October 26, 2021

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FRESNO STATE BECOMES BOWL ELIGIBLE Bulldogs seal homecoming victory against the Nevada Wolf Pack Page 7

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

INSIDE: CONCERN OVER DROP IN FRESHMAN APPLICATIONS FOR TWO YEARS

NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

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Students in long lines, want new food options

By Adam Solis Reporter Students are facing long lines at the University Student Union (USU) and are expressing a need for more food options at the university.

Fresno State’s primary dining options at the USU currently consist of Subway and Panda Express, with a vacancy at the former location of Robertito’s Taco Shop. Students oftentimes find themselves waiting in lines during peak lunch hours of the day in order to buy food.

Josh Hernandez, a freshman majoring in pre-law philosophy, said there have been occasions where he has had to wait for over an hour for the line to finally get to him. Hernandez said that on a good day he waits around 45 minutes in line. On a bad day, he expects to wait an hour in line to get his food.

“Sometimes it varies. Sometimes you’ll get like these extremely long lines and sometimes it’ll be really quick,” Hernandez said.

Patrick Murphy, a junior majoring in business administration with a focus in marketing, has noticed the issue of restaurants not meeting the demand of students’ orders and thinks it may have to do with the number of employees and the space provided for the food vendors to operate in.

Gabriella Montes, a junior math major, agreed with Murphy’s thoughts and said she has noticed the impact of students trying to get their food during the lunch rush.

“You know some students are kind of like in a rush trying to get their food and it’s always packed so I think having more employees will help speed up the process a bit,” Montes said.

Megan Sarantos, the director of university dining services, said there is a severe staff shortage and that dining services hope to fill the vacant positions within the coming weeks.

Taco Bell Express opened later in the semester due to this issue.

“We, like so many other food service operators in our area and across the state, are facing a severe staff shortage. We have been working very hard to repopulate our entire department and have hired almost 150 new employees, primarily students, since July. We still have a number of vacant across the various operations, including in the food court. We hope to be fully staffed in the coming weeks,” Sarantos said.

The Fetch app, initially proposed as a way to help expedite the process of getting food on campus for students, isn’t providing the same experience for students across the different vendors, Murphy said.

“The Fetch app works pretty smoothly with

Adam Solis • The Collegian

The University Student Union offers restaurant options that some students say are limited in terms of variety and nutritional value.

The Bucket, but with like Panda Express I’ve noticed they just get behind because of how many people they have in line, so packing the orders with only one line, especially when the employees have to pack the orders in the same place. I think they just get overwhelmed sometimes,” Murphy said.

Sarantos said that the new Resnick Student Union (RSU) will not have centralized cashier stations like ones in the USU food court, which will help eliminate the need to wait in line.

“Each retail food location will have their own register and the customer will pay when they order their food, eliminating the need to wait in line twice,” Sarantos said “I am also confident that having three additional food concept locations and a coffee concept will lighten the impact on the operations located in the existing USU.” The lease agreement with Robertito’s expired in May 2020, and Lisa Boyles Bell, the Fresno State public information officer, said Julio’s Taqueria will replace the vacant spot. It is expected to open in Spring 2022.

“We are in the process of identifying additional campus dining options that will be located in the Resnick Student Union which will open in Fall 2022,” Bell said. “Consultation with our student leadership and Food Service Advisory Committee continue in regard to the final recommended concepts that will be located in the new RSU.” Students have noticed a lack of variety

among the dining options on campus, and many hope the RSU will incorporate more food vendors that aren’t fast food burger stops but healthier and more flavorful options.

Murphy said providing healthier food options like a grab-and-go fruit station at different vendors would help cut down on time in line because students would be able to find a variety of options at one vendor instead of having to waste time going to multiple locations trying to get a healthier meal.

“I do think the university should provide meals that aren’t fast food options. I definitely think there are other CSUs that have better dining options than us,” Murphy said. “Maybe something like Panera, things like that where

it’s fast food but it’s really not and where there’s actual work put in and it’s not something that’s been reheated, especially healthier options.”

Leonardo Osorio, a freshmen majoring in animal science, said that he hopes the variety in dining options reflect the food that students would prefer to have on campus.

