BOISE, Idaho - Fresno State earned the 2022 Mountain West Champion title with a 28-16 win at Boise State on Saturday afternoon, winning its second championship game since 2018 and second under head coach Jeff Tedford. Senior quarterback Jake Haener was named the game's offensive Most Valuable Player, completing 17-of-27 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown.
Junior defensive back Cam Lockridge was the game's defensive MVP, as he finished with two interceptions, two tackles, and a broken-up pass. Both of Lockridge's interceptions were turned into points for the Bulldogs.
How It Happened
It was a defensive battle to start the game, as the teams were locked at zero through the first quarter. Fresno State caught fire in the second quarter, scoring 14 points that were sparked by a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown by Nikko Remigio. On Boise State's next offensive drive, Lockridge stopped any progress with his first pick of the game. Senior Jordan Mims punched it in from two yards out, capping a three-play 17-yard drive to put Fresno State up 14-3.
Boise State scored on another field goal, scoring 14-6 in favor of Fresno State at the half.
Fresno State opened the fourth quarter firing as Haener found Zane Pope for a 22-yard touchdown pass to put Fresno State ahead 21-9 early in the fourth. Lockridge changed the momentum on defense, picking off Taylen Green for a second time and returning it 21 yards to the Boise State 34-yard line. Mims scored again for the Bulldogs, handling each play of the drive himself and capping it with a 3-yard touchdown run to give Fresno State a 28-9 advantage.
Boise State scored its only touchdown of the game on a 52-yard pass by Green with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
Up Next
Fresno State has accepted its invitation to the 2022 Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, presented by Stifel. It will face Washington State at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 17.
"Fresno State Athletics - For The V: The Central Valley" - Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff proudly wear the "Green V" to show their pride in representing the Central Valley. Stories of why the Bulldogs play for the "Green V" will be shared throughout the next year with #ForTheV. To become a Bulldog Foundation member or join "The Green V Society," please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
