Fresno State 6-4 (3-3) at San Jose State 6-5 (4-3)
Time/TV: 6:30 p.m. PT, ESPN2
The Series
Fresno State owns a 36-33-3 lead in the all-time series, which began in 1921. The Spartans held the series lead since the early 1950s until 2003, when the ‘Dogs regained the advantage. Fresno State has dominated the recent games, winning 13 of the last 14 games. The ‘Dogs won 12 straight from 1991-2005. The only win in that time was the last meeting at Spartan Stadium, Dec. 2, 2006, a 24-14 SJSU win. Fresno State won last year 30-0 at Bulldog Stadium. Pat Hill is 10-1 against the rival Spartans.
Fresno State
The storyline continues to be injuries for the Bulldogs. Starting running back Ryan Mathews announced to the media this week that he is 100% and will play on Friday night. However, Head Coach Pat Hill quickly noted that Mathews could not even suit up leaving Mathews status in doubt. Anthony Harding will get the start and Lonyae Miller could possibly see more reps this week after aggravating his leg injury suffered earlier this month at Louisiana Tech against New Mexico State last week. The receiver corps also continues to be without its top deep threat. Marlon Moore has played in one game since September, but he did practice this week giving some hope the talented speedster could see his first game action since first full game of action since Toledo. Also returning to the live action in practice is receiver Jason Crawley. He has not bee healthy all season. Furthermore, he is not in game shape but still add another capable option for quarterback Tom Brandstater. Richard Pacheco will likely get his second start at left guard in place of ailing guard Devan Cunningham.
Defensively, the Bulldogs are coming off a school-record performance last week against New Mexico State. The ‘Dogs held to the Aggies to a record -9 yards rushing. The reemergence of defensive tackle Jon Monga, and the speed off the edge from defensive end Chris Carter, led FS to a season high five sacks. Starting free safety Marvin Haynes has battled injuries all season. His year may be done. He did not practice on Monday. If he did play this week, it will be limited.
San Jose State
Under Head Coach Dick Tomey, the Spartans are bowl eligible for the second time in three years. In his fourth season with the Spartans. Has a 23-24 win-loss record at San Jose State. His 17 wins in his first three seasons as the Spartans head coach are the most by the team since the 1990 through 1992 seasons when those San Jose State teams combined to win 22 games. As a head coach, Tomey is 3-2-1 against Fresno State. While the head coach at Hawaii, his teams defeated Fresno State in 1984 (27-15) and 1986 (24-13) and tied the Bulldogs (24-24) in 1985. As the San Jose State head coach, the Spartans are 1-2.
San Jose State's defense is one of the best in the WAC. The Spartans are allowing just 318 yards and 21.4 points per game, second in the conference in both categories. Through 11 games, the San Jose State defense is ranked in the top-25 in pass defense efficiency (13th), quarterback sacks (12th) and intercepted passes (11th tied) among FBS schools. San Jose State ranks 33rd nationally in turnover margin at +6. San Jose State has scored 49 points compared to 23 by its WAC opponents following a turnover gained. For the season, San Jose State is outscoring its opponents, 69-50, as a result of a take-away via interception or fumble recovery. The Spartans have not gained a turnover from the opposition in either of its last two games after coming with 24 in the first nine games of the season.
Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert and defensive end Carl Ihenacho enter the Fresno State game ranked 1-2 in the WAC in tackles for loss with 21.5 and 15.5, respectively. Gilbert is the career leader among active WAC players in this category with 41.5. Through games played on November 15, they are one of two pair of teammates ranked in the top-15 nationally among FBS players in tackles for loss.
Quarterback Kyle Reed leads the Spartan offensive attack. He has nine touchdowns passes this season. However, Reed is still suffering from an injury, and he is not likely to play against Fresno State. Yonus Davis has rushed for 522 yards on the season, but he will likely not play as well with injury. RFr. Brandon Rutley will likely get the start. He has rushed for 344 yards and three touchdowns this year. The Spartans rank No. 19 in the NCAA at 24.2 yards per kick return.