“I feel like a variety of options would be good, like how people were saying that they need some Indian food here and some Mexican food,” Osorio said. “They just have Taco Bell but that’s not really like Mexican food and I feel like all the other places to eat here are more like American places to eat and I feel like a lot of people come from different cultures and I feel like there should be a mix of food places.”

Adam Solis • The Collegian

Students wait in line for Subway and Panda Express at the USU on Oct. 25.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

Freshman applications down for past two years

By Edward Lopez Reporter Freshman application rates at Fresno State have steadily decreased for the past two years as students return to campus.

Fresno State Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) Interim Director Matthew Zivot said that freshman application rates have steadily decreased since fall 2019.

Zivot noted that he can’t put a definite reason for the general decrease in first time freshman numbers despite the OIE’s best efforts to find trends in the data to hold the university more accountable.

“Applications for this year closed in November of 2020. Applications for last year closed in November of 2019 before the pandemic. So, our decrease in applications that we’re seeing for the past three years actually started before the pandemic,” Zivot said.

From fall 2019 to fall 2021, Fresno State had 18,150; 15,459; and 15,271 applications, respectively.

Compared to fall 2019, fall 2020 had a 14.83% decrease in applications. Fall 2020 to fall 2021 had a decrease of 1.22%.

Zivot wondered if the move to become a more impacted university as opposed to an open enrollment system had anything to do

with the decrease in enrollment numbers.

“Well, we’ve been communicating that out to the region that you need a higher GPA than in previous times to attend Fresno State. I wonder the implication. I wonder the impact that had on applications,” Zivot said.

“Or did we decrease our own applications by changing the message that we’re sending to the community?”

Zivot noted that these decreases could be a result of a multitude of reasons.

“But maybe, maybe the pandemic is causing things like that decrease... Maybe students that had put up and [were] willing to travel farther from home... Maybe for health reasons they want to stay close to home, also maybe due to economic reasons,” Zivot said.

From fall 2019 to fall 2020, retention rates among first-time freshmen decreased from 86.8% to 76.9%.

Normally retention rates for first-time freshmen is around 85.6% when compared to recent years, Zivot said.

Zivot believes that this is in part due to students having to adapt to virtual learning in higher education for the first time.

“Based on OIE’s analytics, surveys and interviews with students, I think this drop in firsttime student retention reflects new students experiencing virtual instruction and will rebound

this year with a decent amount of in-person classes for new students,” Zivot said.

He noted that the student population for the past few years remained relatively the same in light of recent events.

“We had just over 25,000 students last year.

We’ve been hovering around 25,000 students for years. On some level, it’s kind of almost surprised that that’s stable, given all the incredible changes that our community, or, you know, our country’s gone through in the last two years,” Zivot said.

However, the distribution of enrollment throughout different student groups have radically different trends, according to Zivot.

“So, first-time freshman applications are down, new transfer student applications are pretty stable, new graduate student applications are through the roof. So there isn’t even one trend,” Zivot said.

According to data from the OIE, first-time freshmen African American students saw a decrease in six-year graduation rates.

“Five years ago, it was at or above 50%. Last year it was 41.7% and this year it was 38.1%.

While we only have 100-125 African American students entering as first-time students each year, helping this group of students to succeed at rates in line with their peers is important to fulfilling our commitment to equity,” Zivot said.

“

Well, we’ve been communicating that out to the region that you need a higher GPA than in previous times to attend Fresno State.

I wonder the implication. I wonder the impact that had on applications.

— Matthew Zivot, OIE Interim Director In collecting and displaying the data publicly, Zivot hopes to help make Fresno State a little more accountable not only to the university population but also the public as a whole.

“I really enjoyed the immediacy of it, and being able to see how the results of my research contributes to an actual good to the extent that university can do a better job of teaching students or serving, serving students… but if we can help with that, I feel like it’s, it’s much more rewarding,” Zivot said.

ASI says non-compliant faculty will be disciplined

By Jannah Geraldo News Editor Faculty who fail to submit their vaccination records by Oct. 27 will face disciplinary action, Associated Students Inc. (ASI) President D’Aungillique Jackson said at the Oct. 20 senate meeting.

