San Jose State Secures Valley Trophy with 42-18 Victory over Fresno State
San Jose State emerged triumphant in the battle for the Valley Trophy as they cruised to a 42-18 victory against Fresno State. This win marks the Spartans’ first claim to the coveted trophy since 2019, cementing their dominance over their rivals on Saturday.
The Bulldogs defense had no answer for San Jose State’s formidable ground game, with senior Kairee Robinson spearheading the charge with an incredible 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quali Conley, a native of Fresno, also made a significant impact, contributing 93 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Expressing disappointment, Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford remarked, We got beat. We got beat by a better team tonight. The Bulldogs struggled to contain San Jose State’s offensive prowess, particularly quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, who exhibited remarkable accuracy and threw for 146 yards, delivering three touchdowns.
Fresno State’s offensive struggles were evident throughout the game, amassing only 157 total yards in the first half. Their starting quarterback, Mikey Keene, suffered an injury late in the opening half and was unable to return. Keene managed to throw for 110 yards, securing one touchdown, and unfortunately, one interception.
With a halftime deficit of 28-10, the Bulldogs faced an uphill battle in their attempt to secure the victory. Logan Fife replaced the injured Keene and displayed resilience, throwing for 115 yards and one touchdown. However, Fife’s interception was devastating as it was returned an astonishing 98 yards for a touchdown, further extending San Jose State’s lead to 42-10 early in the third quarter.
The loss now poses a challenge for the Bulldogs (8-2, 4-2 MW) in their aspirations to reach the Mountain West championship game. They must win their remaining two regular-season games and rely on both San Jose State and UNLV to each suffer a loss.
Despite Fresno State’s setback, this game showcased the strength and determination of the San Jose State Spartans, who demonstrated their superiority on both offense and defense. The Valley Trophy victory serves as a testament to their continued excellence and dominance in the region.
As the regular season draws to a close, the landscape of college football remains intense and full of surprises. Fans eagerly await the outcome of future matchups and the subsequent implications on conference championships and postseason berths.
San Jose State’s victory over Fresno State reaffirms their status as a formidable force in college football, while the Bulldogs must regroup and refocus to maintain their championship aspirations. The battle for the Valley Trophy proved to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the finest talents and showcasing the vigor of the rivalry between these two distinguished institutions.
