Fresno State defeats New Mexico 38-21 in MWC opener

In a Mountain West Conference opener on Saturday night in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fresno State showcased a strong performance against the Lobos, securing a 38-21 victory. Mikey Keene led the Bulldogs with an impressive 226 yards passing, completing 26 of 33 attempts, and threw a touchdown pass to Josiah Freeman early in the first quarter. The Bulldogs capitalized on New Mexico's mistakes, forcing three turnovers throughout the game, which significantly contributed to their win. Fresno State's offense was further bolstered by a 26-yard touchdown pass from Raylen Sharpe to Kamron Beachem just before halftime, extending their lead to 25-3. The Bulldogs maintained control of the game, with Elijah Gilliam adding a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 35-13. Gilliam finished the game with 54 rushing yards on 18 carries, showcasing the team's balanced offensive attack. On the other side, New Mexico struggled to find consistency, with quarterback Devon Dampier completing 33 of 53 passes for 338 yards, but also throwing two interceptions. Despite his efforts, the Lobos were unable to overcome the early deficit and the turnovers that plagued their performance. Luke Wyson was a bright spot for New Mexico, catching 10 passes for 126 yards. This victory marks Fresno State's third win of the season, improving their record to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while New Mexico remains winless at 0-4 and 0-1 in the Mountain West. The game highlighted Fresno State's defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, setting a positive tone for their conference campaign.