A lot is on the line. There are nine different scenarios that can play out this weekend. Seven of the nine will secure San Jose State football its first ever spot in the Mountain West championship game.
The simplest of them all is to win.
If Nevada beats the Spartans tonight however, SJSU would need Wyoming to upset Boise State Saturday in order to advance.
Our tiny but mighty Spear editorial team sat down and discussed their predictions for tonights’ monumental game between SJSU and Nevada.
1) Will SJSU beat the spread (-2.5)???
This one is interesting. San Jose State is 10-5-2 against the spread in its last 17 contests while Nevada is 5-2 against the spread in its last seven. The game of course, features two of the most dynamic offenses in the conference so it should make for a great showdown in Vegas. Ryan, Jarra, Richy — what’s your take?
Ryan — The Spartans will cover the spread against the Wolfpack. I have been hoping for a game-winning field goal all season long and I have a feeling that this may be the game. Especially with the way the Spartans lost to the Wolfpack last season. San Jose State will narrowly cover the spread by three.
Jarra — I see a back-and-forth game in San Jose State’s future. The score will be close, but not close enough for the Spartans not to cover.
Richy — The Spartans have won every game this season by double digits. While I’m not guaranteeing that will happen, I think they’ll definitely beat the spread even if that is narrowly.
2) Wide Receiver with the most yardage???
Not only are each squads’ receiving corps ranked one and two in the conference, but each team’s wideout-quarterback-chemistry is a match made in heaven. San Jose State’s “Speed City” nickname might have just been modernized before our eyes. Let’s ask the editors to weight in on which wide receiver they think will top the list tonight.
Ryan — Tre walker will haul in the most yards this game and solidify himself as No. 3 in all-time Spartan receptions.
Jarra — I think the Spartans will spread the ball around to different receivers more than Nevada will. Wolf Pack receiver Romeo Doubs is clearly Carson Strong’s favorite target so I expect the two to connect on some deep shots.
Richy — In three of five games this season Gaither has put up at least 90 yards, including a 208-yard showcase versus New Mexico. I think he’ll have another productive night in this one.
3) SJSU’s Total Rushing Yards vs Nevada???
The Spartan’s ground attack has finally came to life this season. Led by senior Tyler Nevens and sophomore Kairee Robinson, both have taken advantage of their opportunities all year. The thunder and lightning combo have not only matured, but have made the Spartans multidimensional on offense. Editors take your pick: How many yards will the Spartans rush for tonight?
Ryan — The Spartans rushing game was ignited last game v.s. Hawai’i. Kairee Robinson and Tyler Nevens have developed into a stout running back duo. Look for the rushing game to gather between 140-160 yards.
Jarra — Last week’s game against Hawai’i is something of an anomaly, even if the Spartans are trending in the right direction in terms of their run game. In order to keep up with Nevada we’ll also see a bunch of passing attempts from SJSU.
Richy — SJSU is averaging 149.2 rushing yards per contest, and Tyler Nevens is coming off a huge 152-yard and two touchdown performance so I think he’ll stay productive in this game as well.
4) Will SJSU win the turnover battle???
Even before the world new about San Jose State football, the Spartan’s have been ballhawks in the secondary and excavators inside dog piles. San Jose State just finds ways to generate turnovers. In 2019 the team ranked ninth in the FBS in the turnover margin category. No surprise that the defense continues to come in clutch in big games for the Spartans. Ryan, Jarra, Richy what do ya’ll think about tonights’ turnover battle?
Ryan — The turnover margin will be narrow but the Wolfpack will come out on top. The Spartans played in a warm 87-degree Aloha stadium last week and will have to adapt to a colder Las Vegas night.
Jarra — The Spartans have done a good job of taking care of the football this season. I also think their defensive line can get to Carson Strong and pressure him into making mistakes.
Richy — The turnover battle will likely be the deciding factor in this matchup, I see the Spartan offense taking care of the ball and the defense potentially forcing a fumble or picking off a deep ball.
5) Starkel will be sacked __ times???
This continues to get hardly any attention, but GIVE THE O-LINE SOME LOVE. Sure, you can attribute the few sacks this season to Starkel getting the ball out of his hands quick, but look at the film: SJSU’s offensive line is hardly getting pushed back. Guys — another prediction — how many times will Starkel go down tonight?
Ryan — Starkel will be sacked 3 times. There has to be an emphasis for the Wolfpack to make Starkel uncomfortable in the pocket given the Spartans arsenal of receivers.
Jarra — Only one team in the Mountain West has allowed less sacks than the Spartans. That’s Air Force, who have only attempted 47 passes all season. The offensive line has stayed strong all season, and I see no reason for that not to be the case tonight.
Richy — With 14 sacks on the year, Nevada’s defensive front is going to be looking to reach Starkel. I don’t see that happening in abundance, but a couple times doesn’t seem far fetched.
6) The Spartans’ X-Factor will be…
The Spartans this season has been lethal in all phases of the game so this one can differ. Offensive player? Defensive Player? Special teams player? A group of players? Who will it be? Editors take it away.
Ryan — Stop the explosive Wolfpack offense and hold onto a lead. The Spartans can’t let the score get away from them and must have a defense-first mentality. Cade Hall has to battle to get to Carson Strong and make him uncomfortable. Hall and the defensive line will also need to stop Toa Taua and the UNR run game.
Jarra — Shamar Garrett is due for a big game as a returner. Not saying he’ll take one to the house tonight, but I think he’ll be instrumental in giving SJSU good field position.
Richy — Matt Mercurio has been reliable all season, and he’ll need to maintain that same production if the Spartans are going to come out with the victory.
7) Who will show up to the SJSU presser???
This is a fun question. Of course, the press conference participants don’t tell the whole story. Win or lose, players need to speak to the media. Question is who? Editors, Beside Spartan head coach Brent Brennan, who will be put in front of the laptop postgame?
Ryan — Starkel, Walker and Harmon will be in the post game presser. Expect a solid outing out of those three.
Jarra — The Starkel to Walker connection will do numbers tonight. Giving Fehoko a shout because I think he’ll be all over Nevada’s backfield.
Richy — Gaither should have a lot of yards and potentially a touchdown or two, Nevens should be the go-to ground option and continue his play from last week. Mercurio should be Mr. Reliable and I see all three of these players at the postgame presser.
8) Final Score???
Straightforward question. Probably not a straightforward response, though. Editors, who y’all got?
Ryan — 27-24 San Jose State. Matty Ices it from 50 yards out as time expires. Spartans beat Nevada for first time in Brennan Era. Hello conference title game.
Jarra — Lots of points, lots of yards. There’s too many weapons on both sides for this not to be a shootout.
Richy — This should be a close one in almost all aspects, mistake prevention will be huge. I see the Spartans keeping the streak alive and taking this one 35-31.
Well, that was fun. Let’s hope for a fun game too. Goodbye now.