San Jose State vs. Utah State Prediction and Game Preview

1. San Jose State’s Passing Attack
There’s not much of a secret for what San Jose State’s offense plans to utilize on Friday night. Coordinator Craig Stutzman’s Spread-and-Shred attack paces the Mountain West in passing yardage (309 yards a contest) and ranks fourth nationally in attempts per game (42.2). Quarterback Walker Eget (1,809 yards and 13 touchdown tosses) is among the Mountain West’s top signal-callers and is heating up at the right time with 10 touchdown passes in the team’s last three games.

The Spartans feature four players with at least 20 catches, including rising star Danny Scudero. The Sacramento State transfer has recorded 50 receptions for 845 yards and eight touchdowns this year, with Kyri Shoels (34 for 374) up next in the passing attack.

How will Utah State’s defense handle Eget, Scudero, and the rest of SJSU’s passing game? The Aggies rank No. 65 nationally in passing defense success rate but have allowed 734 passing yards and eight touchdowns in the last two games. However, this unit has thrived at generating pressure, recording 16 sacks in six contests. Can Mendenhall’s defense pressure Eget and help protect the secondary?

Both Eget and Scudero were banged up in last week’s loss to Wyoming and their status could be in question for Friday night’s game. 

2. Utah State’s Offense
Utah State’s offense enters Friday night’s game ranked third in the Mountain West in yards per play (6.6) and also third in scoring (34.7). This unit has scored at least 35 points in three out of the team’s last four games, with quarterback Bryson Barnes ranking third in the conference in total offense (271.2). Additionally, running back Miles Davis (416 yards) is one of the Mountain West’s top rushers.

Can Barnes and Davis continue their fast start to the season on Friday night? San Jose State’s defense ranks 10th in the Mountain West in yards per play allowed (6.2), and the pass defense has been problematic with four out of the last five opponents reaching over 300 yards through the air. The Aggies rank last in the Mountain West in third-down offense, so it’s critical for the Spartans to win on early downs and get Barnes in obvious passing situations. 

3. Turnovers
With both offenses averaging over 30 points in Mountain West play this season, along with the firepower on both rosters to go with proven quarterbacks, a low-scoring game here would be a surprise. And with every possession likely to be crucial in a close contest, a play or two on special teams or turnovers could be the determining factor. In its four losses, San Jose State lost 10 turnovers. In its three defeats, Utah State lost four. 

Final Score Prediction: Utah State 34, San Jose State 31

The status of Eget and Scudero looms large on Friday night. If both are in the lineup, San Jose State can rebound after last week’s loss and score a huge win at Utah State. However, the Spartans are going to have their hands full trying to slow down Barnes and Davis. Also, SJSU has struggled in this series in Logan. 

ATS: San Jose State +3.5
Over/Under: Over 63.5