Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene was supposed be the triggerman of an explosive offense this season. But due to critical mistakes through the first seven games, he’s been relegated to “game manager” — two words every quarterback hates.

The reason for the change in Keene’s assignment is obvious to the Bulldogs’ passionate fan base: His nine interceptions are third-most among FBS quarterbacks.

The second half hasn’t been Keene’s strong suit with his turnovers in the third and fourth quarters costing the team opportunities for victory. The Bulldogs rank No. 114 in the FBS in points scored in the all-important fourth quarter (an average of 4.9).

But going into a very important matchup against Mountain West Conference rival San Jose State at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday, offensive coordinator Pat McCann says he’s still riding with Keene.

“I have all the confidence in the world in Mikey. I do,” said McCann at Monday’s news conference.

Shifting Focus to Ground Game

For the team to resort to the struggling ground game to seal a 24-21 victory against the Nevada Wolf Pack last Friday speaks volumes. The team is without senior tailback Malik Sherrod, leaving backups senior Elijah Gilliam and freshman Bryson Donnelson to take the carries.

In addition, the offensive line has been plagued by injuries for yet another season. The Bulldogs have used four different starting lineups in the trenches. Depth players like senior left tackle Toreon Penright, junior right guard Campbell McHarg, and redshirt sophomore right guard Edward Fonua have all earned their first career starts.

Despite the reliance on backups, the running game has improved. Against Washington State, Gilliam finished the game with a career-high 20 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. Against Nevada, he got 20 carries for 66 yards and found the endzone twice.

With Gilliam and Donnelson combining for 118 rushing yards against the Wolf Pack, the Bulldogs improved to 2-1 in the Mountain West and 4-3 overall — keeping many of their preseason goals alive. Both players are making a case that the run game should play a bigger role in their offensive strategy going forward.

McCann on the rushing attack: “We made some tweaks in the run game the last couple of weeks that I think has helped us. We’ve got to run the ball to help our defense out. We’ve got to make a point of emphasis to effectively run the ball the rest of year.”

Even though McCann is holding out hope for Sherrod to return, Gilliam believes he’s proven that he should be the No. 1 running back.

“I think I’ve proven myself. I still have stuff to work on but from here on out I’m capable of being the No. 1 back,” said Gilliam.

What’s powering the ground game of late?

According to Gilliam it’s all about preparation. For senior center Mose Vavao it’s simple: “Aggression and violence can take care of a lot of things.”

Related Story: Fresno State Spoils Nevada’s Homecoming With Conference Victory

Preparing for San Jose State

Both teams will meet for the 87th time and again will play for the Valley Trophy. The Bulldogs are looking to avenge last year’s loss.

Fresno State has the historical advantage leading the series 44-39-3 and 26-18-1 at home. A victory against the Spartans would be meaningful since the Bulldogs will compete in the Pac-12 in 2026, Saturday’s matchup may be the final contest between the teams as conference rivals.

“This game is super important. Last year we went over there, and we weren’t prepared to win, and they blew us out. Preparation, watching the film, being great at practice, that’ll help us a lot,” said senior safety Kosi Agina. “If this is the last time we’re playing then we plan on getting that trophy back.”

This game is important as the outcome could determine if Fresno State remains in contention for the conference championship. Also looking large: Will the Bulldogs be successful enough this season for interim head coach Tim Skipper to become the permanent head coach.

“I really don’t worry about that. I think winning takes care of everything. We’re in conference playoffs right now. We just want to win each game. That’s all our focus is on right now,” said Skipper.

Fresno State has 12 players who have earned their first career starts this season, a mark that is 8th most in the FBS. The coach knows depth will be a factor in keeping their hopes alive in conference play.

“It’s very important in the Mountain West conference. The healthy teams always finish on top. Our depth is really good,” said Skipper. “New guys have to step up and play … you’ll continue to see that as the season goes.”

It’s evident in the secondary. With the loss of senior safety Camryn Bracha to injury, players like Agina have had to fill in. Against Nevada, senior safety Dean Clark was ejected because of a targeting penalty before halftime. Agina and Jayden Davis got the job done, helping hold the Wolf Pack scoreless the second half.

Bulldogs Defense is No. 1 in Conference but Seeks Improvement

That resilience proves why Fresno State’s defense leads the conference in total defense. Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle is proud of his unit but believes they have much more to prove.

“It’s nice to hear but I don’t feel we’re playing as well as we could possibly play. We’re going to face some of our biggest challenges against these teams who have high powered offenses,” said Coyle. “The bottom line, the stats we’re most concerned about is scoring defense. We’re not where we want to be at in that category at this point. We got to really tighten down and keep pressing to get better.”

The Spartans are ranked No. 6 in the FBS in passing offense and are in the top 50 in total and scoring offense. Much of that credit can go to their redshirt senior wide receiver Nick Nash who has 904 yards on the season. He has 11 receiving touchdowns on the year. He is second in the FBS in total yards receiving and leads the country in receiving touchdowns.

Nash will be a test against the secondary showing they can hang with a player of his caliber. “We have to matchup with him and know where he’s at. We know he’s the main focal point of their offense. Preparing for him and seeing how he runs routes will help us a lot,” said Agina.

Related Story: Fresno State Falls to Washington State in Fourth Quarter Heartbreaker

Homecoming Among the Festivities for Saturday’s Game

This weekend is Homecoming for the Bulldogs. They’ll reveal their new black uniform combo, Bulldog legend Ron Cox will be inducted into the Ring of Honor at halftime, and there will be a postgame drone show.

“It’s super exciting. The Red Wave, pack the stadium! We need you guys and need you in the seats. Bring your families, and enjoy, because we’re excited,” said Agina.