By Jonathan Guzman – Reporter
It was a not-so-happy Thanksgiving game for San Jose State, as Fresno State retained the Valley Trophy in a 40-9 blowout at CEFCU Stadium.
There was a lot on the line for the Spartans in today’s game. Aside from the Valley Trophy and bragging rights over the rival Bulldogs, a bowl appearance required a Spartans win.
After receiving the ball to start the game, SJSU capped off a 15-play drive with a 31-yard field goal by junior kicker Matt Mercurio.
This would be the first and last time the Spartans would hold a lead throughout the game.
The Bulldogs were efficient on their first drive, as senior quarterback Jake Haener was 6-for-6 for 48 yards which were capped off with a two-yard run for a touchdown by junior wide receiver Jalen Cropper.
On the ensuing drive, senior quarterback Nick Starkel fumbled on a sack and the ball was recovered by Fresno State in SJSU’s territory.
The Spartans’ defense would force a punt and the Bulldogs’ offense gained zero yards on the drive.
On the Spartans’ fourth drive, Starkel was called for intentional grounding in the Spartans’ end zone which resulted in a safety for the Bulldogs.
Cropper fumbled on a seven-yard pass that resulted in SJSU’s only takeaway of the game. Their only takeaway resulted in a field goal.
Fresno State would not look back, playing an almost flawless game from here on out.
The Spartans fumbled once more as junior quarterback Nick Nash took the field while Starkel was nursing a shoulder injury. This is the Spartans’ ninth game with two or more turnovers.
Fresno State went on to score two more touchdowns before the half, while SJSU would only add on another field goal.
Both teams had three scores in the first half. The noticeable difference was that the Bulldogs scored three touchdowns and the Spartans kicked three field goals.
The Bulldogs led 23-9 going into halftime.
Starkel would finish out the remainder of the game after coming out late from the locker room after the half.
“If I had to fight with one arm, I’ll fight with one arm,” said Starkel.
But the Spartans were not able to get anything going in the second half as they finished scoreless with three punts and two turnovers on downs.
Fresno State scored a field goal and two more touchdowns that would inevitably put the game on ice.
As senior linebacker and leader of the defense, Kyle Harmon, played his last game for the Spartans, as he helped his teammates with a never-back-down attitude even when down by 31 points.
“Each man has to go out there and decide to fight, decide not to quit,” said Harmon.
Haener made 27-of-36 completions with 343 yards and four touchdowns on a Spartans defense that has been struggling to get off the field in their previous games.
On the other hand, Starkel finished the game, along with his time at SJSU, with 19-of-42 completions with 260 yards.
With the loss, the Spartans’ chances of making a bowl game are gone, with the team finishing the 2021 season 5-7.
“It sucks,” said Starkel. “It’s the worst feeling in the world.”
Emotions can be heard and seen from many of the SJSU players and coaches after today’s loss.
“I love this team, I love these seniors,” said head coach Brent Brennan. “It’s just a hard day, hard year.”
Follow Jonathan on Twitter @jonathan_sjsu
