'Dogs shutout Sun Devils in the desert

Saturday, September 16

Tempe, AZ

7:30 p.m. PT

Fresno State

3-0 , 0-0

Arizona State

1-2 , 0-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Fresno St.

Arizona St.

Photo by: Samuel Marshall

'Dogs shutout Sun Devils in the desert

9/16/2023 11:28:00 PM | Football

Box Score Fresno State-Arizona State postgame notes Fresno State-Arizona State postgame quotes

By: Savannah Stoeckle / Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications

TEMPE, Ariz. - Forcing eight turnovers in the desert night, Fresno State earned its first shutout over a Power-5 opponent since 1986, defeating Arizona State 29-0 on Saturday at Mountain America Stadium. It marked the first time the Sun Devils had been shutout at home since 1988.

For the Bulldogs, it is the most turnovers this century. The defense totaled five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Carlton Johnson produced three of those INTs, the most by a Bulldog since Phillip Thomas in 2012.

Fifteen of Fresno State's points came on the foot of Dylan Lynch who tied Fresno State's program record with five made field goals, the most since Barry Belli in 1984.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State got out to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter, sparked by Mikey Keene going 14-of-14 for 129 yards in the opening quarter. Keene led the 'Dogs to a successful scoring drive on the opening possession, finding Moss on a 19-yard post route through the Sun Devil secondary.

ASU starting quarterback Trenton Bourguet threw one pass attempt before Carlton Johnson grabbed his first interception of the season on the Sun Devil's second pass attempt. Keene would move the offense down the field again, but the 'Dogs had to settle for the leg of Dylan Lynch as he hit for a 39-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 5:50 left in the opening quarter.

The Bulldog defense got their second turnover of the game on ASU's next possession as Morice Norris Jr. sacked quarterback Drew Pyne, forcing a fumble that was picked up by Kemari Munier-Bailey at the Fresno State 32-yard line. The 'Dogs took advantage again on the turnovers as Lynch was good for a 30-yard field goal to open the second quarter, and to put Fresno State ahead 13-0.

Munier-Bailey kept the pressure on the Sun Devil offense, forcing a turnover on their next play. This one was recovered by Jacob Holmes at the ASU 13-yard line. Lynch connected from 29 yards out to extend Fresno State's lead to 16-0 with 10:25 left in the second quarter.

Arizona State felt some momentum, using a handful of chunk yardage plays to find itself deep in Fresno State territory. The Bulldog defense stayed strong, keeping ASU off the scoreboard as the Sun Devils had a 1st-and-goal opportunity from the 3-yard line, but the 'Dogs forced a turnover on downs on fourth-and-1.

Fresno State would have its first punt of the game with just 24 seconds left in the second quarter. The Bulldog offense saw itself right back out on the field as Johnson intercepted his second pass of the night on a pass by Pyne. The offense attempted to add more points, but Lynch's 53-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.

The Bulldogs' defense forced a three-and-out on the Sun Devil's opening drive of the second half. It would take only five plays before Fresno State found the end zone as Keene connected with Jaelen Gill who made a one-on-one play against the Sun Devil defender for a 42-yard touchdown play to put Fresno State up 23-0.

Cam Lockridge got in on the turnover action, intercepting Pyne and returning it 23 yards on the next Sun Devil drive to put the Bulldogs back in the driver's seat on offense.

Lynch hit on a 50-yard field goal to put Fresno State ahead 26-0 at the end of the third quarter.

Fresno State's defense stayed strong as Johnson grabbed his third interception of the night, against his third different Sun Devil quarterback. He picked off Jacob Conover at the ASU 15-yard-line to give possession back to Fresno State on the team's seventh turnover gained of the night.

With 14:31 remaining in the game, Lynch connected on his fifth-made field goal from 33 yards out to tie the program record for most made field goals in the game.

Al'zillion Hamilton got his hands on an Arizona State pass attempt, recording the Bulldogs' fifth interception of the night to hold the shutout victory over the Sun Devils.

UP NEXT
Fresno State returns home to host Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 23 for Boots and Buckles night at Valley Children's Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the game are available here.

"Fresno State Athletics - Elevate: Imagine the Possibilities" - The Elevate Campaign provides a visionary roadmap to enhance and construct a series of athletic facilities to help further position Fresno State Athletics for sustained competitive success nationally, while also further serving as a source of pride and economic growth throughout California's Central Valley. For more information, visit GoBulldogs.com/elevate.