Fresno State snatches four interceptions in homecoming win vs. longtime rival San José State
Fresno State’s Cam Lockridge took a seat on a sideline stationary bicycle when a group of teammates surrounded the defensive back and waved towels his direction to fan him off.
Lockridge was hot, having snagged two interceptions within a span of 1:59 of game play.
Many of Lockridge’s teammates seemed on fire, too, as Fresno State defeated longtime rival San José State 33-10 to give the announced sellout crowd of 41,343 plenty to cheer for Saturday on homecoming at Valley Children’s Stadium.
Fresno State’s defense amassed a season-high four turnovers — all of which were interceptions.
The Bulldogs offense, behind another balanced attack, kept moving the chains while maintaining possession of the ball for a season-best 35 minutes, 22 seconds.
Quarterback Mike Keene specifically had one of his most effective games while passing for a season-best three touchdowns.
Keene completed 9 of his first 10 passes before finishing 30 of 41 for 275 passing yards, with the three touchdowns to one interception.
And though Keene’s interception will keep him among the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the nation, at least his pick occurred late in the game when the Bulldogs nursed a large lead.
The spent the majority of Saturday, Keene made solid decisions while mixing deep ball throws with check-down passes.
Keene’s fairly clean performance also came against a San José State defense that entered Saturday ranked second in the nation (Football Bowl Subdivision) with 18 turnovers forced, including 13 interceptions.
Bulldogs receiver Jalen Moss finished with six catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Fellow receiver Mac Dalena added five receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.
Running back Elijiah Gilliam grabbed five catches, too, for 32 yards.
With the win, Fresno State reclaimed the coveted Valley trophy that’s awarded to the winner in the longtime rivalry game.
The Bulldogs also kept their hopes alive of reaching the Mountain West championship game.
Further potentially helping Fresno State’s quest to advance to the conference championship:
- The Bulldogs play only one Mountain West team that has a winning record the rest of the way (when Fresno State hosts Colorado State on Nov. 23).
- Fresno State also does not have Boise State or San Diego State on its regular-season schedule; both are currently undefeated in Mountain West play but face each other next weekend.
San José State (5-3, 3-2), which used three quarterbacks Saturday, became the third Fresno State opponent to pass less than 50%. The Spartans completed just 21 of 54 attempts (41.2%).
Fresno State linebacker Malachi Langley finished with a team-high eight tackles. Lockridge added seven sacks.
Julian Neal and Al’zillion Hamilton each had one interception for the Bulldogs.
This story was originally published October 26, 2024 at 10:28 PM.