Coach DeRuyter sees progress from Bulldogs

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresh off a second straight win, Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter allowed himself a minute to talk about the progress his team made in Friday's 35-24 win over New Mexico.

"As a coaching staff we had a ton of confidence in our players that if we kept playing hard, we were going to find a way to get it done," said DeRuyter.

But apparently not all parties were as pleased with the Bulldogs' win. Fresno State's 3rd-and-17 pass play late in the fourth quarter seemed to irk New Mexico head coach Bob Davie. Coach DeRuyter insists there's no animosity between the two.

"It was no big deal," said DeRuyter. "There's difference of opinion sometimes. Coach Davie and I spoke this morning and everything's good."

Now Fresno State will look for a third straight win Friday night at home against San Diego State.

The Aztecs lead the Mountain West in scoring defense, standing out to the Bulldogs on film.

"Well they disguise very well, I know coach talked about it," said Quarterback Brian Burrell. "They have a whole bunch of guys standing up at the line of scrimmage, making it difficult to know where they're coming from. It's going to be important for me to send the line the right way, and get the protection set the right way in order to give me some time."

But with this being the only home game for Fresno State in October, the Bulldogs are expecting to have plenty of support at the special "Night in Navy" themed contest.

"We've been fortunate for two years to be able to get [San Diego State]," said DeRuyter. "The fact that we've got them here in Bulldog Stadium, I like our chances. I think if we get the Red Wave or Blue Wave or Navy Wave, whatever we want to call them, behind us, I think that can hopefully be the difference in the ball game."

Friday night's kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium, and will be shown nationally on the CBS Sports Network.