Senators addressed repercussions for non-compliant faculty and students who do not complete COVID-19 vaccine certification and also elected new members to the senate Wednesday.

According to a statement sent to ASI from Jim Schmidtke, interim associate vice president for faculty affairs, faculty have been sent numerous emails regarding the required weekly testing mandates. Beginning Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, non-compliant faculty will be contacted.

The required weekly testing applies to faculty who have religious or medical exemption, and those who have not yet completed their self-certification forms.

“After the October 27 deadline, faculty will

Jannah Geraldo • The Collegian

Senators discuss vaccine certification deadlines at the senate meeting. first receive a written counseling memo, and then if there’s still a continued lack of compliance, a formal written reprimand will be issued.

This written reprimand can be placed in personnel files, which could affect decisions about tenure and promotion and ultimately future employment,” Jackson read.

Any continued non-compliance can result in more severe disciplinary action, including

suspension.

In the written statement, Schmidtke emphasized the need to hold faculty accountable, however, he noted that potential suspension is still in discussion as it may affect students’ learning environments.

For any students on campus who have not yet completed vaccine certification, Jackson said policies were put into effect impacting

Bulldog ID cards.

“Only 2% of our students have not completed their certification, and in total that’s about 167 who are taking in-person classes… Their Bulldog card is not going to be accessible for, like, on-campus services,” Jackson said.

A Bulldog ID is necessary to use facilities including the Student Recreation Center or printing services at the Henry Madden Library.

Students on campus who have not already completed vaccine certification will begin to see limits on their Bulldog ID. In regards to Bulldog ID use, Jackson said that the keycard access program to university facilities she proposed at a previous senate meeting will not be implemented.

“I did tell you all last time that the university was looking at implementing keycard access… but I have most recently been told that the university has decided not to pursue [it] because the library has said that it’s going to cause too much of a traffic jam at the front entrance,” Jackson said.

A&E

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

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Kevin Hill: professional musician and now Fresno State student

By Sydney Morgan Reporter There is a common stereotype associated with what a college student looks like.

People typically imagine someone in their early 20s, fresh out of high school, and more often than not, lacking real world experience.

But Kevin Hill, a professional bass and tuba player, fits outside the norm.

After a long and successful career as a musician both abroad and at home, he decided to return to college.

Hill has toured with famous violinist Patrick Contreras and was a music curator at venues such as The Landmark.

But the lifestyle pushed him to defy the norms of a college student and attend Fresno State’s music program.

He is defying society’s expectations to return to college after pursuing a long, successful and hugely memorable career as a musician.

“Making a living as a musician is extremely hard work. There are no benefits and no retirement, so I’m going back to school. For myself and for my family,” Hill said.

Hill, a senior at Fresno State, has been playing jazz, rock, funk, blues and folk music

around the world since he was 16 years old.

At the age of 21, he chose to pursue a career as a musician instead of continuing his academic education and as a result started traveling nationally and internationally on tours.

After living the musician lifestyle and having a family, he decided to come back and finish his education.

“I always knew that I wanted to finish, it just became more feasible when I got older,” Hill said.

When Hill was 37 years old, he started at Fresno City College then worked his way to Fresno State, where he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and obtaining a teaching credential.

When asked about the decision to return to finish his education, Hill said, “There wasn’t a moment… It just became possible.”

He knew going back to college would affect his family and work life, so he had to plan for a long time.

“It’s not too often that a famous local musician wants to go back to school so that he can become a music educator and give back everything he has learned to the youth in the community,” said Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr., director of jazz studies at Fresno State.

Courtesy of Kevin Hill

Professional musician Kevin Hill toured nationally and internationally before deciding to come to Fresno State.

The two men have been friends since grade school, where they would ride the bus to school together, and stayed connected through several life-changing events and career changes.

“He is the funniest, most charismatic, and one of the most talented people in the room, always,” Giddens Jr. said.

“His musical ability is natural and flows through him at all times, it’s such a joy to see him play.”

Giddens Jr. and Hill’s friendship played a small part in Hill choosing to go Fresno State to get his degree.

Along with their friendship, Hill also chose Fresno State because it was close to home.

The decision also came because, as a musician, life was not an easy feat.

