The San Jose State Spartans battle the Bringham Young Cougars this week in a game that will feature the country’s third-leading rusher, Tyler Ervin (1,159 yards, 12 TDs). Coming into the game, the Spartans are 4-4 while the Cougars are 6-2. The game kicks off Friday, Nov 6 at 11:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on CBSS.
In its last game before the bye, San Jose State defeated New Mexico 31-21. Billy Freeman had a solid performance in the victory, pulling in three receptions for 40 yards and one TD. Hansell Wilson had 62 receiving yards and a TD on two catches. BYU also won its game before the bye, dominating Wagner 70-6. Algernon Brown had a great game running the ball for the Cougars, rushing six times for 109 yards and two TDs. Tanner Mangum also had a great game with 237 yards and three TDs through the air.
BYU is a 12-point favorite in this game against the Spartans.
Sitting at 4-4 Straight Up (SU) and 5-3 Against The Spread (ATS), the Spartans will look to improve heading into Week 10. In their five most recent matchups, the Spartans went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. When the Spartans pass the ball, they do so at a high percentage. They complete passes 67.9% of the time they throw, 14th in the nation. During their last five games, the Spartans have improved their pass coverage, giving up an average of 151.6 passing yards. Penalties aren’t likely to cost San Jose State this week’s game. They earn the fifth-fewest penalties among Division I teams, averaging only 4.1 per game.
In the other locker room, the Cougars head into Week 10 with records of 6-2 for both ATS and SU. Over their last five games, the Cougars have a SU record of 4-1 and a 3-2 record ATS for those betting with them. BYU’s game plan centers around passing the football. The Cougars pass 37.6 times per game. Shifting to the other side of the ball, it might be tough for the Spartans to keep up with BYU’s defense in a few areas. The Spartans are matching up with BYU’s defense at an inopportune time. Over the last five games, BYU’s opponents have only averaged 202.6 yards through the air. The San Jose State offensive line better prepare this week, because the Cougars get to opposing quarterbacks with ease. The Cougars defense is currently sixth in the country with an average of 3.4 sacks per game. San Jose State needs to keep its intensity through the fourth quarter against the Cougars, who average 11.4 points in the final 15 minutes of regulation.
Predictions: SU Winner – Bringham Young, ATS Winner – Bringham Young
Notes
San Jose State is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose State’s last 9 games at home.
San Jose State is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home.
BYU is 2-1 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. San Jose State is 4-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
