FRESNO, Calif. – Allowing a season-high 528 yards, with 345 coming on the ground, Fresno State suffered its second-straight loss, falling 25-17 to New Mexico on Saturday evening at Valley Children's Stadium.
The Lobos controlled the clock throughout the contest, more than doubling the Bulldogs' time of possession (40:19-19:19). The result was Fresno State being outgained by nearly 300 yards.
HOW IT HAPPENED
New Mexico came out firing, connecting on a 46-yard completion down field. New Mexico nearly scored a touchdown, but an offensive pass interference call moved the ball back. On second-and-19, Dupre Mendoza sacked Dylan Hopkins for a loss of one to force a Lobo field goal from 38 yards out.
Fresno State countered with a big play of its own that saw Logan Fife hitting Jalen Moss for 53 yards to set the 'Dogs up at the UNM 5-yard line. Three plays later, Fife scrambled and dove for the pylon for the touchdown.
Malik Sherrod extended the Bulldogs' lead early in the second quarter with a six-yard touchdown run. The running back accounted for the final 13 yards of the drive following a 26-yard reception by Mac Dalena that put the 'Dogs in the red zone.
The Lobos cut into the Bulldogs' lead on the leg of Luke Drzewiecki. The kicker connected from 38 yards for the second time in the game to make it 14-6.
Mexico forced a three-and-out on Fresno State's possession, getting the ball back at its own 8-yard line. After moving the ball to midfield in three plays, the Lobos made it 14-12 on a 50-yard rushing touchdown from Jacory Croskey-Merritt with 2:19 remaining
New Mexico took control of the game in the second half with back-to-back 90-plus yard drives to take a 25-14 lead.
Dylan Lynch cut the deficit to eight with a 44-yard field with 1:49 left in the game.
UP NEXT
Fresno State closes out the regular season on the road at San Diego State on Nov. 25. The teams will battle for the Old Oil Can as Fresno State looks to keep it for the third-straight season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on FS1.