Dec 18, 2022
By Paul Bartelt
IPA Sports Editor
Inglewood, Ca. Saturdays second annual Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, presented by STIFEL, featured Washington State (7-5) representing the PAC 12 and Fresno State ( 9-4) from the Mountain West. With 32,405 fans in attendance at Sofi Stadium and a national ABC Television audience, the Bullgogs dominated the Cougars from the start and never trailed, winning 29 to 6.
Fresno State scored on their first possession when senior quarterback Jake Haener connected with wide receiver Zane Pope on a 22 yard touchdown pass. The Fresno State defense was no match for the Cougars, as they held Washington State to 25 total yards in the first quarter.
Bulldogs running back Jordan Mims scored on a three yard run in the second quarter and Cougars quarterback Cam Ward steped out of the back of the end zone for a safety, making the score 16-0 at halftime. The Cougars only score came in the third quarter on a Nakia Watson one yard run, the two point conversion failed and Fresno State led 16-6. Nikko Remigio caught an 11 yard scoring pass later in the quarter and Mims scored agaIn, this time on a two yard run from the Wildcat formation with 8:29 remaiming. Mims finished the day with 18 carries for 209 yards and two touchdowns as Haener guided the Bulldogs to 501 total yards of offense. Fresno State started the season 1-4 after Haener injured his ankle against USC in September however, upon his return, the Bulldogs finished the season with seven consecutive wins and finished with a 10-4 record.
These two team had not met since 1994. Fresno State held Washington State to 45 yards rushing and only 182 total yards of total offense on the day. Cougars star linebacker Daiyan Henley opted out of the game on Friday when he declared for the NFL draft. The Bowl will benefit Boys and Girls Club in the Los Angeles area.