By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | Freshman quarterback Tama Amisome scrambles out of the pocket in loss against the Nevada Wolf Pack on Nov. 15 (Photo by Alex Stoev – Spear Photographer)
The San Jose State Spartans look to end a disappointing season in style, aiming to upset their rival Fresno State Bulldogs, in the final Mountain West edition of the Battle for the Valley.
This matchup will also be the Spartans’ senior night, hoping to send their 24 seniors out with a win.
“I want to see the seniors holding that trophy, happy hoisting it over the top with a win,” SJSU offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann said. “ It’s been a rough season, but for those guys to say ‘we brought that trophy back’ …that would be a great thing for them.”
The Spartans will be without arguably their most important senior, as quarterback Walker Eget came down with what looked like a leg injury against San Diego State last week, holding him out for the season finale.
“Obviously, he’s out for the season,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “We’ll find out a little more once we get his reports.”
True Freshman quarterback Tama Amisone will get the start. He becomes the first freshman quarterback to start for the Spartans since 2017.
Last week, Amisone was thrust into the lineup in the first quarter after Eget went down and proved to be a serviceable backup. He showed off his elusive ability to run while proving he can throw the ball downfield.
“I’m excited to see Tama with the full week,” Niumatalolo said. “He has the opportunity to take over the offense.”
Sophomore wide receiver Danny Scudero, who led college football in receiving yards all season, is now in second place, needing 40 yards to retake his crown of first place.
The Bulldogs come into this game looking to retain the Valley trophy. The Bulldogs have proven to be a strong opponent, having the Mountain West’s second-ranked defense, which allows 20 points per game.
“I think their defense takes on the persona of Fresno,” Stutzmann said. “They’re built on being a physical unit. I know that they’re gonna want to stop the run…You can tell they’re well coached.”
The Spartans’ offense will have to get in rhythm early after an electric start to the season. They’ve averaged just under 10 points in the past three games, a big step down from the Spartans’ average of 27 points during the first eight weeks of the season.
SJSU’s defense will look to build off an encouraging performance against SDSU. After the firing of former SJSU defensive coordinator Derrick Odum, interim defensive coordinator Bojay Filimoeatu gave this unit new energy.
The Bulldogs’ offensive approach starts with their run game. Junior running back Rayshon Luke leads the team with 666 rushing yards, which is seventh in the conference. Sophomore running back Bryson Donelson complements Luke, having 550 rushing yards, which creates a dangerous rushing attack.
“They’re a really good team, they have really good schemes, they have good players who run the ball,” Filimoeatu said. “It’s up to us to take on the challenge…just prepare these guys every single day to what they’re going to face.”
The Spartans have shown to have an average rushing defense ranking sixth in the conference, allowing 148 yards on the ground per game.
For SJSU’s defense to have success, it must take advantage of Fresno State senior quarterback E.J. Warner, who leads the Mountain West with 10 interceptions.
The Spartans have struggled to force interceptions all season, having only intercepted six passes.
SJSU will look to end its season on a high note, looking to retrieve the Valley Trophy against its rivals in a highly anticipated matchup at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at CEFCU Stadium.
