If you liked shootouts and lots of points, the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on The CW would not be your ideal game. From Snoop Dogg catching a live kickoff to start the game to both marching bands coming together to play Snoop’s greatest hits (with him conducting), the Arizona Bowl had everything except points. It was the first time Miami (OH) and Fresno State ever faced off. While the Redhawks were able to win the bowl game last year in Tucson, it was the Bulldogs who were victorious for the program’s fourth season since COVID-19, with at least nine wins. Fresno State won the game 18-3.
Fresno State Puts On Defensive Masterclass at the Arizona Bowl
Special Teams, Special Players
If a punter could get a bowl game MVP, it might have been in this game. Special teams were critical for both teams as the teams combined for eight punts for 339 yards. Both teams struggled to move the ball (Miami more so), resulting in a total of six three-and-outs. The first two drives for Fresno State resulted in three-and-outs, while Miami was able to drive down the field to notch its only three points of the game.
For the Bulldogs, Dylan Lynch led the way in scoring with his four field goals. He sank chip shots from 23, 25, 28, and 37 yards out. It was the third time in his career that he made four field goals in a single game.
Second-Half Defensive Dominance
Miami only had the ball four times in the second half. Heading into the half, the Redhawks had a lengthy-ish drive, ending in a lost fumble. When the teams came out of the locker room, Miami was shut down.
The first drive of the second half was a six-play, 19-yard drive resulting in a punt. Then, it got ugly. The Bulldogs forced the Redhawks into back-to-back three-and-outs. On the fourth Miami drive, it found a little success. Then, the red zone defense for Fresno State tightened up and sacked Thomas Gotkowski to effectively end it.
Miami came into this game averaging 196 yards in the air, 153 yards on the ground, and 25.1 points per game. Fresno State held the Redhawks to a paltry 72 yards through the air and 120 yards on the ground. The 192 total offensive yards for Miami were easily the fewest since the Redhawks were dominated by Wisconsin in Week 1.
You’d think this kind of dominance would be a result of plenty of tackles for loss. It was not to be. The Bulldogs only managed three tackles for loss and two sacks.
Fresno Offensive Breakout
Despite being held to just 15 points, Fresno State was able to move the ball. For reference, Miami’s longest drive was 53 yards and 3:51 off the clock. That was the drive that ended in a fumble. For the Bulldogs, they had four drives as productive. If there is going to be an aspect to nitpick, it would be the offensive red zone execution. Fresno State made it to inside the 20 six times. Only one of those drives finished with a touchdown, four field goals, and a missed field goal.
E.J. Warner managed the offense with ease. The senior started off the game with just two completions on five attempts. From then on, he finished 14-of-18. His final collegiate pass resulted in the game’s only touchdown on a two-yard strike to a wide-open Richie Anderson III. Warner finished the game with 214 yards passing. His top target on the day was Josiah Freeman. The senior set a new career-best (at Fresno State) with 143 yards on seven receptions.
On the ground, the Bulldogs got plenty of players involved. In total, eight players ran the ball at least once, led by sophomore back Brandon Ramirez. He ran the ball 11 times for 53 yards.
As a result of the play discrepancy, Miami had three players with double-digit tackles.
What’s Next
The victorious Fresno State Bulldogs are now part of the new-look Pac-12, leading behind the Mountain West, their home since 2012. Head coach Matt Entz kept up the winning ways despite being the program’s fourth head coach in five seasons. Due to that uncertainty, the Pac-12 hasn’t finalized its 2026 schedule. Out of conference, Fresno State will get to play USC, Sacramento State, Rice, and former MWC rival San Jose State.
Miami has been one of the most consistent programs in the MAC with three straight MAC Championship appearances. Chuck Martin, in 12 seasons, has made five consecutive bowl games. Next year, his Redhawks will face Pitt, Holy Cross, UCONN, and Cincinnati. That Cincinnati game is currently the final scheduled game between the two rivals, unfortunately.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
