Fresno State overcame three turnovers and scored four second-half rushing touchdowns to pull away for a 42-14 victory over Georgia Southern Saturday night in non-conference football action at Valley Children's Stadium.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a 36-yard field goal on the first drive of the game, but a big tackle for loss from Davion Rhodes in the red zone played a big role in keeping Fresno State out of the end zone. After a long punt return, the Bulldogs punched it in with a 17-yard scoring run to quickly make it 10-0.
The Eagles didn't flinch, and moved right back down the field in just 3:35 and eight plays to score when JC French IV found newcomer Camden Brown wide open for an 18-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to three late in the first quarter.
A Brandon Tyson interception late in the first quarter set up a 4-yard touchdown pass from French IV to tight end River Helms to give the Eagles their first lead of the game. Fresno State drove deep into Eagle territory, but MJ Stroud forced a fumble at the goal line that was recovered by Rhodes to stop another drive.
The second half was all Bulldogs as they outscored the Eagles 29-0 and outgained them 316-75. For the game, the Bulldogs piled up 351 yards on the ground.
Georgia Southern ran just 49 plays in the game as Fresno (1-1) controlled the ball for 38:01 in the game. Chance Gamble recorded his eighth career interception and his fourth as an Eagle in the second quarter.
Up Next: The Eagles (0-1) will remain in California for the week before taking on USC next Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (PT)/7:30 p.m. (ET) in a game that will be broadcast on FS1.
