What: Fresno State Bulldogs at San Diego State Aztecs
When: Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.
TV: CBS Sports Network
Line: Aztecs -7.5
THE OLD OIL CAN!
If there’s one thing we get up for around here at Kabeer Thirty, it’s the Old Oil Can. Fresno State and San Diego State have been playing this game since 1923, when the Aztecs loaded up the team Model T and headed up north with nothing but an oil can (new, at the time) and their dreams. Fresno State won that first meeting and were awarded San Diego State’s oil can (it was customary at the time to place oil can wagers. Think of them as early pogs.). None of the preceding is actually true (but hopefully a future 3rd-division soccer team in San Diego can name their club after something in this story). They bought it on eBay.
Why should we be scared of them?
I was prepared for this game. I had a great answer to this question ready to go…and then Fresno State started playing well. Do you know who’s leading the Mountain West, West division? The undefeated (in conference) Fresno State Bulldogs. The Aztecs are chasing Fresno State, a team who — prior to September 30 — hadn’t beaten an FBS opponent in almost two years.
I watched Fresno State in person against UUUUUUUUU DUUUUUUUUUUB at Husky Stadium in September, where they played some atrocious football. They had a bye, changed quarterbacks, then rolled off three straight against Nevada, San José State, and New Mexico. Washington is a very good team, while the rest of those teams are not. It’s safe to say Fresno State’s actual talent level falls somewhere in between, but they’re hot right now and the Aztecs are coming off a gutting loss.
Do they have anyone worth watching?
Last year, we pointed out receivers Jamire Jordan and KeeSean Johnson. They’re both still there, both good, both still worth watching.
Along with those talented receivers, a key to Fresno State’s resurgence looks to be switching from Chason Virgil to Oregon State transfer Marcus McMaryion at quarterback after the Washington game. It’s remarkable what throwing the ball to the correct team can accomplish.
Why should we hate them?
Because it’s possible the Bulldogs are going to be good again, and soon. Maybe they are now.
More importantly, Fresno’s logo is basically Spike from Tom and Jerry, which isn’t really as cutesy or fun as Oregon using Donald Duck. Or as Alabama with Phyllis from Mulga. Or as San Diego State using Zuma, who brings to mind … I don’t know, the blowjob bear from The Shining?
Uh…central California is hot and dusty!
Do they have any famous alumni we can make fun of?
Big league pitcher Doug Fister is a Bulldog. The jokes write themselves, really. At times, we’re blessed with typos.
This is all we need.
Will we beat them?
Yes.
It’s homecoming. Win the can for Tom.
KABEER THIRTY 