San Jose State Spartans running back Jaberi Bates (6) runs the ball up field against Cal Poly Mustangs defesive back RL Miller (4) at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Sat Sep 12, 2026. The Spartans host the Fresno State Bulldogs this Sat Sep 19, 2026 (San Jose State Spartans photo)

By Lucas Quick

SAN JOSE–Another chapter of “The Battle of the Valley” between San Jose State (2-1, 0-0 MW) and Fresno State (1-1, 0-0 MW) begins on Saturday, but there are some new changes in a lengthy rivalry.

With the conference shift from the Mountain West to the PAC-12 for the Bulldogs, this marks the first time both teams will face off in a nonconference matchup since 1994 and the earliest matchup in a season since that same year.

Both teams come out of Week 1 with wins in their home openers, with Fresno State’s dismantling of Sacramento State, 49-3, and SJSU holding onto a 30-20 win over Cal Poly.

A matchup so early into the season brings a lot of questions and uncertainty surrounding both teams. Both offenses have had their fair share of bright spots and weaknesses.

The first quarter of this matchup will be crucial for both teams, as neither team has scored in the first quarter this season. Getting off to a good start early can be a potential deciding factor in who comes out on top.

“You always want to get off to a fast start,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “So we’re doing all we can, I’m sure they [Fresno State] are too. Nobody wants to start scoreless.”

The Spartans will need to play more disciplined football and avoid making as many mental mistakes as they committed in their previous two matchups. While starting on a better note than last season, the product isn’t close to perfection, and Niumatalolo has emphasized that this week.

“Obviously, winning is big for our school and our friends but if we don’t play well, it doesn’t matter,” Niumatalolo said. “So the big thing is just preparing so we can play well and execute.”

The line of scrimmage battle is another key factor to keep an eye on. SJSU’s offense has opened up its rushing attack at a level that hasn’t been seen often under offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann’s system. In all three games, they have eclipsed 100 yards rushing, putting less weight on senior quarterback Luke Weaver’s shoulders.

One of the Bulldogs’ biggest strengths comes on their defensive line and their “front seven,” with nickelback Simeon Harris being named to the Jim Thorpe watch list heading into this season. Running back Jabari Bates has had a career year early on, but this is the biggest task he and this offense have faced since USC.

In what could be a tight game or a game where the Spartans might have to play behind, Weaver is going to need to lead his offense to a consistent, turnover-free game in order to go 3-1 heading into their bye week.

Lucas Quick is a San Jose Spartans football beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com