Dec. 1, 2001

Box Score

By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer

FRESNO, Calif. - David Carr had a career day, throwing for six touchdowns and 432 yards as No. 21 Fresno State capped its stellar season with a contentious, 70-21 victory over Utah State on Saturday.

In a game postponed from Sept. 15, Fresno State (11-2) showcased every aspect of the high-flying offense that captured the nation's attention this fall.

Bernard Berrian scored three touchdowns on four receptions for 158 yards as the Bulldogs overwhelmed the Aggies with 56 points and 438 total yards in the first half. Fresno State finished with 713 yards in total offense.

Playing in his final home game, Carr boosted his increasingly plausible chances for the Heisman Trophy, becoming just the sixth quarterback in NCAA history to pass for 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in a season. He went 21-of-27 to join Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer, David Klingler, Andre Ware and Tim Rattay.

Carr did it all despite leaving the game for good during Fresno State's second possession of the second half. The sellout crowd at Bulldog Stadium gave him a rousing ovation as Fresno State headed for the Silicon Valley Football Classic - where it's likely to face Michigan State - with its fifth straight victory.

Utah State (4-7), which finished its first season as a football independent, made no friends in Fresno during a bad-tempered game. The Aggies hadn't allowed 70 points since a 72-3 loss to Oklahoma in 1974.

Fresno State accused the Aggies of everything from dirty hits to sneaky defensive signal-calling, and the Bulldogs responded by delivering personal fouls, taunts and a humiliating, one-sided defeat.

Incensed by several apparent instances of dirty play by the Aggies, Fresno State coach Pat Hill exchanged shouts across the field with Utah State coach Mick Dennehy. Carr and his receivers also taunted the Aggies' sideline after one of his TD throws.

Fresno State scored on its second play from scrimmage when Carr found Deandre Gilbert for a 41-yard TD. A few minutes later, Utah State punter Steve Mullins kicked the ball into the back of one of his blockers, and Fresno State receiver Rodney Wright returned it 47 yards for another score.

All told, the Bulldogs scored touchdowns on eight of their first 10 drives. Paris Gaines also caught a touchdown pass, while Josh Levi rushed for two scores.

Fresno State capped a magnificent half by going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 17 with a 35-point lead just 11 seconds before halftime. Carr threw a perfect fade to Charles Smith, who capped the bad feelings by scoring and then drawing a celebration penalty.

Officials and security personnel prevented the teams from walking together up the end zone tunnel to the locker rooms at halftime.

Jose Fuentes was 20-of-33 for 238 yards and two touchdowns for the Aggies, who ended the season with two losses after a four-game winning streak. Utah State has lost 10 straight games against ranked teams.

Utah State tailback Emmett White, who leads the nation in all-purpose yardage with more than 200 yards per game, injured his knee on the second possession and didn't return. He wouldn't have made much difference for the Aggies, who gave up more points in the first half than they allowed in any full game this season.

The Bulldogs also lost their leading rusher. Gaines left midway through the second quarter with a left leg injury, but only after he gained 55 yards to give him 1,018 on the season.