SAN JOSE, Calif. (KFSN) — For the third straight season, the Bulldogs showed out in San Jose to walk away with the Valley Trophy and take down the rival Spartans, 26-10 on Saturday night.

The 89th edition of the ‘Battle for the Valley’ rivalry didn’t start off as electric as this rivalry has been in the past, with both teams deadlocked in a defensive clinic throughout the first half.

The Spartans marched into Bulldog territory on their opening drive, settling for a 45-yard field goal to get on the board first for a 3-0 lead.

Fresno State responded with a 10-play, 49-yard drive of their own. However, the first missed field goal in Manaki Watanabe’s Fresno State career kept the Spartans on top.

It didn’t take long for Watanabe to redeem himself, drilling two field goals from 52 and 51, respectively, to give the ‘Dogs their first lead of the night. A late interception in the endzone from Ethan Tierney kept the Bulldogs on top heading into the halftime break.

A key stop by K’Vion Thunderbird halted the Spartans momentum out of the break, giving the ‘Dogs the ball back in prime position after Jordan Malau’ulu nearly housed a punt return.

Jayden Mandal finished the drive off, lofting a jump ball to Josiah Freeman and letting him go grab it, over the back of a Spartan DB for the first touchdown of the game, giving Fresno State a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs defense continued to shine, forcing a fourth and goal for the Spartans at the one-yard line but SJSU finally made their way across the line to pull within a field goal of the ‘Dogs.

Watanabe’s third field goal of the night, from 44 yards out, stretched the lead to six for Fresno State with just 6:36 remaining in the game, leaving the Spartans with one final chance to find the endzone.

Kiontre Harris nearly closed it out two plays later, coming away with the ‘Dog’s third interception of the night to get Fresno State’s offense back on the field.

The finishing blow came from Bryson Donelson with a little over a minute remaining, breaking free for a 36-yard touchdown run to secure the third-straight Valley Trophy win for the ‘Dogs.

Fresno State improves to 47-36-3 in the Battle for the Valley rivalry and returns home next Saturday to face Rice before Pac-12 play begins.

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