Five Takeaways from Fresno State’s Dominant Win Over Georgia Southern
After a rough opening-week loss to Kansas, Fresno State bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Georgia Southern 42-14 in Week 1. BarkBoard breaks down five major takeaways from the Bulldogs’ rebound performance. 
Fresno State delivered a statement performance in their 42-14 win over Georgia Southern, bouncing back in dramatic fashion just one week after a 31-7 loss to Kansas. It was a game that showcased significant improvement in nearly every phase, with the Bulldogs dominating after halftime and signaling a promising shift for the 2025 season.
Under new head coach Matt Entz, Fresno State began to show the identity he’s been working to instill—one rooted in physical play at the line of scrimmage and defensive toughness. That vision came to life as the Bulldogs rushed for 351 yards, their best output on the ground in over ten years, and shut out Georgia Southern in the second half. Despite being behind at halftime, they exploded for 29 unanswered points and controlled the pace for the remainder of the game.
The offensive line, previously unproven, rose to the occasion despite early injuries. Freshman Bryson Donelson had a breakout game, while Arizona transfer Rayshon “Speedy” Luke electrified the field with three touchdown runs, displaying the burst and power that made him a fan favorite before the season even started. Contributions from depth players like Brandon Ramirez and seniors Elijah Gilliam and Johnathan Arceneaux added to a relentless ground attack that wore down Georgia Southern’s defense.
Defensively, Fresno State rebounded with adjustments and fresh faces. Ethan Tierney stepped into the starting safety role, and linebacker K’Vion Thunderbird filled in seamlessly after a targeting ejection. Though the Bulldogs gave up two quick touchdowns, they completely clamped down afterward, forcing multiple punts and snagging their first turnover of the season, thanks to safety Ryan Wilson. Georgia Southern’s quick-release offense minimized pass rush opportunities, but Fresno State’s coverage and run defense tightened significantly as the game progressed.
Quarterback E.J. Warner remains a point of discussion. While he was efficient overall—completing 20 of 25 passes for 176 yards—two interceptions brought his season total to four, with no touchdowns yet. Despite this, the coaching staff remains confident in Warner, emphasizing his poise and ability to manage the game. Entz stressed that Warner doesn’t need to force plays and that there’s no panic internally about the quarterback situation.
Fresno State now finds itself in a position to build momentum. What looked like a potential spiral at 0-2 has turned into a promising outlook with the Bulldogs now favored in most of their remaining games, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. The Mountain West has had a shaky start overall, and Fresno State’s emphatic Week 1 win positions them as legitimate contenders for the conference title.
Looking ahead, challenges remain. Oddsmakers have Oregon State favored in the Bulldogs’ upcoming road game, despite the Beavers’ own issues. But back home against Southern, Fresno State will have a chance to continue building on this turnaround and shape the rest of their season.
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