Date/Time: Saturday, November 29, 2025 – 7:30 PM PDT
Location: CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, CA
Broadcast: Fox Sports 1
Radio: 860 KTRB AM (SF Bay Area)
Head-to-Head: Fresno leads the general collection 45-3-39
Spread: Bulldogs -3 favorites, O/U 46.5
Saturday evening in San Jose will convey a bit greater than only a 100+ yr rivalry between San Jose State (3-8, 2-5 MW) and Fresno State (7-4, 4-3 MW). It brings a glimpse into the near-future of Spartan soccer 2026.
Advertisement
Rookie quarterback Tama Amisone will make his first rivalry begin and doubtlessly is the centerpiece of a brand new chapter.
For the 2025 season, the Valley Trophy is the very last thing left to latch onto within the wake of a really disappointing yr.
It brings some sense of true hope that this vibrant dual-threat is the “child that will lead us” — a singularly targeted expertise with nonetheless a lot to study, however already with the wares to succeed.
And within the mild of long-standing Spartan quarterback Walker Eget, who’s trajectory began and spanned multi function place, one other hope may be that Amisone succeed Eget with the same and refreshing grace all at SJSU.
Advertisement
But that’s tomorrow and at this time is now.
“Last week, when he got thrust into the game, he just had to react,” stated head coach Ken Niumatalolo. “But this time, he knows he’s starting and he’ll have the whole week to prepare for Saturday’s game.”
“I’m excited to see what Tama can do.”
Of course, Fresno State is not going to make it straightforward.
The Bulldogs are available with probably the most balanced defensive items within the convention: 22 sacks, 62 tackles-for-loss and 14 interceptions.
The Bulldogs trying to proceed the Spartans offensive droop are led by DL Finn Claypool (6.5 sacks, 9 TFL) and ballhawk Al’zillion Hamilton (3 INTs).
San José State has to counter with all of the firepower it has left that’s the three Spartan receivers who’ve mixed for greater than 2,600 receiving yards this season.
Advertisement
Receivers Danny Scudero, Kyri Shoels and Leland Smith will clearly be within the flight path for Amisone.
Salivating for a constant run sport all yr lengthy, the likes of one other freshman in Steven Chavez-Soto expects to hold the load with some situations of Viliami “Juju” Teu. Lamar Radcliffe, within the supposed canine home, would possibly have to see some extra motion as properly, as San Jose State expects to throw within the kitchen sink at this level.
This is the top of the spear, however at its base, the offensive line has been on the core of the Spartan’s inconsistencies.
“Rule number one as a coach,” stated OC Craig Stutzmann. “You’re only as good as the players you have and you better find a way to get your best players the football, regardless.”
Advertisement
Despite the simplicity of the spread-and-shred offense to ease its offensive line duties, it has been an enormous problem within the again half of the season. The final thriller behind the dip was additionally a “nicked up” Eget combating the battle till he may battle no extra.
Thus, count on extra artistic alignments for tremendous speedster Scudero, together with the continued backfield shifts and movement, designed to get straightforward touches, whereas forcing Fresno to declare protection.
It’s additionally a plan constructed to assist Amisone settle in early and hopefully to complicate the Bulldogs’ defensive keys.
Statistically, it’s distinction soccer.
Fresno averages 160 yards dashing per sport to San Jose’s 120. Passing-wise the Bulldogs are torn between two quarterbacks. The Spartans common virtually 300 yards per sport within the air to Fresno’s 184 passing yards per sport.
Advertisement
But a few of this goes out the door with the brand new dimension and magnificence that Amisone gives, as a uncooked teenager.
“I’ve modeled my game to Michael Vick and Marcus Marriota,” stated Amisone after the loss to the Aztecs.
These have been and are quintessential dual-threat quarterbacks who have been equally feared with both the move or the run. Ultimately, it’s a purpose Amisone thrives for.
In the meantime, we will hope Amisone carries a few of that Hawaiian QB magic nearer to residence like Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Cal), Jayden Maiava (USC) and even, Micah Alejado from the Rainbow Warriors.
On the defensive entrance, Bojay Filimoeatu’s debut because the interim DC final week was principally misplaced behind an anemic offensive efficiency. Basically, the Spartans held one of many nation’s high offenses 150 yards under their common.
Advertisement
“Fresno is also going to run the football,” stated Filimoeatu. “They’re big, physical and will challenge our front.”
For Niumatalolo, Stutzmann and Filimoeatu, this sport isn’t nearly Xs and Os, as it’s way more about emotion, legacy, and the metallic pull of a trophy. A worthy comfort.
“It’s definitely a huge game. We want the trophy back, of course,” stated Niumatalolo. “But our focus has to be on us, especially for our seniors.”
And whereas the rivalry provides rigidity, it calls for self-discipline.
“You want to play with emotion, but don’t let emotion play with you,” Niumatalolo stated. “Rivalries get chippy. But you’ve got to keep your focus between the white lines.”
Advertisement
As for Amisone?
“Tama brings fire, energy, and excitement. He makes guys believe. He plays with the kind of intensity that gives a team life.”
Saturday evening at CEFCU, a freshman quarterback shall lead the Spartans on the intersection and continuation of the tip of 2025 and the promise of 2026.