RENO, Nev. -- Fresno State skated through the first half of the season without many injuries slowing it down. Now, with two regular-season games left, injuries are piling up.
Starting running back Ryan Mathews, the nation's top rusher, suffered a mild concussion during Saturday's 52-14 loss to Nevada and is one of many Bulldogs who will be fighting injuries this week as Fresno State strives to cement a solid finish in the Western Athletic Conference standings.
"We're a pretty beat-up team right now," coach Pat Hill said. "We left some pretty good players at home. It's gonna be a grind."
Among those who were slowed Saturday were safety Lorne Bell, who said he suffered a stinger but finished the game, and receiver Seyi Ajirotutu, who was "dinged up" when his helmet hit the ground hard, according to Hill. Tight end Vince Pascoe walked out of the locker room with ice wrapped around one hand.
That's on top of the players who were ruled out before the game.
Right guard Andrew Jackson watched from the sideline because of a sprained left knee. Receiver Devon Wylie is out because of a hamstring injury suffered Oct. 17. Weakside linebacker Kyle Knox, Hill said, hurt his back Thursday lifting weights.
Hill said the Bulldogs were pushed around on both the offensive and defensive lines Saturday.
Could the Bulldogs have used Jackson's 31 games of starting experience in the contest?
Could Knox have helped the Bulldogs contain Nevada's running game a little better?
Would Wylie have helped put some points on the board?
"It's getting a little late in the season," quarterback Ryan Colburn said. "We just have to do our best to get healthy and be ready for Louisiana Tech because it's not going to get any easier."
Luckily for the Bulldogs, they have depth at some positions, including running back.
Seniors Lonyae Miller, Anthony Harding and freshman Robbie Rouse have all had significant playing time. Harding, in fact, led the team in rushing last season when Mathews was banged up.
"We just have to pick up the flag and keep on rolling," said Miller, citing the team mantra. "We just gotta go have a hard week of practice and go out there and play hard."
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