Fresno State made its first trip to the East Coast to play Rutgers. It wasn't a direct flight. They had to stop in Kansas along the way. For the first half, they played that way (even if they did get to New Jersey on Saturday). Sloppy, ragged and just off. Luckily for Fresno State, Rutgers felt like being a generous host. The score was still 0-0 at halftime as the Scarlet Knights blew chances. Twice inside the 10-yard line with nothing to show for it, plus two missed field goals.
In the second-half, the Bulldogs got on track. Running back Ryan Mathews began wearing down the Rutgers defense, like Ray Rice had done for Rutgers the last couple years. Mathews piled up 163 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Rutgers was opening up a partially completed expanded stadium, and laid an egg. The questions about the Scarlet Knights without Ray Rice to carry the load loom larger. QB Mike Teel could move the ball well between the 20s, but threw costly interceptions -- including one in the endzone. His touch wasn't quite there, and there was no running back to take the pressure off of him -- Kordell Young may have had 94 yards but it took 26 carries (and 13 yards came on one run) to get there.
Fresno State now has a week off to get ready for a visit from Wisconsin.
