DeRuyter looking to build momentum

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The relief in Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter's voice was clearly audible, talking about his Bulldogs' first win of 2014 last Saturday over Southern Utah.

"We came back in the second half and did some things to spark our offense with some plays on defense," said DeRuyter. "Getting the takeaways, our offense took advantage. And that momentum got us going."

"It definitely felt good to see the offense get going, because we've seen what they can do in practice," said Senior Safety Derron Smith. "So it was a nice sight to see them get going in a game."

After a slow start, Coach DeRuyter was happy with the output of his offense. The Bulldogs piled up 694 yards and seven touchdowns against the Thunderbirds.

"Once we got into a rhythm, once we got into playing with tempo, I thought we played well," said DeRuyter.

But defensively, the Head Bulldog was not satisfied with Fresno State still giving up big plays.

"You can't give up plays where they're throwing the ball over your head or you're falling down on simple a slant play," explained DeRuyter. "We've either got to get different personnel, or change the way we call the game if we can't get guys to execute our defense."

And now the Bulldog defense will have to face New Mexico's triple option attack on the road. The Lobos are ninth in the country in rushing, averaging 350 yards per game on the ground.

"I really like their running backs," confessed DeRuyter. "They've got some good running backs. And as far as efficiently running their offense they're executing at probably the best clip we've seen them execute."

"You stay on your man because they can run option-option-option and option-pass," said Smith. "It's just discipline with your eyes and technique."

Kickoff in Albuquerque is set for Friday night at 5 p.m. Pacific, and will be shown nationally on ESPN2.