Nevada Wolfpack vs
San Jose St. SpartansPredictions & Preview

Nevada Faces San Jose State in Mountain West Season Opener, Betting Line Favors Spartans by -7

This weekend, Nevada will begin their Mountain West season against San Jose State, with the Wolf Pack holding a 2-2 record so far. Quarterback Brendon Lewis has been a standout performer, leading the conference in completion percentage and ranking highly in touchdown passes and passing efficiency. The ground attack, led by Savion Red, has also been strong. San Jose State, with a 3-1 record under new head coach Ken Niumatalolo, features a potent offense led by quarterback Emmett Brown and receiver Nick Nash. Despite Nevada's historical advantage in the series, the current betting line favors San Jose State at -7.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wolfpack +220 | Spartans -265
• Spread: Wolfpack +7 (-110) | Spartans -7 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 50.75 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that San Jose St. will win straight-up is 73%.

Nevada vs San Jose St. Stats

Nevada Wolfpack

The Wolf Pack, led by head coach Jeff Choate in his first year, has shown improvement this season with a 2-3 record, already matching their win totals from the previous two seasons. They face a tough challenge against San Jose State, who boasts a strong offense averaging 35.5 points per game. Choate recognizes the threat and emphasizes the importance of pressuring San Jose State's young quarterback. Nevada's strength lies in their run-first offense, averaging 193.4 rushing yards per game. Looking ahead, Choate emphasizes the importance of this game as it sets the tone for the rest of the season. The return of key players from injury adds optimism. Despite their rankings, Choate is focused on instilling a winning mindset within the program.

San Jose St. Spartans Analysis

The San Jose State Spartans, led by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, are gearing up for an exciting matchup against Nevada after a strong 3-1 start to the season. The team's new "Spread and Shred" offense, spearheaded by offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann, has been a game-changer, with quarterback Emmett Brown leading the charge with impressive stats. The Spartans are averaging 35.5 points per game and over 400 yards of offense, showcasing their ability to put points on the board. With a power ranking of 19, they rank #36 for offense and #81 for defense. Nevada, with a record of 2-1, has had a competitive history against San Jose State, winning 2 out of their last 3 matchups. This highly anticipated game will be broadcast on TruTV at 4:30 p.m PT.

San Jose State Offense Positioned for Success Against Nevada Defense

San Jose State has established itself as a formidable offensive powerhouse within the Mountain West, averaging an impressive 35.5 points per game and ranking third in scoring offense in the conference. Led by first-year head coach Ken Niumatalolo, the Spartans have seen great success through their aerial attack, averaging 329 passing yards per game, a statistic that ranks eighth nationally. Quarterback Emmett Brown has thrived within this system, demonstrating a high level of efficiency and precision. Utilizing a high-octane passing game reminiscent of the Air Raid offense, popularized by Mike Leach, San Jose State has consistently been able to exploit opposing defenses. Against a Nevada team that has struggled against explosive offenses, the Spartans are poised to take advantage of mismatches and create numerous scoring opportunities. On the defensive side, San Jose State has showcased solid performance, characterized by their size and athleticism, particularly within the defensive line. Conversely, Nevada has had a more uneven performance this season, with a focus on establishing the run that may be challenged by San Jose State's stout defensive front. If the Spartans are able to secure an early lead, they could force Nevada into an uncomfortable passing game that plays directly into San Jose State's aggressive defensive strategy. Furthermore, San Jose State enters this game with momentum following a victory against Air Force in their MWC opener, putting them in a favorable position moving forward.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 4 ]