Fresno State (8-3, 5-2 MWC) at San Jose State (5-6, 3-4)

When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: CEFCU Stadium

TV/Radio: FS1/860

Story line: After last year’s matchup was canceled because of coronavirus issues, the Bulldogs and Spartans meet in a rivalry series that began 100 years ago. Fresno State leads the series 42-38-3. The winner of the game receives the Valley Trophy. Fresno State would win the MWC West Division title if it prevails and San Diego State loses to Boise State on Friday. San Jose State needs a win to become bowl-eligible, but that wouldn’t guarantee a bowl bid for the Spartans.

WHAT TO WATCH

San Jose State has the challenge of trying to contain quarterback Jake Haener, a Monte Vista-Danville alum. Haener has hit on 66.8% of his passes, throwing for 3,467 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He leads the MWC in passing efficiency (155.4). SJSU head coach Brent Brennan said Haener “can throw the ball well on the move. I think his toughness is well-documented. He’s fun to watch. He’s a really, really good player.”

A revealing stat for the Spartans is turnover margin. They rank last in the MWC at minus-11; in their six losses,

they’re a combined minus-9. Ball security will be key for San Jose State if it’s going to pull an upset.

Brennan has been on the San Jose State side of the rivalry as a fan growing up, as an assistant coach (200510) and as the head coach since 2017. His favorite game came two years ago, when the Spartans overcame a 14-0 deficit and won 17-16 on a wet and windy night. DeJon Packer’s 10-yard TD run with 2:11 remaining was the game-winner. That victory “was an epic moment, a great memory for me,” Brennan said. “The hugs and the smiles and the joy in the locker room after (were) just awesome.”