Two years ago, Fresno State once had this dynamic, game-changing, All-American kick returner.

But ever since A.J. Jefferson got suspended a couple of nights before Fresno State played Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl to conclude the 2007 season, he hardly has been the same explosive returner.

Fresno State isn't relying on too many true freshmen this year. Running back Robbie Rouse, linebacker Travis Brown and quarterback Derek Carr immediately come to mind as newbie contributors in reserve roles.

But just think about the position Fresno State would be in and the talent pool it'd have if the Bulldogs had the luxury of redshirting all of their players during their first year.

While Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews continues to get all the praise and the quarterback play receives any remaining attention, a few Fresno State players have enjoyed surprising success at a low-key level.

The Fresno State football team got back on the winning track and in quite a fashion, dominating Hawaii for a 42-17 on the road Saturday that ended the Bulldogs' three-game slide.

It was a big win for Fresno State (2-3 overall, 1-1 Western Athletic Conference), which was powered by an impressive running game and took advantage of Hawaii's mistakes to force four turnovers to lead by as much as 38 points with 3:58 left in the third quarter. But it also might have been a concerning one for one Fresno State player in particular.

Coach Pat Hill inserted the majority of his reserves midway through the third quarter and all of the fourth. Even backup quarterback Derek Carr received playing time.

But left on the sideline the entire time was special packages quarterback Ebahn Feathers.

After Fresno State lost yet again to Boise State on Friday, this time a 51-34 defeat at Bulldog Stadium, Bulldogs coach Pat Hill conducted his post-game news conference in a melancholic tone.

Hill and his Bulldogs have now lost eight of the past nine, including four straight to Broncos coach Chris Petersen, in this one-sided Western Athletic Conference series.

Hill said he believes the Bulldogs have narrowed the gap with the Broncos, which is true considering when the teams last met in 2008, Boise State won 61-10.

But Fresno State still has plenty of work to do to reach Boise State's level. And it's unclear if or when Fresno State will get the best of Boise.

What's not working
Unlike last week against Wisconsin, Fresno State's short passes aren't working this time.
Boise State has picked off two passes and limited the Bulldogs to 10 yards on 4-of-9 passing.

Boise State's defense is sitting in a zone and simply reading the short routes that Fresno State is running, according to KMJ color commentator and former Bulldogs quarterback Jordan Christensen.

Fresno State would be wise to try to start stretching the field and throwing a few long balls to get the Broncos defense at least concerned about the deep ball.

What's working
Fresno State's running game has amassed 196 yards at the half, with 146 gained by Ryan Mathews alone. Mathews had scored on runs of 69 and 60 yards to average 16.2 yards on nine carries.

The Bulldogs' pressure toward the end of the second half also has been effective, stopping the Broncos on their final three possessions, including a turnover on downs just before halftime when Boise State went for it on fourth-and-long.

Fresno State's defense also has stepped up when it has mattered most, limiting Boise State to 2 of 7 third-down conversions.
Boise State has 166 total yards at the half, 100 on the ground on 14 carries.

Colburn intercepted again

Facing third-and-5 from its 35, Fresno State passes for the first time in 11 plays and Boise State linebacker Derrell Acrey intercepts a pass intended for fullback Vince Pascoe.

On the ensuing possession, Boise State is stopped no three straight plays and goes for it on fourth down from Fresno State's 34. The long heave flies into the end zone for an incompletion.

And Fresno State kneels the ball down to trail 24-17 at halftime. Boise State will get the ball first to start the third quarter.

Ryan Mathews has done it again, scoring another long touchdown run. This time, it was from 60 yards. He scored on a 69-yarder on the previous possession.

Boise State had allowed 79 yards rushing in the first nine yards. The Broncos have allowed 182 yards rushing so far.

Fresno State trails 24-17.

After Mathews' long touchdown run, Fresno State stops Boise State three-and-out and the packed crowd at Bulldog Stadium sounds and looks alive for the first time tonight.

It is Fresno State's first three and out force on defense and second time it made Boise State punt.

Fresno State still trails 24-10.

The crowd is dressed predominately in white, just as the university asked for its game-theme of "Wear White Night."

Starting quarterback Ryan Colburn returns under center with 7:44 remaining, and surprisingly to boos.

But immediately, all noise turned into cheers after Ryan Mathews breaks loose for a 69-yard touchdown run with 7:33 in the second quarter.

Fresno State trails 24-10.