"We've got to do a much better job of playing out technique, having eye discipline," said Coach DeRuyter. "Knowing when to turn and run, being physical on receivers, making tackles in space. There's a long laundry list that we've got to get corrected."
But Coach DeRuyter also said he was disappointed the Bulldogs didn't show the same mental toughness, that had been a staple of Fresno State's early season success.
"We didn't have the resolve that even though we were in a fight, even though we were taking some punches," said Coach DeRuyter, "We didn't respond as well as we had all year, and how we should have."
"It's a tough feeling," admitted Offensive Lineman Austin Wentworth. "We had a great season going. We had a lot of high expectations. But at the end of the day we knew we didn't execute to the best of our abilities, which we needed to do."
So now with now BCS bowl game in play, Fresno State will look forward to hosting Utah State in Saturday's Mountain West Championship game.
"We're excited for the Championship Game," said Wentworth. "We know we let one slip by with San Jose State, but we have a great opportunity this week to go be the Mountain West champion, the outright champion, and not have to share it with anybody. And we couldn't be more excited, especially playing at home in Bulldog Stadium."
And Coach DeRuyter sounded pretty passionate about how he expects his Bulldogs to bounce back from their only loss of the season.
"(It's the) last time our seniors absolutely will play in Bulldog Stadium," said Coach DeRuyter. "There's no reason to hold back. Our coaching staff won't and I know our players won't."
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific at Bulldog Stadium.