“The fluctuation of income is the worst part of being a musician,” Hill said.

Hill realized that in order to make $50,000 a year he would need to have three gigs a week, and earn $350 each time.

“I’ve struggled the whole time, that’s part of [being a musician],” Hill said. “It places your value, self worth and self esteem in the hands of a different audience multiple times a week.”

Hill said there is no respect if you don’t have a degree, that you get $20 an hour until you die.

“Get your degree and play music,” Hill said.

“I watched most of my friends who finished college go on to become teachers, and I’ve seen none of those people stop playing music, but I have seen plenty of people try to be musicians only and become stubborn, poor and stop playing music.”

Hill said that the reason people still want to be musicians is because they’re worshipped as demigods.

Musicians get to travel for free to places they always wanted to go to and meet amazing people in the process.

In this way Hill said being a musician is magical, that people will be more likely to crowd around you on the street and clap and smile and dance.

“It’s an honor to move the air in a way that changes people’s lives for the better,” Hill said.

Hill is pursuing a path to teach what he learned in his lifetime to those who are just starting their musical careers in elementary and middle school.

“I was seeing that there weren’t a lot of skilled jazz technicians, so I figured I’d do my part to try and help in the education sector in elementary and middle schools and make the next generation of skilled jazz players happen.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

Campus lights up in protest of violence and sexual assault

By Miranda Adams Reporter Students, staff and community members gathered Tuesday, Oct. 19, during “Take Back the Night” to protest domestic violence and sexual assault and dismantle the silence from which it feeds.

The annual event hosted by the Cross-Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) and the Women’s Alliance Club works to break the cycle of abuse by providing survivors with a platform to speak, a plethora of resources and a community of support.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault is sadly a very taboo subject, when in all actuality it happens to so many people,” said Chyann Stiles, president of the Women’s Alliance Club.

“I think events like this are extremely important for survivors because it gives us a space that is meant for that conversation.”

The conversation began in the North Gym, where several on- and off-campus resources advocated their services.

“I am here to support, I am here to provide a safe space, and I’m here confidentially,” said Mindy Kates, Fresno State survivor advocate.

Kates provides support to victims of stalking, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Although she maintains normal office hours, resources are available 24/7 through her hotline.

Kameron Thorn • The Collegian

“Take Back the Night” attendees march with candles to protest domestic violence and sexual assault, and the stigma that prevents victims from speaking up.

During the resource fair, attendees were encouraged to pick from a bouquet of carnations that sat in the back of the room. Half were adorned with positive affirmations while the other half were left bare.

Bryanna Caesar, student coordinator for the gender programs and services at the CCGC, said this was done so organizers could approach the attendees and share the messages personally.

“We wanted to personally tell each person that felt comfortable, ‘you are worthy, you are important, you are loved,’ ” Caesar said. “We

wanted to build that rapport to show survivors that we do see you and we are here for you.”

Zafar Sumler, an associate marriage and family therapist who spoke during the program, pointed out that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have been a victim of either rape or attempted rape. Sumler said that these statistics are likely underreported, especially those surrounding men.

Estevan Parra Guerrero, LGBTQ and gender resources coordinator at the CCGC and advisor for the women’s alliance, said to combat this,

men are encouraged to join the conversation.

“We do recognize that the majority of survivors and victims identify as women, but we also want to focus on men who are survivors and who are victims,” Parra Guerrero said. “So this year, we tried to be a bit more inclusive by inviting men to speak.”

Lionel Jefferson, a pastor who shared his poem “Seconds Away from Death,” was one of the men invited by Parra Guerrero to share his story.

“We can turn off all these lights and the darkness would be enormous, but one flick of a light and we can see again,” Jefferson said. “I hope tonight that you recognize that you can take back the night... because there is always a light available, there is always someone who understands.”

After the program, attendees gathered outside and were given candles to protest the nights of unrest. The group then marched to the Jane Addams statue in the Peace Garden where survivors were given the opportunity to share their story.

“Usually the people who go on stage to share their story are students,” Parra Guerrero said.

“But I think that it’s important for our students to know that there’s staff and faculty who are also survivors. This is a private community, and if you need to talk to someone, I know that struggle.”

