FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno State and San Diego State have been at it on the football field for more than a century – dating back to 1923.
Ever since the 1935 discovery of an “Old Oil Can” during an SDSU building project, the Bulldogs and Aztecs have played for one of the oldest trophies in college football.
For that reason alone, Saturday’s 63rd meeting between the longtime rivals is a special occasion.
Add the fact that it’s Homecoming, a “Black-Out” with new black helmets worn by the Bulldogs, Jeff Tedford’s induction into the Ring of Honor at halftime, and this weekend’s game will be unlike any other this season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT, the earliest kickoff at Valley Children’s Stadium since 2021. For the first time since that same year, the Aztecs (5-1, 3-0 MW) are receiving votes in the AP Top 25 poll.
San Diego State is led by, according to Fresno State head coach Matt Entz, two future NFL draft picks on defense – defensive end Trey White and AP Midseason All-American cornerback Chris Johnson.
In his weekly press conference, Entz further praised the Aztecs overall as the best team Fresno State (5-2, 2-1 MW) has played since Week 0 opponent Kansas.
The first-year head coach pushed his team during the second bye week to tackle better and limit turnovers, both issues that plagued the ‘Dogs in their last game – a 49-21 loss at Colorado State.
San Diego State also had a second bye week, but the Aztecs have been looking forward to meeting “The Team Up North” since July, when head coach Sean Lewis spoke glowingly of the rivalry.
Their rivalry will survive conference realignment and continue into the PAC-12 next season. As of now, though, both teams control their own destiny in the Mountain West title race – just another layer of importance for Saturday’s game.
Fresno State is one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the fifth year in a row.