In a tough matchup during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, the Fresno State Bulldogs suffered a heart-wrenching 28-20 overtime loss to the Northern Illinois Huskies in Boise. The game was characterized by missed opportunities and dramatic plays, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Fresno State initially held a solid lead, dominating with a 13-3 advantage at halftime. However, Northern Illinois rallied in the second half, tying the score with a spectacular 26-yard touchdown reception by Grayson Barnes. Both teams had critical moments where they could have taken control, including missed field goals in the final minutes of regulation.
As the game progressed into overtime, excitement escalated with three quick touchdowns. Ultimately, it was a devastating fourth-down sack by NIU’s Jordan Hansen that sealed Fresno State’s fate, handing them their first bowl game loss since 2014 and concluding the season at 6-7, marking their first losing record since 2019.
Adding to the Bulldogs’ challenges, they played without key players such as quarterback Mikey Keene, who earlier declared his intention to transfer to Michigan State. Furthermore, running back Malik Sherrod announced his departure to Boise State immediately after the game, setting the stage for a future matchup against his former team.
This game also marked the end of Tim Skipper’s tenure as interim head coach. Fresno State will welcome new head coach Matt Entz, previously from North Dakota State University, in 2025, creating an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed hope for the program.
While the loss is disappointing, it also serves as a learning experience for the team. With new coaching leadership and the prospect of rebuilding, there is potential for Fresno State to bounce back stronger in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, while the Bulldogs faced a tough end to the season, the transition in leadership and player development offers a hopeful outlook for future challenges. Transition phases in sports can often lead to unexpected turns of success, underscoring the resilience inherent in college athletics.