‘Let’s Glow Crazy’ celebrates the end of homecoming week

By Sydney Morgan Reporter When the sun faded and night began, students lined up for a chance to participate in games, meet new people, try a few dance moves and overall to “Glow Crazy” as bright lights fading from blue to pink to green awaited them.

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, students were invited to attend the outdoor “Let’s Glow Crazy” event in the area in front of the Kennel Bookstore.

The Fresno State Homecoming Committee planned the event to consist of a glow-in-thedark theme, placing several different light up features around the grass field.

“It was glow-in-the-dark so I thought it would be fun to do,” freshman Alex Gutierrez said.

The event was free for students with their student ID number, who were given a wristband and a ticket for the concession tables.

Students with wristbands were allowed to

choose between a glow-in-the-dark necklace or a light up ring.

“I feel like glow events are always a hit,” said Whitney Ballard, a graduate assistant for major campus events at Fresno State.

Participating students were also given a choice between a free clear backpack or a fanny pack to bring to the football game the next day, which had a clear bag policy.

“Let’s Glow Crazy” was one of the culminating events in a week of fun that began on Monday, Oct. 18, and ended with the Homecoming game between the Bulldogs and the Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Students who attended were even provided with a chance to win last minute tickets to the game.

The Homecoming Committee invited DJ Kay Rich to attend and play music, which led to a full dance floor by 8 p.m. and even a conga line that broke out around 9 p.m.

The committee also brought in balloon animal twisters, a caricature artist and a photo

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

“Let’s Glow Crazy” attendees play foosball on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. booth with props for those who wanted to bring home some memorabilia.

“I think it’s important to have events like this, especially during midterm season, so they have a place where they can relax and have fun,” Ballard said. “Either with their own friends or

by making [new] friends at the event.”

With the homecoming theme ‘Rise of the Bulldog,’ the event brought students together to have a good time and enjoy what their school offers, representing the return of a renewed sense of Bulldog pride.

OPINION

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

‘Dune’ adaptation ends with more questions than answers

(Warner Bros. Enterntainment/TNS)

Zendaya (left), who portrays Chani, and Timothée Chalamet (right), who plays as Paul Atreides, star together in the film “Dune,” directed by Denis Villeneuve.

By Adam Ricardo Solis Reporter If it wasn’t apparent from the runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes, then the opening title that reads “DUNE PART ONE” cleared up any misconception for fans that director Denis Villeneuve planned on exploring the world and politics of Frank Herbert’s novel and would have no mercy on anyone who needed a restroom break.

The classic 1970’s sci-fi novel by Herbert debuted in theaters as well as on HBO Max on Friday, Oct. 22, with a star-studded cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac and Jason Momoa.

I decided to forgo the big screen experience and instead watch from the comfort of my own home via HBO Max.

The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.

The story explores the politics and power struggle between House Atreides and the Harkonnens who were unexpectedly relieved from their long term job of securing “spice,” the fuel for the ships in the world of “Dune.”

Whoever was in charge of the spice would have significant political power and wealth.

The relationship between Chalamet’s character Paul Atreides and Momoa’s Duncan Idaho had amazing on-screen chemistry and every time they met in a scene they would have Oscar worthy bro-moments.

The continuous issue of dealing with the inhabitants of the planet Arrakis along with the constant threat of sandworms provides for great deep dives into the lore of “Dune” and helps set the stage for the rest of the movie.

Overall the story of “Dune” is a great character study with amazing visuals that put the 1984

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adaptation to shame.

With a score composed by Hans Zimmer and visual effects that give you an immersive dive into the world of Arrakis, you’d think the film was set for success. But it’s not.

It starts with Villeneuve’s decision to break the film into two parts.

While the decision does justice to the source material, it drags on and feels aimless, especially towards the end of the second act.

With the entirety of the film seeming to hit all the small beats for different characters, the story could’ve been condensed and still remained faithful to the source material.

With amazing cinematography and a score that brings you into the drama of the story, “Dune” is a sci-fi epic that takes full advantage of modern-day technology and delivers incredible performances from Chalamet as protagonist

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Paul Atreides.

