Weber State coach Ron McBride and the Wildcats tasted their first defeat of the season with a 55-17 loss to Fresno State at Bulldog Stadium on Saturday.

In their season-opener, the No. 24 Bulldogs (1-0) wasted no time in building a comfortable lead that never was challenged by the Wildcats (1-1). Fresno State led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter and 42-10 at the half. Weber State had some impressive moments, but scrubs were playing and fans were leaving early in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Paul Pinegar led the Bulldogs by completing 14 of 18 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Wendell Mathis ran for 80 yards and three touchdowns, and Clifton Smith returned two punts for touchdowns. Receivers Adam Jennings and Jaron Fairman each caught a touchdown pass.

Facing perhaps the best defense he will face this season, WSU quarterback Ian Pizarro threw 23-of-42 for 259 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. His main target was Lynzell Jackson, who caught six passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. Teammate Jason Norman also caught a touchdown pass.

After compiling more than 340 yards rushing in their win over Western State a week earlier, the Wildcats were held to fewer than 100. Zach Hall was the top rusher, with nine carries for 37 yards.

The Wildcats play on the road again next weekend, at North Dakota State.