By Aaron Johnson (@voz_aaron1) – Spear Reporter – Head coach Ken Niumatalolo paces the sideline during SJSU’s 42-24 win against Sacramento State (photo by Nick Orozco – Co- Executive Editor of The Spear)
San Jose State (5-2, 3-1 MW) gets ready to face off against Fresno State (4-3, 2-1 MW) for the battle for the Valley Trophy.
Since the Valley Trophy has been created the series is tied 5-5, the Spartans look to get over .500 all time in the series while simultaneously spoiling Fresno State’s homecoming.
Head coach Ken Niumatalolo wanted the team to remain focused despite the move from Fresno State.
“I don’t get much into that, (Fresno State) can do whatever they want,” Niumatalolo said. “I just got to try to make sure that our team is ready to go work there and play.”
The Spartans are also one win away from bowl eligibility.
“It’s exciting for our guys because we recognize it’s hard to win, hard to get to a bowl game and we don’t take that lightly,” Niumatalolo said. “But we’re focusing on this game. Beat your rivals on the road and keep the trophy.”
With sophomore quarterback Emmett Brown and junior quarterback Walker Eget both seeing the field the last three weeks, Niumatalolo said we can expect to see Eget be the starter for the foreseeable future.
“He probably will be (the starter),” Niumatalolo said. “He did a lot of good things in his first start, he’s got some things he needs to clean up but he will.”
Eget threw for 318 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his first ever collegiate start. Eget is in line to start for the second straight week.
“It’s a big game, a battle for the valley trophy,” Eget said. “It’s something you look forward to every year.”
Spartans senior wide receiver Nick Nash is currently second in the FBS with 907 receiving yards and is first in receiving touchdowns with 11. In reaction to his great start to the season Nash was placed on the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Fresno State’s senior wide receiver Mac Delena has also been named to the watchlist. Delena has 607 yards and four touchdowns on the season which is the most on the team in both categories.
On the defensive side of the ball the Spartans have been rotating the linebackers around over the past few weeks due to injuries in the room. This has allowed junior linebacker Noah McNeal-Franklin to stand out the past three games.
Last week against Wyoming McNeal-Franklin had eight total tackles which was tied for the most on the team. McNeal-Franklin has recorded 25 tackles during the last three games.
“It’s been great stepping in and taking advantage of my opportunity,” McNeal-Franklin said.
During the week of practice leading up to the Fresno game, Niumatalolo brought out the Valley Trophy.
“It’s just for us to remember what we’re playing for,” Eget said. “This isn’t just an ordinary game.”
