Fresno State (8-4, 7-1 MW) at Boise State (9-3, 8-0 MW)
Saturday, Dec. 3 • 1:00 p.m. PT • Albertsons Stadium (35,944) - Boise, Id.
Fresno State Game Notes (PDF) | Boise State Game Notes (PDF) | Championship Central
Fresno State Weekly Press Conference | Ultimate Broadcast Guide
MEDIA COVERAGE
TV - FOX
Play-By-Play - Tim Brando
Analyst - Spencer Tillman
Sideline - Petros Papadakis
Radio - Bulldog Sports Network
Play-by-Play - Paul Loeffler
Analyst - Pat Hill
Sideline - Cam Worrell
A LOOK INSIDE
Series: Boise State leads, 17-7
Head Coaches:
Jeff Tedford
Fresno State Record (Years): 34-18 (4th season)
Career DI Record (Years): 116-75 (13 year)
Andy Avalos
Boise State Record (Years): 16-8 (3rd season)
Career DI Record: Same
BULLDOG BONES
Following Fresno State's inaugural season in the Mountain West in 2012 when the Bulldogs shared the MW conference title with Boise State and San Diego State, the conference split into the Mountain Division and West Division and held its first conference championship game in 2013. Going into year 10 of the title bout, the Bulldogs will play for the fifth time in those 10 seasons. Fresno State hosted Utah State in the first-ever MW Championship game in 2013 and won 24-17, was defeated by Boise State on the road in its next two bouts in 2014 and 2017, and won on the road in 2018.
For the third time since 2017, Fresno State will travel to Boise State for the Mountain West championship game.
The Bulldogs and Broncos met in both 2017 and 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in the MW title game with Boise State edging the 'Dogs in the first matchup 17-14. Fresno State won the last meeting with Boise State in the championship game, defeating the Broncos in overtime in 2018, 19-16.
The Fresno State vs. Boise State game is always one that is traditionally circled on the calendars at the start of the season. Many factors play into that statement, but one being the teams are generally among the top in the FBS rankings. However, this season looks a little different for both sides as neither team is ranked in the Top 25. It is the second meeting of the last eight that neither team finds itself in the AP Poll or the Coaches Poll. However, this matchup shows both of the teams receiving votes in each of the polls this week.
With its 41-14 win at Nevada on Nov. 19, Fresno State clinched its West Division title and a berth to the Mountain West Championship Game. With its West Division title secured, Fresno State has officially won the most West Division titles among all schools in the division. The Bulldogs have won their division in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 and now in 2022.
With 156 yards rushing at Nevada, senior running back Jordan Mims became the first Bulldog since Marteze Waller in 2014 to have a 1,000 yard rushing season at Fresno State. Mims has 1,028 on the year, and is averaging 93.5 rushing yards per game this season.
In five games since his return from injury, quarterback Jake Haener is playing arguably the best and most-accurate football of his career. In his last four games, Haener has completed 136-of-182 pass attempts, throwing just two interceptions to 13 touchdowns. The senior QB has totaled 1,578 yards in that span, tossing a 300-yard game in the first four performances since his return. He is passing at a 75 percent clip since Oct. 29.
There is a lot to be said about the career of senior defensive end David Perales. In just his third season as a Bulldog, Perales has surely become one of the best defensive lineman in Fresno State history. The senior Bulldog has totaled 118 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and one interceptionin his career (2020-pres.)
Against Wyoming, Fresno State had two blocked punts. It was the first time a Bulldog had blocked a punt in a game since Mykal Walker in 2018. Mac Dalena had a partial block on a punt in the first quarter, but it was Evan Williams who got his hands on the second punt for a safety.