College football: What to know before San Jose State kicks off rivalry game vs. Fresno State

FRESNO STATE AT SAN JOSE STATE

Records: San Jose State (2-1, 0-0 Mountain West), Fresno State ( 1-1, 0-0 Pac-12)

Kickoff: 8 p.m. Saturday at CEFCU Stadium

TV: FS1

Series History: Fresno State leads the series 46-39-3. SJSU lost at home 41-14 last season. Fresno State also leads the series when playing at CEFCU Stadium, 18-20-1.

San Jose State storylines: This is the second straight season the Spartans will play the Battle for the Valley at home, and the first time since 2019 and 2021 that the rivalry game has been played at the same site in consecutive matchups. (The teams didn’t play in 2020 because of the pandemic). … This will be the first non-conference game between the schools since Sept. 3, 1994. … Running back Jabari Bates is coming off back-to-back games with 100+ rushing yards, the first Spartans to do that since Kairee Robinson had four in a row in 2023.

Fresno State storylines: The winner of the Valley Trophy will keep it until the teams’ next scheduled matchup on Sept. 29, 2029. After that, the teams won’t meet again until 2032 (in San Jose), 2033 (in Fresno), 2034 (in San Jose) and 2035 (in Fresno.) … Fresno State has won two in a row and four of the past five matchups. … In last week’s win against Sacramento State, Fresno State scored 32 points in the second quarter. … Fresno State’s defense has forced a turnover in eight consecutive games dating back to last season.

Stats that matter: San Jose State has only allowed 2 sacks this season. … The Spartans lead the Mountain West in total offense, averaging 427 yards per game. Quarterback Luke Weaver is second in the Mountain West, averaging 262.7 passing yards per game. … Fresno State quarterback Jayden Mandal tied the program record with an 88.5 completion percentage (23 of 26) against Sacramento State. … Fresno State defensive back Simeon has seven career interceptions, ranking third among all active FBS players. … Fresno State running backs Bryson Donelson and Julius Gillick each average above five yards per carry.

— Niles Hall