Fresno, Calif.-----Fresno State took advantage of San Jose State’s mistake-filled third quarter scoring three touchdowns en route to a 30-0 Western Athletic Conference victory.
Tailback Ryan Matthews scored on runs of 14 and 58 yards sandwiched around Lonyae Miller’s 2-yard scoring play as the Bulldogs (5-2, 4-0 WAC) pulled away from the Spartans (3-5, 2-2 WAC) after a 6-0 halftime lead. Matthews, a freshman, finished with 144 yards on 16 carries.
Fresno State rushed for 251 yards, its third straight game of more than 200 yards on the ground, and gained 383 yards in its fourth consecutive victory.
San Jose State committed a season-high 12 penalties for 90 yards including six in the third-quarter that contributed to the Spartans' downfall. A.J. Jefferson's 61-yard kickoff return to start the second half ignited the first of the three Bulldog touchdown drives.
The Spartans out-gained the Bulldogs with 394 yards including a season-best 140 rushing, but failed to score in a game for the second time this season. Three times, there were incomplete passes thrown into the end zone. Twice in the first half, San Jose State missed a 39-yard field goals. Five San Jose State drives concluded inside the Fresno State 35-yard line without a score.
The one time the Spartans did get into the end-zone, an illegal formation penalty nullified Kyle Flynn's 6-yard reception in the fateful third quarter.
Adam Tafralis was 22-of-41 for 254 yards and was intercepted on the game’s first play. He also was the team’s leading rusher with 97 yards on 15 carries.
Clint Stitser added field goals of 35, 40 and 44 yards for Fresno State.
San Jose State returns to action, November 3, when it travels to Boise State.