So, you're looking for the score of Fresno State football game? If you missed the holiday action, the Bulldogs ended their season on a massive high note.
The Fresno State Bulldogs took down the Miami (OH) RedHawks with an 18-3 victory in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl. Honestly, it wasn't the offensive fireworks show some fans were hoping for, but a win is a win, especially when it happens in the postseason. The game took place on December 27, 2025, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. If you were watching, you know the vibe was a bit different this year with the Snoop Dogg branding, but the football was pure Mountain West grit.
Breaking Down the Score of Fresno State Football Game
Let's be real: 18-3 sounds like a weird score. It is. It’s the kind of score that tells you the defense was lights out while the offense maybe struggled to find the end zone.
Fresno State's defense was basically a brick wall. They held Miami (OH) to just a single field goal the entire game. You don't see that often in bowl games where teams usually play a bit looser. The Bulldogs' defensive front was living in the backfield. They forced turnovers and kept the RedHawks from ever finding a rhythm.
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On the flip side, E.J. Warner—who has been the talk of the town all season—threw for 214 yards. He wasn't perfect, but he was efficient enough to move the chains. The big star on the stat sheet was Jalen Freeman, who racked up 143 receiving yards. Whenever the Bulldogs needed a big play to flip the field, Freeman was the guy catching the ball. Bryson Ramirez added 53 yards on the ground, which helped keep the clock moving in the second half.
2025 Season Results at a Glance
To understand how they got to that 18-3 bowl win, you've gotta look at the whole 2025 journey. It was a bit of a rollercoaster. They finished 9-4 overall. Not bad.
- The Early Highs: After a rough season opener loss to Kansas (7-31), they went on a tear. They smoked Georgia Southern 42-14 and edged out Oregon State in a 36-27 thriller.
- The Conference Grind: Mountain West play is never easy. They had a huge 30-7 win against Boise State on the road—which, let's face it, is always the game of the year for Fresno fans.
- The Stumbles: There were some head-scratchers. Getting shut out 0-23 against San Diego State at home was tough to swallow. Then a late-season loss to Utah State (17-28) kind of took the wind out of their sails before they bounced back against San Jose State.
Why the Arizona Bowl Win Actually Matters
A lot of people think these non-playoff bowl games are just exhibitions. I disagree. For a program like Fresno State, winning the Arizona Bowl and finishing with nine wins is a massive recruiting tool.
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It’s about momentum.
Think about the transfer portal. Players want to go where there's a winning culture. Right after the game, we already started seeing news about new talent coming in. We’re talking about guys like Tariq Thomas, the star running back from Bucknell, and Khristian Martin, the Maryland transfer quarterback who’s already being looked at as the front-runner to lead the offense in 2026.
The 18-3 score of Fresno State football game against Miami (OH) proved that even when the offense isn't clicking at 100%, the "Blue Collar" mentality of the defense can carry the team. That's the identity Fresno State thrives on.
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Key Stats from the Final Game
- Final Score: Fresno State 18, Miami (OH) 3
- Total Yards: Fresno State outgained Miami significantly, mostly through the air.
- Passing: E.J. Warner (214 yards, 138.42 season rating).
- Receiving: Jalen Freeman (143 yards in the bowl game).
- Defense: Held the RedHawks to 0 touchdowns.
What's Next for the Bulldogs?
The 2025 season is officially in the books. Now, the focus shifts entirely to the 2026 roster. With the Arizona Bowl trophy in the cabinet, the coaching staff is hitting the portal hard.
Keep an eye on the quarterback battle. While E.J. Warner had a solid year, Khristian Martin coming in from the Big Ten adds a whole new dynamic. Also, replacing some of the departing seniors on the defensive line will be the biggest challenge. Dylan Hampsten (Sacramento State transfer) and Maverick Noonan (Nebraska transfer) are already signed and expected to fill those gaps.
If you’re a fan, you’ve got to feel good. The Bulldogs finished the year strong, the defense is elite, and the new offensive weapons look promising on paper.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Dates are starting to finalize for the fall.
- Follow the Transfer Portal: The window is active until mid-January, and Fresno State is expected to land at least two more defensive starters.
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the Arizona Bowl, it's worth a re-watch just to see the defensive masterclass.