Fo shizzle: Fresno State celebrates with rapper Snoop Dogg in bowl victory

Snoop Dogg, the rapper and hip hop icon, took photos with Fresno State players before Saturday’s bowl game and congratulated them afterward.

In between, the Bulldogs players gave Fresno State fans a reason to turn up the volume, maybe even blast some Snoop Dogg parental advisory sticker songs in celebration.

After all, a few explicit words said in joy might’ve been fitting for the moment given that bowl victories have not always been a given throughout Fresno State football history.

Just ask some of the greatest quarterbacks who’ve ever worn the Bulldogs uniform.

But under first-year coach Matt Entz, Fresno State’s formula for success has not required star power at quarterback but rather strong defense, limited offensive mistakes and control of the ball as much as possible.

All of which was displayed in Fresno State’s 18-3 victory against Miami-Ohio on Saturday in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl.

Fresno State’s defense held Miami-Ohio to just 192 total yards and forced two turnovers.

The Bulldogs offense, meanwhile, had arguably their most balanced attack from their offense of the season while also committing no turnovers.

Quarterback E.J. Warner completed 16 of 23 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown.

And Fresno State’s ground game tallied 177 rushing yards on 49 carries, led by Brandon Ramirez’s 53 yards on 11 carries.

That balanced attack helped the Bulldogs keep the ball almost twice as long as the Redhawks with an advantage of 38:40 to 21:20.

“It’s been a heck of a ride,” Fresno State senior Camryn Bracha said in a Fox Sports 1340 AM radio post-game interview. “I think Coach Entz did a great job just helping us get better. Allowed us to play free and have fun.

“He’s been unbelievable. It’s been awesome to lead with him. I’m excited to see where this program goes.”

Fresno State completed the season at 9-4 overall.

Entz joined Jeff Tedford (2017) as the only two first-year head coaches in Bulldogs football history to win a bowl game in their first season as head coach.

Fresno State, meanwhile, moved to 15-13 all-time in bowl games.

Immediately after Saturday’s game, Snoop Dogg rolled out a customized hoopty vehicle onto the field at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., to help Fresno State celebrate before the announced crowd of 37,232.

Saturday marked the Bulldogs’ final game as members of the Mountain West.

Fresno State will move onto the Pac-12 next season and many questions will arise from now until then, in particular who will take over as the Bulldogs starting quarterback.

But just as intriguing of a question will be how much stronger will the Fresno State defense be with more familiarity and more time working with the defensive-minded Entz and defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto.

Fresno State’s defense held opponents to an average of 285.69 yards per game — the fewest allowed in a season since 1976 (269.65).

Entering the bowl game, Fresno State’s defense had ranked No. 14 in the country in total yards allowed per game and No. 25 in points allowed per game at 20.08 points.

The Bulldogs also entered Saturday ranked No. 11 in the country in turnovers, as well as No. 5 in the nation in interceptions.

Fresno State forced an interception and a lost fumble against Miami-Ohio (7-7).

Defensive back Jakari Embry had the pick, and linebacker Jadon Pearson forced the fumble.

Fresno State receiver Josiah Freeman was the standout player on offense, making seven catches for 143 yards, including a long of 53 yards.

Fresno State kicker Dylan Lynch booted through three field goals during the first half to give the Bulldogs a 9-3 lead at the break.

Lynch finished 4 of 5 on the day, nailing kicks from 28, 23, 25 and 37 yards.

The game’s first and only touchdown occurred with 11:12 left in the game when Warner rolled out to the right and found wide open tight end Richie Anderson III wide open in the end zone for a 2-yard score.

This story was originally published December 27, 2025 at 6:26 PM.