Fresno State Football

Bulldogs alums Derek Carr, Jake Haener react to Fresno State’s big win over Purdue of Big 10

Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene joined the program in the spring as a transfer from Central Florida.
Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene joined the program in the spring as a transfer from Central Florida. FRESNO BEE

Fresno State went to West Lafayette, Indiana and rallied to beat Purdue 39-35 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Transfer quarterback Mikey Keene made his Bulldogs debut and shined by completing 31 of 44 for 366 yards and four touchdowns.

Two former Fresno State stars were watching from afar.

New Orleans Saints and former Bulldog quarterback Jake Haener watched from Louisiana and was excited, with expletive emojis, after Fresno State scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning touchdown.

Haener followed by saying, “keep that streak going,” meaning the Bulldogs’ winning streak that is now at 10 dating to last season.

Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr chimed in, too.

Following the game, Keene thanked the Red Wave for making the trip.

Here is the play that gave the Bulldogs the lead and the win in the fourth quarter.

Wide receiver Erik Brooks, who had the TD reception at the end, finished the game with nine receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted 12 times.

This story was originally published September 2, 2023 at 12:48 PM.

Anthony Galaviz
The Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology. Support my work with a digital subscription
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