"We will execute better next time," Mendenhall said.
Luckily for the Cougars, their defense didn't allow Fresno State much closer until garbage time, when backup quarterback Kilton Anderson sprinted untouched 29 yards for the visitors' only touchdown. The Bulldogs had a 37-yard field goal attempt blocked by Bronson Kaufusi just before halftime.
Fresno State finished with just 275 yards.
"I think they have played fairly consistently the whole year," Mendenhall said of the defense, which ranks 40th in the country in total defense and 39th in scoring defense. "I think the group as a unit played well for the entire game.