Bulldogs win at Hawaii 31-21

The Fresno State football team defeated Hawaii 31-21 Saturday night at Aloha Stadium, fueled by a defense that held its opponent under 300 yards total offense for the fourth time this season.

The Bulldogs’ offense, led by four touchdown passes from Marcus Mcmaryion, scored 31 straight points after the Rainbow Warriors took a 7-0 advantage after the first quarter. It was the first time since the ’Dogs traveled to Washington on Sept. 16 that they were held out of the end zone in the opening frame, but a 21-point second quarter gave the Bulldogs a 21-7 lead at the intermission. All this in a first half that also saw a 41 minute lightning delay that made the teams return to their respective locker rooms.

Fresno State (7-3, 5-1 MW) scored 10 points in the third quarter to grab the game’s momentum, but Hawaii (3-7, 1-6 MW) would not go without a fight as they scored 14 in the final frame.

The Bulldogs’ offense posted 401 total yards, 226 via the pass game and 175 on the ground.

Mcmaryion was 19-of36 for 226 yards (four touchdowns and two interceptions), with his top target being Da’mari Scott, who had a teamhigh seven receptions (for 82 yards). Keesean Johnson posted two touchdowns on six catches and a team-best 91 yards.

The run game was split evenly between Jordan Mims’ 12 carries, Ronnie Rivers’ 11 carries and Josh Hokit’s 10 carries. Mims led the group with 55 yards.

Tobenna Okeke wreaked havoc on the defensive side of the ball, posting three sacks and forcing two fumbles. James Bailey led the team with nine tackles while Jeffrey Allison and George Helmuth posted eight apiece.

Fresno State plays at Wyoming at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.