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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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