Bulldogs back in Top 25 after clinching division in win over San Diego State

The Fresno State Bulldogs moved back into the national rankings on Sunday, a day after clinching a West Division title and spot in the Mountain West Conference championship game with a 23-14 victory over San Diego State.

Fresno State came in at No. 23 in the Coaches Poll.

The Bulldogs (9-2, 6-1 in the MW) also moved up in the Associated Press Top 25, receiving 100 points at No. 26.

They are one of three Mountain West teams in the Coaches Poll, with Utah State down two spots from last week at No. 15 and Boise State up two spots at No. 22. The Aggies (10-1, 7-0) are No. 14 in the AP Top 25, and the Broncos (9-2, 6-1) are No. 21.

Fresno State, which will end the regular season on Saturday against San Jose State at Bulldog Stadium, will play the winner of the game between Utah State and Boise State for the conference title. The Aggies face the Broncos on Saturday at Boise State.

The Bulldogs will be on the road for the championship game, win or lose against San Jose State..

The conference championship game is to be played at the site of the divisional champion with the highest winning percentage in conference games – if Utah State beats Boise State, it will be 8-0 in conference play. If there is a tie, the first tie-breaker is a head-to-head result – Boise State already has beaten Fresno State this season..

The Bulldogs, in the conference title game for the second year in a row, put together a strong second half, coming back from a 14-10 halftime deficit to take down San Diego State. The Aztecs were 4-2 in conference play and controlled their destiny in the West Division race, but had difficulty stopping the Bulldogs’ run game and their offense generated little in the second half.

Fresno State allowed only 57 yards of offense and no points in the second half.

This story was originally published November 18, 2018 at 1:26 PM.