RENO, Nev. - Behind stout defense from the Bulldogs and two touchdowns from sophomore running back Ronnie Rivers, Fresno State defeated Nevada 21-3 in its Mountain West opener on Saturday evening at Mackay Stadium. Holding Nevada to only a field goal in the contest, the Fresno State defense forced three turnovers and limited the Wolf Pack to 3.8 yards per play on offense.
Senior quarterback Marcus McMaryion went 20-of-28 passing, completing better than 70 percent of his throws for the fourth time in five games. He racked up 241 yards and tossed two touchdowns. The beneficiary to each of McMaryion's touchdown throws were senior wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (27-yard TD) and Rivers (19-yard TD). Johnson had a team-high seven receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown while Rivers' TD grab was his sole reception on the evening. Junior tight end Jared Rice tallied a team-high and career-high 98 yards on three receptions which included a career-long 69-yard reception.