Spartan freshman Tama Amisone takes on rivalry finale spotlight

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 overall series 45-3-39

Spread: Bulldogs -3 favorites, O/U 46.5

Saturday night in San Jose will bring a bit more than just a 100+ year 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 football 2026.

Rookie quarterback Tama Amisone will make his first rivalry start and potentially, the centerpiece of a new chapter.

For the 2025 season, the Valley Trophy is the last thing left to latch onto in the wake of a very disappointing year.

It brings some sense of true hope that this vibrant dual-threat is the “child that will lead us” — a singularly focused talent with still much to learn, but already with the wares to succeed.

And in the light of long-standing Spartan quarterback Walker Eget, who’s trajectory started and spanned all in one place, another hope might be that Amisone succeed Eget with a similar and refreshing grace at SJSU.

But that’s tomorrow and today is now.

“Last week, when he got thrust into the game, he just had to react,” said 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 will not make it easy.

The Bulldogs come in with one of the most balanced defensive units in the conference: 22 sacks, 62 tackles-for-loss and 14 interceptions.

The Bulldogs looking to continue the Spartans offensive slump 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 the firepower it has left that is the three Spartan receivers who’ve combined for more than 2,600 receiving yards this season.

Receivers Danny Scudero, Kyri Shoels and Leland Smith will clearly be in the flight path for Amisone.

Salivating for a consistent run game all year long, the likes of another freshman in Steven Chavez-Soto expects to carry the load with some instances of Viliami “Juju” Teu. Lamar Radcliffe, in the supposed dog house, might need to see some more action as well, as San Jose State expects to throw in the kitchen sink at this point.

This is the head of the spear, but at its base, the offensive line has been at the core of the Spartan’s inconsistencies.

“Rule number one as a coach,” said 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.”

Despite the simplicity of the spread-and-shred offense to ease its offensive line duties, it has been a big challenge in the back half of the season. The last mystery behind the dip was also a “nicked up” Eget fighting the fight until he could fight no more.

Thus, expect more creative alignments for super speedster Scudero, including the continued backfield shifts and motion, designed to get easy touches, while forcing Fresno to declare coverage.

It’s also a plan built to help Amisone settle in early and hopefully to complicate the Bulldogs’ defensive keys.

Statistically, it’s contrast football.

Fresno averages 160 yards rushing per game to San Jose’s 120. Passing-wise the Bulldogs are torn between two quarterbacks. The Spartans average almost 300 yards per game in the air to Fresno’s 184 passing yards per game.

But some of this goes out the door with the new dimension and style that Amisone provides, as a raw youngster.

“I’ve modeled my game to Michael Vick and Marcus Marriota,” said Amisone after the loss to the Aztecs.

These were and are quintessential dual-threat quarterbacks who were equally feared with either the pass or the run. Ultimately, it’s a goal Amisone thrives for.

In the meantime, we can hope Amisone carries some of that Hawaiian QB magic closer to home like Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Cal), Jayden Maiava (USC) and even, Micah Alejado from the Rainbow Warriors.

On the defensive front, Bojay Filimoeatu’s debut as the interim DC last week was mostly lost behind an anemic offensive performance. Basically, the Spartans held one of the nation’s top offenses 150 yards below their average.

“Fresno is also going to run the football,” said Filimoeatu. “They’re big, physical and will challenge our front.”

For Niumatalolo, Stutzmann and Filimoeatu, this game isn’t just about Xs and Os, as it is much more about emotion, legacy, and the metallic pull of a trophy. A worthy consolation.

“It’s definitely a huge game. We want the trophy back, of course,” said Niumatalolo. “But our focus has to be on us, especially for our seniors.”

And while the rivalry adds tension, it demands discipline.

“You want to play with emotion, but don’t let emotion play with you,” Niumatalolo said. “Rivalries get chippy. But you’ve got to keep your focus between the white lines.”

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 night at CEFCU, a freshman quarterback shall lead the Spartans at the intersection and continuation of the end of 2025 and the promise of 2026.