Fresno State (2-2, 1-0 MWC) at San Jose State (1-5, 0-2)

When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday Where: CEFCU Stadium Radio: 1590

Story line: Since 2013, Fresno State and San Jose State have played for the Valley Trophy. The Spartans have won the trophy in three of the four meetings, including a 16-13 decision in Fresno last year. It’s going to be tough for San Jose State to retain the hardware: The Bulldogs are coming off a 41-21 rout of Nevada in their Mountain West Conference opener. The Spartans have lost four in a row by a combined score of 212-39.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

It’s the Spartans’ homecoming game, and it’s a homecoming of sorts for Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford, who led Cal’s program for 11 seasons (2002-12). While with the Bears, Tedford did not coach against San Jose State. He did go 1-1 against the Spartans as Fresno State’s quarterback in the early 1980s.

The Spartans have allowed 290 rushing yards per game, and they’ll have to deal with Fresno State freshman Ronnie Rivers. The 5-foot-8 Freedom High-Oakley grad had 12 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown against the Wolf Pack last Saturday.

San Jose State fans looking for any positive signs can point to the fact the Spartans gained 462 yards last Saturday night at UNLV after their offense had done next to nothing in the previous three games. Of course, San Jose State lost 41-13 to the Rebels.