RUSTON - Louisiana Tech head coach Jack Bicknell was so hoarse Sunday afternoon that he could hardly talk following his team's upset of No. 17 ranked Fresno State 28-21 at Joe Aillet Stadium.

During the post-game celebration, Bicknell's vocal chords worked almost as hard as his team had Saturday night as the sixth-year Bulldog Boss roamed the Aillet Stadium field high-fiving players, coaches and fans.

"It was great," Bicknell said. "Obviously, it was a big win for us. We've had a tough schedule and we really needed this. It puts us 2-0 in the conference. Unfortunately, for us as coaches, there is always next week. I always give myself until noon on Sunday to celebrate before moving on but today I'm extending it until 6 p.m."

Although junior running back Ryan Moats was the offensive hero of the game rushing for 236 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, including the game winner with just over three minutes remaining, Bicknell said the play of quarterback Matt Kubik might have been the biggest factor.

"I thought the play of Matt was the biggest thing for us offensively," Bicknell said. "Matt is a guy who understands that we have a great running back in Ryan Moats. He just needs to manage the game and not make mistakes, and that is what he did."

Kubik completed 15 of 26 passes for 158 yards against a Fresno State defense that was ranked No. 1 nationally in pass efficiency defense and had already registered six interceptions in three games, including returning three for touchdowns. Although the Youngstown, Ohio, native didn't put up huge numbers, he also didn't make the type of mistakes that Fresno State had prospered from this year.

"He made some nice decisions and nice throws," Bicknell said. "Early on he was a little frustrated. I told him that this Fresno State defense was no joke; they had been ripping everyone they played this year and not to panic. He stayed poised and did a great job."

Kubik and Co. will play their final game of its four-game Top 25 tour this Saturday when the Bulldogs travel to face the Auburn Tigers. Kickoff for that game has been moved to 2:30 p.m. CST.