Bulldog Romp: Breaking Down Fresno State's Blowout Win Over Hawaii

What is usually a back and forth battle turned into a one sided affair on Saturday as the Fresno State Bulldogs were never challenged in a 42-17 romp over the Hawaii Warriors at Aloha Stadium.

In a game this team needed to win, they did the things they needed to do to get a much needed conference victory.

Fresno State only committed one penalty

Something that has killed this team over the last three weeks has been the number of penalties being called against them. But, against Hawaii, the Bulldogs were only called for one penalty to Hawaii's seven.

No interceptions by quarterback Ryan Colburn

Something else that has plagued this team is the ill-timed interceptions by Fresno State quarterback Ryan Colburn. However, against Hawaii, Colburn didn't throw a single interception while throwing two touchdown passes.

Colburn finished the game 12/14 for 120 yards, the two touchdown passes were both 17 yard strikes. One to Devon Wylie and one to Chastin West, both came in the second quarter.

Fresno State used the running game to their advantage

Fresno State got rushing touchdowns from three different running backs. Lonyae Miller, Ryan Mathews and freshman Robbie Rouse each had a rushing touchdown, Rouse would finish the day with two rushing touchdowns on the night.

Mathews and Rouse carried the brunt of load, combining for 222 of Fresno State's 277 rushing yards and three of the team's four rushing touchdowns. Mathews, averaging 148 yards per game, finished the night with 149 yards on 24 carries.

Defense held Hawaii to just three points through three quarters

There was a lot of talk about how Hawaii quarterback Brett Moniz, replacing injured Greg Anderson, was going to perform and Fresno State did a great job holding off the Hawaii offense.

Moniz did have a respectable game in his first start, the former Fresno City College standout finished with 283 yards passing on 24-of-52 passing and two touchdown passes, both coming in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of reach.

Surprised that Derek Carr didn't get more playing time

With the game already out of reach by the end of the third quarter, I'm surprised freshman quarterback Derek Carr didn't get more playing time. Though Carr did get some time on the field (2-of-3 15 yards), I would think the Bulldogs' coaching staff would give him more game experience.

We could see more of Carr next week when Fresno State returns home and welcomes in the Spartans of San Jose State.

Next up for Fresno State

The Bulldogs will return to Bulldog Stadium to face the San Jose State Spartans (1-4) who are just coming off a 29-25 shootout loss at home to Idaho.