Oregon State handed the Aztecs their worst loss in nearly two decades last Saturday in Corvallis. Now SDSU returns for Homecoming to face off against a Fresno State team off a loss of its own, to battle for the Old Oil Can.
WEEK 7: Fresno State Bulldogs at San Diego State Aztecs
WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 7:30 PM PST | 10:30 PM EST
WHERE: Snapdragon Stadium; San Diego, CA (35,000)
RADIO: San Diego Sports 760
SERIES RECORD: San Diego State leads 32-27-4
LAST MATCH: San Diego State 23, Fresno State 0 (2025)
ODDS: Fresno State -7.5 (O/U 45.5)
San Diego, CA – The SDSU Aztecs (2-4, 1-1 Pac-12) host the Fresno State Bulldogs (4-2, 1-1 Pac-12) in the longtime rivals’ first meeting as as Pac-12 members.
Both teams lost last week, but in very different ways. Oregon State hammered SDSU 66-14 in Corvallis, outgaining the Aztecs 651-147 and holding the ball for more than 42 minutes. It was the most points SDSU has allowed since a 70-7 loss at New Mexico. Fresno State, meanwhile, fell 38-31 at home to No. 23 Boise State after a late comeback came up just short when the Broncos recovered an onside kick.
The Old Oil Can has been in SDSU’s custody since the 2023 season finale. The teams did not meet in 2024, and last October the Aztecs went to Fresno and shut out the Bulldogs 23-0 to keep the trophy. SDSU leads a series that dates to 1923, and Sean Lewis summed up rivalry week by saying: “Records don’t matter.”
Now, let’s take a closer look at Fresno State.
Get to Know the 2026 Bulldogs
Fresno State is in its second season under head coach Matt Entz, who won two FCS national titles at North Dakota State before spending a year on USC’s staff. His first Bulldog team went 9-4 and finished the year by beating Miami (Ohio) 18-3 in the Arizona Bowl.
The Bulldogs opened 2026 with a 39-0 loss at USC, then won four straight over Sacramento State, San Jose State, Rice and Washington State by a combined 139-43. The Washington State win was especially impressive on defense, as Fresno held the Cougars to 182 total yards and just 30 on the ground. Last week’s loss to Boise State was the first since the USC game. Fresno State is 5-1 against the spread this season.
Offensive Leaders
Junior quarterback Jayden Mandal runs the offense. He has 1,252 passing yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception while completing 64.7 percent of his passes. Against Boise State, he went 19 of 33 for 218 yards and two touchdowns and added an eight-yard touchdown run. Backup Khristian Martin threw his first career touchdown pass in that game as well.
Running back Rayshon Luke, the Arizona transfer, is the big-play threat. He ran for a career-high 167 yards against Rice, including a 52-yard touchdown, but he missed the Boise game while in concussion protocol, and without him the Bulldogs managed only 69 rushing yards.
Senior wide receiver Josiah Freeman had three catches for 53 yards against the Broncos. Lewis pointed to Fresno’s heavy use of shifts and motions to create leverage and big plays.
Defensive Standouts
The Bulldog defense is built on forcing mistakes. Fresno State is plus-eight in turnover margin, fifth best in FBS, and came into the Boise game with a takeaway in 11 straight games.
Linebackers K’Vion Thunderbird and Tytus Khajavi give the unit an experienced second level, and Khajavi forced a fumble against Rice that set up the go-ahead touchdown. Fresno State is also one of the most disciplined teams in the country, averaging only 32 penalty yards per game.
The weakness is the run defense. Boise State ran for 274 yards at 6.1 yards per carry and held the ball for nearly 39 minutes, and Fresno ranks 101st nationally in total defense at 384.3 yards allowed per game. That’s an opening for an Aztec offense that needs to lean on its running backs.
Your 2026 Pac-12 Aztecs
The Oregon State loss was brutal to watch. SDSU ran only 48 plays to the Beavers’ 98, went without a first down on seven drives, and left an exhausted defense on the field for more than 42 minutes. Lewis apologized to Aztec fans afterward, called the performance embarrassing, and took full responsibility. Senior linebacker Sione Hala said the focus this week has been ownership and accountability.
The numbers explain the problem. SDSU ranks 133rd in FBS in third-down conversions at 26.9 percent, 125th in red zone offense, and 138th in time of possession at 24:11 per game. When the offense can’t sustain drives, the defense wears down.
Key Offensive Players
The quarterback spot is one to watch. Senior Jayden Denegal threw a touchdown to senior receiver Jacob Bostick before halftime in Corvallis, but he finished 5 of 19 for 78 yards and was pulled for freshman Draiden Trudeau after two three-and-outs to start the second half.
Freshman running back Josiah Lucas was the hero of the Texas State win with 111 yards and two touchdowns, and sophomore Javion Kinnard returned to action last week.
Sophomore Jaylon Hawkins continues to be a weapon in the return game. His 97-yard kickoff return touchdown at Oregon State was his third of the season, a new program single-season record, and it tied Ray Peterson for the most career return touchdowns. He also caught a 42-yard pass, SDSU’s longest play of the season. Receiver Bert Emanuel Jr. left the Oregon State game injured.
Key Defensive Players
Junior linebacker Cameron Cooper made the two biggest defensive plays of the Texas State win, a blocked field goal late in the first half and a 32-yard pick-six to clinch the game. Senior safety Josh Hunter made the goal-line stop on fourth down in that game and broke up a pass in the end zone at Oregon State.
Hala and senior defensive lineman Krishna Clay lead the front, and sophomore cornerback Mike Lindsey has been active in the secondary. Against a Fresno State offense that relies on motion, communication will be the key for this group after the breakdowns in Corvallis.
Keys to a San Diego State Victory
1. Sideline Aztec FAST
When a process produces a failed result, the worst thing to do is accelerate it. Aztec FAST involves quick formation and snaps without huddling, but it hurries failed execution and fast-tracks SDSU’s loss of possession.
If the Aztecs SLOW DOWN offensive downs and apply more care, they might execute better on third down- at least until they find their rhythm. The Aztecs must sustain drives; win time of possession, and keep Mandal on the sideline. Boise State showed the formula last week by holding the ball for nearly 39 minutes, and SDSU can’t afford another game where its defense is on the field for 98 plays.
2. Pound The Ground
Fresno State just gave up 274 rushing yards to Boise. Whether it’s Lucas, Kinnard or Lucky Sutton if he’s available, SDSU has to win on the ground, shorten the game and take pressure off whoever might be playing quarterback.
3. Find the Hidden Yardage
The Bulldogs are plus-eight in turnover margin and rarely commit penalties, so the Aztecs can’t give away possessions. Special teams is where SDSU can tilt the field. One more return touchdown from Hawkins, or a takeaway from Cooper and the defense, could swing a rivalry game in front of a Homecoming crowd.
Prediction
On paper, Fresno State is the better team, and the line reflects that. The Bulldogs are disciplined, protect the football and have a quarterback playing efficient football. Meanwhile, the Aztecs appear to be disjointed in many ways.
But…. rivalry games under the lights at Snapdragon don’t always follow the paper, and this Aztec team owes its fans a response after Corvallis. Fresno’s run defense gives SDSU a path to control the clock and keep this close into the fourth quarter. Expect the Aztecs to cover and make it a game, but unless the offense finds suddenly converts on third down, it’s hard to see the Oil Can staying on the Mesa.
Final Score
Fresno State 26, San Diego State 21
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