This Saturday marks the end of Fresno State football’s Mountain West Conference run. The ‘Dogs will take on the San Jose State Spartans as they battle for the Valley Trophy on Nov. 29.
The rivalry started in 1921 and is the largest battle for both schools’ programs.
“The Valley, I mean, we have the V, we celebrate it,” said Head Coach Matt Entz at a press conference on Nov. 24. “We had a game this weekend to celebrate the Valley. So to me, this is as big a trophy as there is out there, because that V and the green V in particular, you know, it is Fresno State.”
In Fresno State’s final home game of the season last weekend, the team was defeated 28-17 by the Utah State Aggies on senior night.
The Bulldogs scored 17 points in the first half, but put up zero in the second.
Now, as the ‘Dogs look to face the Spartans and defend their possession of the Valley Trophy, Entz said the team sees this weekend’s potential win as a priority.
“We’re going to make sure that we do everything we can and make sure [this] regular season ends the right way,” Entz said.
The Bulldogs started the season with E.J. Warner at quarterback, but made a switch in October. Carson Conklin started against the San Diego State Aztecs, the Boise State Broncos and the Wyoming Cowboys, two of which were wins. He also saw action against the Southern University Jaguars in a blowout victory.
Warner took back the starting position this past Saturday.
“He was still in the facility just as much as anybody else was, if not more, even though he wasn’t QB1 or didn’t have the title,” Entz said. “So he continued to pour into his teammates, continued to compete, stepped out of his comfort zone a little bit at practice at times.”
Neither team has announced its starting quarterback for this weekend’s game. The Spartans’ starting quarterback, Walker Eget, suffered a leg injury this past Saturday, and his condition has not been confirmed. Eget has 3,047 total passing yards and 96 rushing yards so far this season.
Regardless of who’s throwing the ball, Spartan wide receiver Danny Scudero will be on the Bulldogs’ minds. He sits second in the country in receiving yards with 1,234. Scudero has reeled in 10 of Eget’s 17 passing touchdowns and been one of the most reliable targets for the Spartans.
Entz said that the team has improved significantly over the course of the season and that they have a lot of plays and teammates that they’re looking forward to using.
“We have a number of backs that we’re really excited about,” Entz said. “We have multiple receivers that are starting to make some plays, a tight end room that has great depth, maybe the deepest one in the league.”
During Monday’s press conference, Entz reflected on the team’s growth and how they have a lot to be thankful for. The Bulldogs are celebrating Thanksgiving with an all-team and staff dinner tonight, getting right back to the practice field tomorrow morning. Entz said the men on the team will have time to get home to their families on Thursday night.
“I want our guys to have an unbelievable amount of success, because they earn it,” Entz said. “They practice hard, they are committed to their teammates and to this program.”
As the team looks to close out its time in the Mountain West, Entz said that not attending the championship is unfortunate.
Fresno State is 7-4 overall and 4-3 in the Mountain West, while San Jose State is 3-8 overall and 2-5 in the Mountain West.
“I would give anything to go back in time and play one more game,” Entz said.
Entz heavily emphasized that they have built a family within Fresno State football and that, as a person and coach, he wears his heart on his sleeve, but that he’s proud of that.
Saturday’s loss was an emotional one, but he said he doesn’t let those feelings overcome him.
“The emotion we saw Saturday night is one that you can’t fake,” Entz said.
The Bulldogs’ final kickoff in the Mountain West is set for 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.
