San Jose Stays in First, Defeats Fullerton, 44-6

With San Jose State’s 44-6 victory over Cal State Fullerton Saturday night, the Spartans appear well on their way to a Nov. 17 showdown against Fresno State to determine the Big West Conference championship.

That same day, the Titans (1-9) may be involved in another showdown of sorts--a game against New Mexico State to determine the worst Division I-A football team in the nation.

Fullerton, which lost its ninth in a row, is ranked 105th out of 106 Division I-A teams by The National, an all-sports publication. New Mexico State is 106th.

New Mexico State will be a big underdog against San Jose State next week. Ditto for the Titans against Utah State.

Barring any upsets, Fullerton will play New Mexico State in Las Cruces Nov. 17--for none of the marbles.

Like any good coach, Fullerton’s Gene Murphy refuses to look ahead to a possible un-championship game.

“I’ll talk about New Mexico State next week,” he said. “We’re looking forward to playing Utah State.”

That sure beats looking back at Saturday night’s game. The Titans were manhandled by a far-superior San Jose State team, which improved to 6-2-1, 5-0 in the conference.

The Spartans, behind the passing of Ralph Martini and the running of Sheldon Canley, had 670 total yards, including 473 in the first half, when they took a 37-0 lead.

Martini, with plenty of protection and so many wide-open receivers he probably had trouble deciding who to throw to, completed 29 of 39 passes for 443 yards and two touchdowns.

Canley, a tailback who leads the nation in all-purpose yards, carried 21 times for 123 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 58 yards.

David Blakes caught seven passes for 95 yards, and Bobby Blackmon caught four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.

“Pass defense has definitely not been our strong suit this season,” Murphy said.

San Jose State put the game away in the first half by scoring on six of nine possessions. Twenty first-half plays went for 10 yards or more.

The Spartans finished with 29 first downs, compared to Fullerton’s 13, and 504 yards passing.