By Jose Trujillo — Video Editor
For the second straight season, the Valley Trophy will remain with Fresno State (10-2,7-1 MW).
A 31-13 victory over San Jose State football (1-11, 1-7 MW) on Saturday night cemented the Bulldogs first back-to-back 10 win seasons since 1988-1989.
SJSU did not make it easy as it came out playing fast, aggressive and extremely motivated, particularly on defense.
The Spartans forced the Bulldogs to punt on four of their six first-half possessions and did not allow a third-down conversion in the first quarter. They also came up with a turnover when junior linebacker Jesse Osuna squarely hit Fresno State tight end Jared Rice to knock the ball loose for an SJSU takeaway.
A defensive half saw both teams combine for 319 yards and convert only five of 18 third downs.
The Spartans constantly harassed Marcus McMaryion, sending all types of pressure, hitting him and hurrying throws from the senior quarterback. It was only the second time the Bulldogs have been held without a touchdown in the first half all season.
Only games are not won or lost in the first 24 minutes of a game – and San Jose State found this out quickly.
The Bulldogs three possessions in the third quarter resulted in two scores.
The first score was set up after McMaryion hit wide receiver KeeSean Johnson for 45 yards to the 1-yard line. Jordan Mims would run it in for six on the next play.
Just before the end of the quarter, the McMaryion-Johnson duo struck again – this time for a 31-yard touchdown. With that reception, Johnson became the all-time leader in receiving yards for Fresno State.
Johnson torched the Spartan secondary for 7 catches, 173 yards and 1 TD.
Down 17-0 with one quarter left, the Spartans finally broke free when senior quarterback Michael Carrillo connected with Malik Roberson for a 70-yard screen that saw him go untouched for the score.
Unfortunately for the Spartans, the score came too late.
The Bulldogs scored 28 of their 31 points in the second half. At halftime, McMaryion had 75 yards through the air.
In the second half alone, the Oregon State transfer threw for 242 yards. He finished the night 20 of 29 for 317 yards and 2 TDs.
For the second week in a row, Carrillo got the starting nod for SJSU. In his final collegiate game, Carrillo connected on 24 of 41 passes for 302 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception.
Tre Walker continued his stellar, breakout sophomore season. The Inglewood native hauled in 11 catches for 116 yards and 1 TD.
Once again, the Spartans inability to establish some sort of running game haunted the team.
Very few times did Fresno State not have eight defenders in the box, daring the SJSU offense to beat them through the air.
And the Spartans simply couldn’t do that. They finished the game with 60 rushing yards on 22 carries – good for 2.7 yards per rush.
SJSU failed to reach 1,000 rushing yards as a team in 2018.
If head coach Brent Brennan hopes to improve from this season, he will have to start with the offensive line and running game.
Until that happens, don’t expect the Valley Trophy to return to San Jose State anytime soon.
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