Fresno State’s win streak comes to an end following mystifying loss at Colorado State

Fresno State coach Matt Entz has experienced many memorable first-time moments during his inaugural season with the Bulldogs.

First win, first comeback, first blowout victory.

But this was a different type of first that Entz and Fresno State fans definitely will want to forget and hope that it never resurfaces.

The first baffling defeat.

Fresno State surrendered a touchdown on each of Colorado State’s first four possessions and the Bulldogs never recovered en route a 49-21 loss before an announced crowd of 27,874 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colo.

The Rams (2-4, 1-1) had just one win, hadn’t beaten a Football Bowl Subdivision program on the season and were averaging a mere 17 points per game entering Friday.

The Bulldogs (5-2, 2-1), meanwhile, had a five-game win streak snapped and suffered their first loss since the season opener at Kansas.

Who and what’s to blame for Fresno State’s blunderous showing?

A team photo would provide the answer.

Fresno State, which was a 6.5-point favorite, played poor on offense, defense, and simply didn’t look ready to play.

The Bulldogs committed a season-high four turnovers, including three interceptions from quarterback E.J. Warner, as Entz’s run-oriented offense struggled for a second time this season when forced to play from behind.

The only other time Fresno State trailed early and often was in its season-opening loss against Big 12 opponent Kansas.

Fresno State’s defense, meanwhile, looked confused how to stop a Rams offense that suddenly became high powered under the direction of quarterback Jackson Brousseau.

Colorado State previously had been splitting time at quarterback but sticking with Brousseau seemed to be the Rams’ answer for better production.

Colorado State amassed 35 points by halftime, while taking advantage of big play scores that were highlighted by a 73-yard touchdown run and a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Even the Rams defense came up with a big play, returning a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown.

By halftime, Fresno State trailed 35-7.

In comparison the Bulldogs’ only other loss, Fresno State trailed 24-7 at halftime to Kansas.

Fresno State did manage to cut Colorado State’s deficit to 35-21 with 5:51 remaining in the third quarter with a 23-yard touchdown catch from Rayshon Luke from E.J. Warner.

But Fresno State’s next four drives all were a flop, ending on two turnovers on downs and two interceptions.

Warner finished Friday passing 28 of 49 (57%) for a season-best 350 yards, three touchdowns but three interceptions.

The fifth-year senior, who has had turnovers problems at times this season, now has 10 touchdown passes to 9 interceptions on the season.