Zendaya’s character Chani, who was heavily advertised in different promotion material, only appeared for a small amount of time through dream sequences and at the very end of the movie – a decision from the filmmakers that disappointed me since my perception of the story was that she was going to have a larger role.

With an ending that seems to come up abruptly right after a lackluster revelation for the audience, “Dune Part Two” would benefit from a more streamlined adaptation and a tighter narrative that still explores the depth and complexity of House Atreides and the Harkonnens.

For anyone new to “Dune” this is a great start point but brace yourself for an oversaturated space drama with an ending that leaves you with many unanswered questions.

Edward Lopez Sydney Morgan Melina Kazanjian Lexee Padrick Hannah Hieber Edward Lopez Richard Marshall Kevin Fries Jan Edwards Timothy Drachlis Betsy Hays

The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication. Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The Collegian.

The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.

Each member of the campus community is permitted a copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2021 The Collegian.

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

PAGE 7

Bulldog Jordan Mims leads team in homecoming win

By Manuel Hernandez Sports Editor Fresno State running back Jordan Mims showed no signs of celebrating and remained humble in one of the best performances of his Bulldog career.

During the postgame conference, his mentality and main message for his performance was clear: “the job is not finished.”

After starting running back Ronnie Rivers suffered an injury in the first quarter, Mims stepped up and was a key contributor for the ‘Dogs’ offense in Fresno State’s 34-32 victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday night at Bulldog Stadium.

Mims led Fresno State with two touchdowns and 134 rushing yards, a career-high for the 6-foot senior.

“Jordan stepped up. He’s a great player.

He’s a great friend of mine,” Bulldog quarterback Jake Haener said. “He ran his tail off tonight, so he’s the reason we got this win.”

Mims is in his fifth season for Fresno State.

He was raised in East Palo Alto, California, and came to the ‘Dogs as a true freshman.

He was recognized for the Paul Hornung Award, and was also named the Mountain West offensive player of the week for Saturday’s performance.

With 14:11 left in the second quarter, Bulldog quarterback Jake Haener passed the ball to Mims for nine yards with one yard left to the end zone on second down. The ‘Dogs continued to give the ball to the hot hand, and Mims

rushed the final yard to get Fresno State’s second touchdown of the game.

“Moments like that, you know, where everybody’s up in their seats… that’s why we play,” Mims said.

Mims was not concerned about how well he

“

Moments like that, you know, where everybody’s up in their seats… that’s why we play — Jordan Mims, Fresno State running back performed, but he is a team favorite and a role model for the ‘Dogs.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer said the team is really close and loves supporting players like Mims when they shine on the field. “[The team] is so happy for him because they know the work that’s been put in,” DeBoer said. “Our guys are just truly, genuinely excited for him.”

Both Fresno State and Nevada had a slow start on Saturday.

The Wolf Pack kicked off with a 2-yard rush before punting on fourth down, and the ‘Dogs’ first drive had the same result. Nevada was the first to score with a 32-yard field goal kick, leading the ‘Dogs 3-0.

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Fresno State defense records a season-high in sacks against Nevada on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Bulldog Stadium.

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Bulldog running back Jordan Mims and quarterback Jake Haener combine for 390 yards against Nevada on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Bulldog Stadium.

But it wasn’t until the end of the first where Fresno State caught fire. Bulldogs running back Ronnie Rivers maneuvered through the Wolf Pack’s defensive line and rushed for 64 yards to the end zone. Fresno State led 7-3 with 5:08 left in the first quarter.

In the same play, Rivers would get a leg injury as a Nevada player landed on his ankle. But that did not stop the ‘Dogs hot streak.

In Nevada’s next drive, Bulldogs defensive back Daron Bland intercepted a Wolf Pack pass and returned it for six yards. Fresno State capitalized on the interception and utilized both its rush and pass offense.

It started with a 42-yard pass from Haener to receiver Keric Wheatfall. Then, Mims rushed for 16 yards. After a 5-yard pass from Haener to Bulldog Jalen Cropper, Mims rushed to the end zone.

Fresno State led 14-3.

“This is the balance we love to have. This is what’s gonna keep teams, defensive coordinators having nightmares,” DeBoer said.

Fresno State finished with 256 passing yards and 205 rushing yards. The ‘Dogs defense recorded one fumble recovery, one interception and five sacks.

