:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24713467/452562221.0.jpg)
The first quarter it looked like this Mountain West title game was exactly what Utah State wanted as they only trailed Fresno State 3-0 after the first quarter. The Aggies sacked Fresno State quarterback was sacked three times in the first quarter, and hurried multiple other times too.
Utah State's offense was not doing much better as their signal-caller Darell Gareettson was sacked three times in the first quarter and four overall.
The second quarter is where Fresno State was able to make some adjustments to take control of this game. Offensive coordinator Dave Schramm decided to stretch the field horizontally and using that bunch wide receiver set, and that helped the offense start humming like the machine it is. Carr got the ball out quickly and was not being pressured.
The first touchdown came on a 7-play, 45 yard drive that resulted in a 2-yard touchdown pass to a very wide open Marcel Jensen for the first touchdown of the game. Fresno State's defense forced Utah State to give up the ball, and the next drive the Bulldogs scored another touchdown.
The second score came on a 9-yard reception to Isaiah Burse who stretched out to get into the end zone and give them a 17-0 lead.
Utah State threatened on their next drive but Derron Smith picked off Garettson at the 2-yard line to keep the Aggies off the board.
Fresno State was about to put the game away for good as they were driving deep into Utah State territory, but on an option play the Bulldogs fumbled the ball and Utah State linebacker Jake Doughty took the ball back 87 yards to make it a 17-7 game. Fresno State could have been up 20 or even 24-0, but that fumble recover for a score is a huge momentum swing for the Aggies.
