Fresno State’s trip to Silicon Valley to play the rival San Jose State Spartans didn’t go well as the Bulldogs lost 42-18 and quarterback Mikey Keene in the process.
While the ‘Dogs are still in the title hunt for the Mountain West Championship, they don’t control their own destiny anymore.
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How it happened: Fresno State got off to its worst start of the season, allowing the Spartans to find the end zone on their first four possessions.
- The Bulldogs, on the other hand, just managed 10 points in that span, which included an interception from Keene.
- San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro was responsible for three of the Spartans’ touchdowns as the Bulldogs struggled early to contain him.
- Keene went down with an injury late in the first half. Backup quarterback Logan Fife entered after halftime, but it didn’t make a difference for the Bulldogs as they only found the end zone one more time, an 11-yard pass from Fife to receiver Jalen Moss in the fourth quarter when the Bulldogs were already down by 32.
- Any hope of mounting a comeback in the second half was stifled by a 98-yard pick six by San Jose State in the third quarter to put the Spartans up by 25.
- Along with its offensive woes, Fresno State lost the game on the ground as the defense was beat down by San Jose State’s rushing attack. The Spartans racked up 313 yards on the ground, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
- Spartans running back Kairee Robinson rushed for an even 200 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per attempt.
What we’re watching: Fresno State drops to 8-2 with the loss with a 4-2 record in Mountain West play.
- Heading into the rivalry matchup for the Valley Trophy Fresno State controlled its destiny and was on track for a spot in the Mountain West Championship game.
- But now the Bulldogs are tied for third in the conference with Boise State and San Jose State. The Bulldogs own the tiebreaker with Boise State, but San Jose State will have the edge if it comes to that.
- Air Force and UNLV, who play each other this upcoming week, are tied for first in the conference with one loss apiece.
