UNLV vs San Jose State Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 22, 2024 3:51 AM ET

UNLV is still alive for the Mountain West Championship, but it needs some help.

First it has to win this against San Jose State, then it has to take down Nevada. Do that, and hope for some help with Colorado State and/or Boise State needing to crash over the last few games.

The Rebels were one play away from beating Syracuse, lost in a close fight to Boise State, and that’s been it. The team has been terrific, but the Spartans are dangerous.

San Jose State lost to Boise State last week - if you invest, here’s hoping you were on the right side of that. It’s already bowl eligible, but the first season under Ken Niumataolo can be special with a win here and a victory over Stanford next week.

UNLV vs San Jose State: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
How To Watch: FS1
Venue: CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, CA
Teams: San Jose State (6-4), UNLV (8-2)
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Why UNLV Will Win

The UNLV pass defense should b able to hold up.

It’s been lit up from time to time, but it makes up for the occasional problem with takeaways.

San Jose State is throwing a ton, but it has a huge problem with turnovers, giving the ball away four times in three of the last four games and three or more times in seven of the ten games.

On the other side, the running game has been unstoppable lately and the offense efficient. San Jose State will have to pick its poison, but the Rebel running game should be the star early on. But …

Why San Jose State Will Win

The Spartans really can bomb away.

Any concerns about whether or not Niumatalolo could adjust from this running game style at Navy to more of a wide open attack are long gone. The passing attack is the best in the Mountain West and fourth best in the nation.

Nick Nash is deep in the mix for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver, it’s a given the O will hit at least 300 yards, and UNLV has to be ready to keep up the pace. At the very least the Rebels will be pushed, but …

UNLV vs San Jose State: Who Will Win?

The UNLV running game should take over right away.

Consistent, the attack does a great job of controlling games early, and then the defense does the rest with plenty of bending without breaking.

This should be a bit of a shootout, but even though the Spartan run defense is allowing just 3.8 yards per carry, it’s about to struggle.