Staff Predictions: Utah State vs San Jose State
Jaden Johnson – @jadenjohnson00
Let me start by saying that I think this year’s San Jose State team is quite a lot tougher than last year’s team, which Utah State defeated 61-10. Let me follow that up by saying SJSU athletics are a disgrace and an abomination to the Mountain West. This game isn’t going to be close. While Utah State currently ranks second in the nation in scoring offense and 30th in scoring defense, the Spartans rank 112th in scoring offense and 111th in scoring defense while playing a somewhat similar schedule. The Spartans also rank 129th (for those of you keeping track at home, that’s dead last) in rushing, averaging just 65 yards per game. Think about SJSU as a team with similar strengths as Hawaii, but worse. Utah State dominates, and if they try to catch the attention of the playoff committee, this could turn into a bloodbath for the ages.
Utah State 67 – San Jose State 9
Daniel Hansen – @thegranddanny
At some point, you just have to feel bad for the opponent. San Jose State really doesn’t have much of a chance on Saturday, to be quite frank. The Spartans are improved relative to last season, but are still well short of fielding a competitive Mountain West team. SJSU ranks in the bottom 15 in the nation for yards per game, yards per play, rush yards per game, sack percentage allowed, defensive sack percentage, and time of possession. Head coach Brent Brennan holds the school record for worst winning percentage in SJSU history with a 3-19 record. The Spartans are in a dark, dark place as a program right now, and Saturday should be another eclipse-level game for San Jose State.
Utah State 58, San Jose State 10
Wes Mangum – @Dream_Breather_
The Aggies are going to beat San Jose State like a dirty rug. It won’t be personal, either – some things just can’t be helped. That’s what happens when a team with a bevy of talent and a unified purpose behind their season runs up against a lackluster program that’s going nowhere. San Jose State is more competitive than they were last year, it’s true. But, with that in mind, think about how far Utah State has advanced in the same amount of time. We beat San Jose by 51 points last year. This year is going to be even worse.
Utah State 72 – San Jose State 14
Dalton Renshaw – @dren_sports
So, how much does Utah State need to beat San Jose State by to finally make it into the CFP rankings? 50? 60? Regardless of what the committee thinks, there is no way that Utah State is going to under-perform in this one. Against much tougher opponents in conference, Utah State has a plus 24.4 scoring margin, that’s third in the nation. San Jose State’s defense gives up an average of 35.1 points per game, that’s on a good day. I don’t expect them to put up much of a fight in this one. They average the fourth worst yards per game in the nation and have had only one hundred-yard rusher all season. Quarterback Josh Love has played okay at times but is by no means someone that frightens you as a defense. It’s senior day, and if the Mav is full, the atmosphere will be electric. It’s going to be a bloodbath.
Utah State 69 San Jose State 17
Thomas Sorenson — @tomcat340
Good news friends, this is finally the week we get to find out wif the Utah State scoreboard can process triple-digit scores. That’s right, WE’RE GOING FOR A HUNDRED! Unfortunately, that won’t actually happen, but we will want to keep the offensive record book open during this game. The real interest this weekend is in Boise, where the Broncos are taking on Fresno State Friday night. A win by Boise State puts the Aggies in the pole position to host the Mountain West Championship game if they can get through the turnstile defense up in Ft. Collins before knocking off that same Boise squad Thanksgiving weekend. A win by Fresno keeps the Bulldogs in the inside lane to host the championship game, but will put Utah State in position to claim the division crown without needing to beat the Broncos. SUMMARY: If you’re confident the Aggies can beat the Broncos on the road, cheer for the home team on Friday. If you’re not, cheer for Fresno State. Back to Saturday, we’ll have quite possibly the best Utah State team ever playing one of the 10-worst teams in college football, with a rabid home crowd and a team looking to give the College Football Playoff committee a message they can’t ignore. Hammer, meet nail.