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AUBURN, Ala. -  News of traumatic brain injuries and suicides among professional and college football players has made many question the violent nature of the game. Rule changes, such as the NCAA's targeting rule, have been imposed to promote player safety, and yet concussions continue to occur.

Using Auburn University's functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, machine, to study the brain functions of college football fans and non-football fans when they were exposed to violent imagery, a team of researchers suspect additional regulations that improve player safety and make the game less violent could impact fandom.

LAS VEGAS – After arriving Monday evening for the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl, the Fresno State football team kicked off day one of its bowl week on the practice field and capped it with a trip to Maverick Helicopters for media availability followed by a surprise tour of the iconic Las Vegas strip on Tuesday.

The flow of bowl week will be a familiar schedule for the team having been slated for a Saturday contest. The 'Dogs will just have to navigate around the festivities in preparation for the game. Tuesday started with morning meetings followed by a two-hour practice on the campus of UNLV and the energy was high knowing what's in front of them. The 2018 Bulldogs are keyed in on locking up the first 12-win season in program history.

FRESNO – One day after winning its third Mountain West Championship, Fresno State accepted an invitation to the 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl on Sunday afternoon. The Bulldogs will face Arizona State, from the Pac-12 conference, for the fourth time in program history. The game is set for a 12:30 p.m. PT kickoff on Saturday, Dec. 15, and will be televised nationally from Sam Boyd Stadium on ABC.

Tickets to the Las Vegas Bowl are on sale now, and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets through Fresno State. They can be purchased HERE, or via the Bulldog ticket office (2650 E. Shaw Ave.) located on the Northeast corner of the Save Mart Center or by phone at 559-278-3647.

BOISE, Idaho – With the Mountain West Championship game in the balance in overtime on a snow covered field, sophomore running back Ronnie Rivers skated in from one-yard on an option pitch from senior quarterback Marcus McMaryion for a touchdown to give Fresno State a 19-16 win over Boise State, its third Mountain West title, and avenged its 2014 and 2017 championship game road losses to BSU in its fourth overall championship game appearance.

The loss was just the ninth for the Broncos at Albertsons Stadium since 2000 and their first overtime loss at home since 2007. It was Fresno State's first win on the blue turf and first win at Boise State since 1984.

FRESNO - Fresno Football Club announced today the signing of goalkeeper CJ Cochran for the 2019 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. “We’re extremely pleased to welcome back CJ to Fresno,” head coach Adam Smith said. “He did a great job for us while here on a short loan and we’re excited to have him for a full season this time.”

Cochran made five appearances for the Foxes in June on loan from fellow USL Championship club Nashville SC, including one clean sheet in the Highway 99 Derby victory over Sacramento Republic FC on June 30. He recorded 12 saves across five matches for a 75% save percentage during his one-month loan before he returned to the Music City. With Nashville, Cochran made three appearances and collected one clean sheet.

BOISE, Idaho - On the eve of the 2018 Mountain West Football Championship Game, the Conference today unveiled a new championship trophy that will be presented to the winner of the annual battle between the top teams from the Mountain and West Divisions.

The championship trophy was designed and produced for the Mountain West by MTM Recognition of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With more than 40 years of experience designing unique recognition pieces that celebrate excellence, MTM’s impressive roster of sport clients includes the NCAA, Big 12, Heisman Trophy Trust and almost two dozen college football bowl games.