The Fresno Bee posed an interesting question the other day, regarding the Fresno State defense:
Is the Bulldogs' defense for real?
The question arose following Fresno's last two games where they have held opponents to negative yards rushing in each contest, setting new school records for stinginess in the process.
Fresno's two victims? San Jose State and New Mexico State, No.'s 115 and 119 nationally in rushing offense, respectively.
Holding the Spartans and Aggies to negative rushing yards is no more impressive than beating your grandmother to seconds at the Thanksgiving table. These two teams could rush for negative yards on their own. They don't really need anyone else's help.
Fortunately, the Fresno Bee understand this. After posing their question about the authenticity of the Bulldog defense, the Bee quickly took a look in the mirror.
Two questions remain about the legitimacy of Fresno State's performance.
Did the Bulldogs accomplish such a feat because of circumstance, having faced two of the nation's most rushing-inept offenses in San Jose State and New Mexico State?
Yes.
And even if the defense really is that good, can they continue performing at a high level without top defensive lineman Jon Monga, who got injured in Fresno State's 24-10 win against San Jose State last week and will not play against Boise State?
No.
Read more: Is the Fresno defense for real? [Fresno Bee]