Why there is no reason to panic after Fresno State’s shutout loss. ‘Keep building’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Entz frames loss as learning step and commits to positivity and steady growth.
- Bulldogs fall to 5-3 overall, stand 2-2 in Mountain West yet remain bowl-eligible.
- Fresno State faces four winnable games — Boise St, Wyoming, Utah St, San Jose State.
There is no reason for panic for the Fresno State football team.
Especially after coming off a shutout 23-0 loss to San Diego State at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Getting shut out at home could be a cause for concern for any team, but Matt Entz is in his first year as the Bulldogs’ coach, and he’s learning, especially from his past experiences.
“I told (the players) I’m going to be unbelievably positive,” Entz said. “There was a year I went 11-2, and it was the worst year of my life because I thought everything (was a shutout), and why are we giving up seven points? I didn’t appreciate wins, and I didn’t appreciate the people that I worked with.
“We’re going to stay positive and we’re going to keep building, and we’re going to keep growing.” Yes, the Bulldogs were outmatched by a stingy Aztecs defense, but Fresno State had opportunities to move the ball down the field, but the run game could never get going.
Not even the Bulldogs’ new starting quarterback, Carson Conklin had an answer for San Diego State.
While the Bulldogs fell to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Mountain West, it was not the end for Fresno State. The Bulldogs are one win away from being bowl-eligible.
The upcoming schedule includes a road game at Boise State, a home game against Wyoming and Utah State before the regular-season finale at San Jose State.
Fresno State has four chances to accomplish that, but it is one at a time under Entz, and he takes ownership after the loss to the Aztecs.
“I’m responsible for everything,” Entz said. “I’m responsible for how our players operate. I’m responsible for how they operate the other 22 hours that they’re not with me. I’m responsible for our staff and for our execution. I’m responsible for the Red Wave and our administration. I love my job, but I take it seriously, and we need to continue to improve.”
Entz said he talked to San Diego State coach Sean Lewis before the game and told him about the good job he is doing after a 3-9 2024 season.
While the Bulldogs are above .500, he takes comfort that brighter days are ahead for his team.
“It’s refreshing to see,” Entz said. “They went through their first year. Kind of ups and downs. (They’re) consistent now. They have the right people in the right place. I’m just going to continue to stay positive because I know we’re going to get this thing going in the right direction.”
