Sept. 5, 2010

FRESNO, Calif. - In the best defensive performance by a Bulldog lineman in recent history, junior tackle Logan Harrell has been selected the National Defensive College Performer of the Week by College Football Performance.com.

Harrell had four quarterback sacks, a career-high, leading the Dogs who had eight in the game. The Dogs had 11 all last season. He finished the game with five tackles, 4.5 for losses, forced a fumble and batted down a pass in Fresno State's 28-14 win over Cincinnati. The Dogs' defense held the Bearcats to 15 rushing yards in the game, less than 1 yard per carry average, and held them to their lowest scoring output since the 2008 season.

The Bulldog defense played exceptionally well against Cincinnati, a team that averaged nearly 39 points per game last season, fourth-best in the nation. The Bearcats were also among the best teams nationally with fewest sacks allowed with just 15 all season long.

Putting pressure on the quarterback was an area the Dogs wanted to improve upon this season. The Bulldog front seven produced eight sacks against the Bearcats, three below their 2009 team total of 11.

"It's a great honor for Logan and our team" said head coach Pat Hill. "We played very well defensively against an offense that is scary. It was a good way to start the season against a very good team that has played in two straight BCS bowl games."

Saturday night's game was nationally televised on ESPN2 and the team's performance has already drawn some positive national attention:

Andrea Adelson's ESPN.Com Blog.

Watch Fresno State vs. Cincy Game on ESPN3.

"We Are Your Team!" Fresno State returns to action Sept. 18 at Utah State. The next home game is Oct. 2 in the Football Fiesta Game vs. Cal Poly. Season tickets and mini--plans are available for the remaining six home games by clicking the tickets icon at the top of this page.