A VIEW FROM ABOVE

Lost in all the Fresno State quarterback hype in their 51-0 shellacking of UC Davis was a defensive performance Dan Brown had a great view of.

Brown, the Bulldogs longtime defensive coordinator, lost his battle with brain cancer in March and an entire community was devastated. He was on Pat Hill’s staff ever since Hill became Fresno State’s head coach in 1997. Everybody loved him. Everybody misses him. His initials are painted near both end zones at Bulldog Stadium.

On Saturday, the defense played for him. Hard. Smart. Decisive. Inspired.

Nico Herron’s 94 yard interception return for a touchdown on second and goal in the second quarter was the game changing play. If UC Davis scores on that drive, who knows what would have happened after that? Instead, Herron made it 21-0 and the wind was out of the Aggies sails.

Ryan Colburn played well in his first start. Ebahn Feathers looks like he’s ready to make an impact all season. Derek Carr got his feet wet. The run game was solid once again.

They all take a backseat to the defense.

Zero points. In fact, they outscored the Aggies 2-0. Only 231 yards of total offense allowed. Only 49 yards rushing allowed. Sure, this is UC Davis we’re talking about but consider this:

Fresno State’s best defensive performance of the season last year was against Wisconsin, the Bulldogs’ next opponent. Most of those guys are back for more this year.

Dan Brown was here then.

He’ll be with his boys in Madison, too.

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