Fresno State vs. Boise State 2012: Broncos defense draws deserved praise after shutting down Bulldogs

The Boise State Broncos continued to lean on their defense and running games to defeat the Fresno State Bulldogs 20-10 Saturday. BSU ran for 215 yards, highlighted by senior halfback D.J. Harper's 122 yards and one touchdown. More importantly, the Broncos' defense held Fresno State to just 10 points. Fresno had averaged 39.5 points per game before Saturday's game.

SB Nation Boise State website One Bronco Nation Under God found plenty to praise, starting with the defense:

The Boise State defense, playing at its BYU level, completely crushed the previously high-powered Fresno State offense, limiting the Bulldogs to one late touchdown in a 20-10 win. Defensive line studs Demarcus Lawrence, Mike Atkinson, Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe and Sam Ukwuachu pressured Fresno quarterback Derek Carr all afternoon, turning the Fresno offense into the -- I don't know -- Idaho offense? It looked bad and the opposite of explosive.

Despite facing Fresno State's high-powered offense, Boise actually lowered its points allowed per game average to just 14.7, good for 12th nationally.

The Broncos improved to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Mountain West Conference. Boise returns to action next week against UNLV, and will debut all-black uniforms for the occasion.

Boise State vs. Fresno State final: Broncos win 20-10

Boise State kept Fresno State off the board for nearly three quarters on Saturday en route to a 20-10, Mountain West victory. Geraldo Boldewijn and D.J. Harper scored the Broncos' two touchdowns, and Michael Frisina added a pair of field goals to the points total as well.

Despite gaining more yards on offense for much of the game, the Bulldogs were never able to threaten Boise's lead, nor did they reach the end zone until the waning minutes of the game. Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr passed 29-for-43 for 272 yards with a touchdown and interception. None of that translated to six points for the Bulldogs until he found Davante Adams for a 3-yard touchdown toss.

Robbie Rouse was Carr's favorite target, grabbing nine catches for 68 yards. Victor Dean caught seven passes for 68 yards and Adams five for 52.

Box Score Hero: D.J. Harper carried the ball 21 times for 122 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos.

Rankings Ramifications: With No. 24 Boise State winning so convincingly, the Broncos could move up in the rankings. Saturday night's matchup between No. 22 Texas A&M and No. 23 Louisiana Tech could factor into this as well.

But Did They Cover? Boise State was a 7-point favorite, but won by 10 points.

For More On This Game: Read the Boise State fans' perspective at One Bronco Nation Under God.

Next Week's Schedule: Boise State will host UNLV. Fresno State will host Wyoming.

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This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

Fresno State vs. Boise State score update: Broncos lead after 3rd quarter, 17-3

Boise State still leads Fresno State in Saturday's game.

Fresno State vs. Boise State score update: Broncos lead Bulldogs at halftime, 17-0

Boise State leads Fresno State at halftime, 17-0.

Fresno State vs. Boise State score update: Broncos lead 17-0 at halftime

Looking for their fifth straight victory of the season, the Boise State Broncos lead 17-0 over the Fresno State Bulldogs going into halftime on Saturday afternoon. Considering that they haven't exactly dominated, the 24th-ranked Broncos should probably be pretty grateful that they have a three-score lead going into the break.

Even though the scoreboard shows Boise State having a clear advantage, the play on the field has actually been far more even. Fresno State currently nearly as many total yards, more time of possession and less turnovers, but penalties and poor special teams play have been costly in the first half for the Bulldogs.

At one point midway through the second quarter, quarterback Derek Carr led the Bulldogs on a eight-play, 86-yard drive to Boise State's 10-yard line, only to see kicker Quentin Breshears miss a 27-yard field goal. Boise State would respond by driving down the field for a touchdown, buoyed by a 14-yard personal foul penalty called on Fresno State.

The Broncos' offensive attack has been very balanced so far, with a nearly even distribution between passing and rushing yards. Quarterback Joe Southwick is 6-of-11 for 64 yards with one touchdown and one interception so far, while lead running back D.J. Harper has carried the ball 11 times for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Fresno State vs. Boise State 2012: Game time, TV schedule, odds and more

Chris Pederson's Broncos will put their undefeated home record on the line this weekend against a high-powered Fresno State team.

Fresno State vs. Boise State: Broncos looking for 5th consecutive victory

Chris Pederson's Boise State Broncos will play host to the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday on NBC Sports Network.