Fresno State Football: 3 takeaways from dominant win over UConn

2. Ronnie Rivers could set himself up for big NFL payday in 2022 Draft

Over the past three seasons, Ronnie Rivers has become an institution unto himself at Fresno State. After racking up more than 3,500 all-purpose yards and tying the school record with 44 rushing and receiving touchdowns during his four seasons with the Bulldogs, Rivers opted to return for an extra season in 2021. The decision could pay major dividends if Rivers continues to play like he did against UConn in Week Zero.

By halftime Rivers had already piled up more than 100 combined rushing and receiving yards. In addition to his 55 rushing yards in the first two quarters, the running back added two catches for 66 yards out of the backfield. One of those two receptions was a 56-yard catch and run that gave Rivers the school touchdown record.

Like Haener, Rivers didn’t do much after halftime, finishing the day with 58 rushing yards on 13 carries and adding no further receptions. But neither Rivers nor Haener needed to do much after helping the Bulldogs build up such a big lead over their opponent in the first 30 minutes. As a team, Fresno State finished with 156 total rushing yards — 33 yards above last season’s average when they were the 106th-ranked rushing attack.

With the talent Fresno State has on offense, neither player will have to do everything to keep the Bulldogs in contention. Together, however, they offer a potent threat every time the Mountain West contender gets the football.