Every football game at Valley Children’s Stadium seems to be a big deal. Between homecoming, halftime ceremonies, special uniforms and a drone show, Saturday’s matchup with rival San Jose State is setting the stage to be the biggest home game of the season.
Reclaiming the Valley Trophy?
In what will be the final regular season game between San Jose State (5-2, 3-1) and Fresno State (4-3, 2-1) as Mountain West Conference (MWC) mates, the winner of Saturday’s game will have bragging rights and the privilege to hoist the big “V” trophy, honoring the Central and Silicon valleys.
While Fresno State holds the series advantage with a record of 44-39-3, the Bulldogs and Spartans have split the last 10 contests since becoming MWC foes.
The Spartans defeated the ‘Dogs last season 42-18 at CEFCU Stadium. The result was devastating for Fresno State, marking the first of three straight losses to end the ‘Dogs’ hopes for a MWC title.
Who to look for
San Jose State has one of the top wideouts in the nation in Nick Nash, who leads the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with 72 receptions and 11 touchdown catches. His 904 receiving yards on the season ranks second.
He will likely be lined up against Bulldog corner Cam Lockridge, who has 31 total tackles and three interceptions on the season.
Spartans running back Floyd Chalk IV has been a threat in the red zone, rushing for eight touchdowns in 2024. He has 425 yards on 83 carries.
After a slow start to the season, Fresno State running back Elijah Gilliam has five rushing touchdowns in his last five games. His 120 rushing yards against Washington State on Oct. 12 was a career high. He followed it up with a pair of scores and 140 total yards in the ‘Dogs 24-21 win against the Wolf Pack last Friday.
The Bulldogs’ defense held Nevada scoreless in the second half for the first time in 2024. A big part of that was linebacker Malachi Langley who had 13 tackles and a pair of sacks.
Back in black
The Bulldogs will return home AC-DC style, wearing all-black uniforms on Saturday for the first time since Sept. 19, 2015, against Utah.
This year’s edition will consist of a solid black helmet with the “Bulldogs” wordmark running across the helmet in red. The jerseys will be black with red numbering and lettering while also including the words “Fresno State” across the chest.
The pants will be black and have the Bulldog logo. Lastly, there will be a green V symbol on the neckline of the jersey to signify the valley roots.
The concept originated when the Bulldogs wore black alternates on Nov. 2, 2013, against Nevada.
During the press conference on Monday, Fresno State interim head coach Tim Skipper said that the blackout brings “juice” to the locker room.
Fans express excitement for return of blackout
Fans all around the valley have been looking forward to the return of the blackout for years. Now that the return is finally near, locals are gearing up for the big return, as many are purchasing tickets to go to the game and experience the blackout for themselves.
For a fan like Ricky Oaks, the anticipation is palpable as this is a moment he has been waiting to see re-embraced for years.
“Even though they aren’t our team’s colors, the blackout is always sick to have,” Oaks told The Collegian.
Oaks also mentioned that even though there’s a lot to be excited about for the blackout, he worries that some people may not get the memo and will show up to the game not decked out in black gear.
“The only thing I am nervous about is if the Red Wave will actually wear black,” Oaks said
He explained that having to remind some family members about the blackout has him worried about older people who didn’t get the message regarding the blackout.
Ron Cox
The team will welcome back linebacker Ron Cox as he is inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. He will be the 12th member, the first exclusively defensive player inducted among them.
Cox played at Fresno State from 1987-89, setting program records for sacks for single-game (7), single-season (28) and career (50). His record season in 1989 landed him on the All-American team.
“I read his stats, and I can’t believe it’s true,” Skipper said.
Following the season, he was drafted 33rd overall (second round) to the Chicago Bears in the 1990 NFL Draft. Cox played in the league from 1990 to 1997 with the Bears and the Green Bay Packers, whom he was a starter on when they won the 1996 Super Bowl.
He will be recognized during halftime on Saturday.
Kickoff for the game this weekend is set for 5 p.m. Following the conclusion of the game, there will be a drone show, the first ever at Valley Children’s Stadium.
Those that cannot make the game can watch on truTV/MAX.
