of emphasis all week long. We didn't get to get that done last week, and this week is the same way. We have a lot of guys that are taking a lot of snaps in some spots, we are thin in some areas, and you can just see it wearing us out. Some things I know are really easily fixable and we need to make sure that we are working on in the future. It is kind of hard to believe, I am still processing that this is already the end of the season. Even talking with the guys just now, we feel like there is more we should work on and get better at. Like there is more to come. Six games, and here we are. I am always going to be happy with the fight that these guys had, there is no question that they fought until the end. We had some new bodies in places, especially on special teams, that they haven't been and guys were playing a lot more snaps than they ever have before. I think a lot of what happened tonight offensively was a lot of pressure and that is the name of the game with their defense. They always try to have that one play that puts you behind the sticks and that happened especially in the second half. Once they got their run game going, the play action starts hitting you and you have eyes in the wrong places. You just have to have that belief and trust in each other. We are still trying to find that. Their offense does some good things schematically and they took advantage of us. There is a lot to learn from and build on. You are always discouraged when you lose. It is hard for me to find the words to say, especially here at the end, when you're so used to winning over the years. I know a lot of guys are hurting, and that's a good thing because it means its important. It means you can get better. The beginning of next year starts right now. There is a lot to sort out, with who is returning and we will do that in the days, weeks and months ahead."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateFootball
Team Stats
FS
NM
Total Yards
408
495
Pass Yards
350
196
Rushing Yards
58
299
Penalty Yards
50
73
1st Downs
23
24
3rd Downs
4
12
4th Downs
1
0
TOP
28:27
31:33
1st Quarter
FS 7, NM 0
FS - CROPPER, Jalen 10 yd pass from HAENER, Jake (FULLER, Asa kick) 6 plays, 44 yards, TOP 1:46
FS 7, NM 7
NM - CHAVEZ, Isaiah 3 yd run (MURPHREE, Donov kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 4:54
2nd Quarter
FS 14, NM 7
FS - POPE, Zane 16 yd pass from HAENER, Jake (FULLER, Asa kick) 6 plays, 50 yards, TOP 2:06
FS 14, NM 14
NM - JONES, Nathanie 3 yd run (MURPHREE, Donov kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:00
FS 17, NM 14
FS - FULLER, Asa 30 yd field goal 5 plays, 56 yards, TOP 1:22
FS 24, NM 14
FS - Mims, Jordan 84 yd run (FULLER, Asa kick), 1 plays, 84 yards, TOP 0:15
FS 24, NM 21
NM - COLE, Bobby 4 yd run (MURPHREE, Donov kick), 7 plays, 71 yards, TOP 3:20
3rd Quarter
FS 31, NM 21
FS - HAENER, Jake 3 yd run (FULLER, Asa kick), 16 plays, 70 yards, TOP 7:59
FS 31, NM 28
NM - KINSLOW, Conner 49 yd pass from CHAVEZ, Isaiah (MURPHREE, Donov kick) 5 plays, 77 yards, TOP 1:58
4th Quarter
FS 31, NM 35
NM - JONES, Nathanie 10 yd run (MURPHREE, Donov kick), 14 plays, 85 yards, TOP 7:33
FS 31, NM 42
NM - COLE, Bobby 35 yd run (MURPHREE, Donov kick), 1 plays, 35 yards, TOP 0:07
FS 31, NM 49
NM - COLE, Bobby 9 yd run (MURPHREE, Donov kick), 5 plays, 70 yards, TOP 2:45
FS 39, NM 49
FS - DALENA, MAC 24 yd pass from HAENER, Jake (POPE, Zane pass) 8 plays, 74 yards, TOP 1:18
Players Mentioned
WR
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K
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QB
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DE
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WR
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RB
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WR
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RB
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