But this was not a runaway game for the ‘Dogs.

After Mims’ touchdown, Nevada had a run of its own, forcing a Fresno State fumble with 10:51 left in the second quarter.

Wolf Pack quarterback Carson Strong capitalized with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Cole Turner. Fresno still led 14-10.

Strong and Wolf Pack receiver Romeo Doubs kept this game close. Strong finished with 476 passing yards, Doubs led with 203 receiving yards and Turner followed with 105 receiving yards.

In the third quarter, Fresno State increased its lead to 21-10 with another touchdown.

Strong responded with a 30-yard touchdown pass.

The ‘Dogs still led 21-16 with 8:46 left.

Mims ended the third quarter with a 7-yard rush to the end zone, but Strong started the fourth quarter with another Nevada touchdown in the first four seconds.

Fresno State led 31-23.

Bulldog kicker Cesar Silva increased the lead to 34-23 with a 47-yard field goal. Despite it looking like a sealed victory for the ‘Dogs, Nevada did not give up until the last minute.

After a Nevada field goal, Strong threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Turner, making it 34-32.

Nevada attempted a 2-point conversion to extend the game to overtime, but Fresno State pushed the Wolf Pack receiver out of bounds to win the game.

The Bulldogs will travel to Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson next Saturday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. against San Diego State.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

PAGE 8

Former Bulldog honored with jersey retirement

By Manuel Hernandez Sports Editor When Lorenzo Neal saw his jersey framed and his name permanently plastered on the Bulldog Stadium wall, he knew the message he wanted people to receive when they saw his name: “I was a fighter.”

A Lemoore native playing for his hometown school Fresno State, Neal fought for smaller communities like the one he grew up in. He said his legacy is not only about him, but the people and fans that supported him.

After playing four years for the Fresno State football team from 1989 to 1992, Neal’s No. 22 jersey was retired on Saturday, Oct. 23, during the halftime of the homecoming game against Nevada.

“This is not necessarily about me,” Neal said. “This is about… other individuals that are coming from small communities. Whether it’s Corcoran, [Fresno] – doesn’t matter, Hanford, Lemoore, greatness is in each and every one of us.”

During his four years at Fresno State, Neal broke multiple top 10 records as a Bulldog running back. Neal is No. 8 in career pass receptions, No. 9 in rushing touchdowns and No. 10 in career rushing attempts.

Courtesy of Fresno State Athletics

Fresno State retires Lorenzo Neal’s No. 22 jersey number on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Bulldog Stadium.

He graduated from Fresno State and was a fourth round NFL Draft pick to the New Orleans Saints in 1993.

Neal finished his career playing 16 seasons in the NFL, which included stints with Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers. After transitioning to fullback, Neal earned four Pro Bowl selections and three AllPro honorees.

He always shared the spotlight to those

who supported him. A true team-player, Neal was speechless when he received the call from Fresno State athletic director Terry Tumey announcing his jersey retirement.

Neal said after he told his family, he laid in bed reflecting on his life, living in the moment.

“When you’re in that moment… you don’t think about this ever happening. You’re just playing it for the love of the game,” Neal said.

“And now, you know, I get the phone call. Terry

and Fresno State saying ‘Hey, look this is what we want to do’ and it’s just that ‘oh wow!’ That moment.”

Neal was an athletic player in both football and wrestling.

He laughs about it now and thought he was “young and stupid playing both sports.” Neal cherished moments with former Fresno State football coach Jim Sweeney and wrestling coach Dennis DeLiddo.

Neal said wrestling made him a better football player. It also helped his transition to fullback.

The fullback position suited Neal’s character because he said he didn’t care about how good he looked but how his team could win. It is a lesson, he said, he taught the current ‘Dogs players. No matter how good a player is, the future continues on and the game keeps going.

“The bottom line that I knew my job was: it’s about winning,” Neal said.

“This game is not about you.”

But that Saturday night with a packed homecoming stadium, the night was about Neal.

He becomes the seventh member of the football program to have his jersey retired, joining Derek Carr, David Carr, Kevin Sweeney, Trent Dilfer, Vince Petrucci, Dale Messer and Henry Ellard.