LOS ANGELES — Fresno State could be a late red-zone interception away from a 2-0 start. Now the Bulldogs will try to push UCLA to its first 0-3 start since 1971 on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
The Bulldogs, who had their would-be overtime-forcing touchdown pass intercepted in the end zone against Minnesota last weekend, were the second team in FBS history to go from double-digit losses to double-digits wins in one year under first-year head coach Jeff Tedford.
After 10 wins last year, Fresno State (1-1) was picked to win its conference division in the preseason media poll.
Marcus McMaryion, the former Oregon State quarterback, has thrown for 412 yards and two touchdowns during two games with a 72.4 percent completion rate with a deep rotation of receivers at his disposal.
KeeSean Johnson, a 1,000-yard receiver in 2017, has nearly half of the team’s 459 total receiving yards with 207 on 12 receptions. The Bulldogs also have Oklahoma transfer Michiah Quick and Jamire Jordan, a senior from Lancaster who ranked third on the team in receiving last year.
Quick was the No. 4 athlete in the country out of high school, according to Rivals, but transferred to Fresno State after three years and just 34 receptions with the Sooners.
The UCLA secondary is likely the best unit the Bruins have, but it is wounded after the Oklahoma loss when receivers Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb beat what looked like sound coverage with perfect passes from quarterback Kyler Murray. Cornerback Nate Meadors, who gave up a passing touchdown for the first time in more than a year, said the Bruins are better for having faced the challenge.
“It was real good for us to have it early in the season, especially for me to kind of humble me down and get me right,” Meadors said. “Even though I’m in my fourth year, it’s always a learning curve.”
Quick hits
There was no change in quarterback Wilton Speight’s participation during the viewing period of Wednesday’s practice. He continued to not take part in any drills that required him to throw on the run. … Linebacker Jaelan Phillips did not appear on the field during the viewing period. The sophomore suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday’s game, but practiced Monday and Tuesday. … Linebacker Leni Toailoa participated in practice with a no-contact jersey. … Linebackers Elijah Wade and Je’Vari Anderson were limited to individual conditioning. … Linebacker Mique Juarez, who sustained an undisclosed injury Sept. 3 during practice, did not appear to be on the field during the viewing period.