Former Fresno State standout David Perales, #99, is on the sack of former San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro in first half action Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 in Fresno.
ERIC PAUL ZAMORA
ezamora@fresnobee.com
The Valley Trophy is up for grabs in San Jose on Saturday.
Fresno State and San Jose State continue their annual rivalry game, but this time the Bulldogs and Spartans are no longer in the same conference.
Fresno State (1-1) is coming off a dominant 49-3 victory over Sacramento State at Valley Children’s Stadium.
The Bulldogs’ offense came to life, led by quarterback Jayden Mandal, who threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns.
Fresno State’s running game also had a strong showing. Bryson Donelson led the way with 13 carries for 102 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Ezekiel Avat led the Bulldogs with 103 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The Fresno State defense was just as impressive, forcing five punts while recording an interception and a sack. The Bulldogs held Sacramento State to just three points and controlled the game from start to finish.
San Jose State (2-1) secured its second straight win after defeating Cal Poly 30-20.
Spartans quarterback Luke Weaver passed for three touchdowns, while Carlson Clark caught two touchdown passes.
San Jose State’s rushing attack was also effective, led by Jabari Bates, who finished with 163 rushing yards.
Fresno State is favored by -6.5 points by draft picks, and the over/under is 48.5, according to DraftKings.
Prediction
Fresno State will need to build on what worked in its dominant win over Sacramento State, particularly when it comes to protecting the football and keeping the offense in rhythm.
Mandal showed how effective he can be when he is protected and allowed to throw from the pocket. If Fresno State can give him time against San Jose State, the Bulldogs should have plenty of opportunities to make plays down the field.
The Bulldogs also need to continue applying pressure defensively. Getting to Weaver and forcing San Jose State into third-and-long situations could be a major factor in the game.
Fresno State’s defense has the talent to make life difficult for the Spartans, and if the Bulldogs can force multiple three-and-outs, their offense should have enough opportunities to pull away.
Fresno State head coach Matt Entz is also encouraging the Red Wave to make the trip to San Jose and turn the weekend into a Bay Area football trip, with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
With Fresno State coming off an impressive all-around performance and showing signs of finding its rhythm on both sides of the ball, the Bulldogs have the edge in the Valley Trophy matchup.
Prediction: Fresno State 47, San Jose State 24
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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