UNLV Aim for Third Straight Win as San Jose State Look to Recover From Loss
UNLV Rebels Aim for Third Straight Win, San Jose State Spartans Look to Recover From Loss
The UNLV Rebels (8-2, 4-1 Mountain West) will square off against the San Jose State Spartans (6-4, 3-3 MW) in a pivotal Friday night showdown at CEFCU Stadium. With kickoff set for 10:00 PM ET, fans are in for an exciting matchup that could have significant implications in the Mountain West title race. While the forecast calls for potential rain and temperatures around 60°F in San Jose, both teams are eager to make a statement.
The Rebels are riding a two-game win streak, following up their 41-20 win over San Diego State with an impressive victory over Hawaii. On the other side, the Spartans are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 42-21 loss to Boise State last week, as 14-point underdogs. Historically, San Jose State has dominated the matchup, winning 8 of the last 10 contests against UNLV.
As we break down this matchup, let’s take a closer look at each team’s key players, strategies, and what to expect heading into Friday’s game.
UNLV Rebels: Aiming to Keep Their Mountain West Title Hopes Alive
The Rebels have been impressive this season, especially after a tough loss to Boise State earlier in the year. Since then, they’ve bounced back with convincing wins over Hawaii (45-20) and San Diego State (41-20), positioning themselves third in the Mountain West standings. With a win on Friday, UNLV could pull within one game of conference-leading Boise State.
Offensively, the Rebels are firing on all cylinders, averaging a staggering 41.7 points per game. Their rushing attack is particularly potent, leading the Mountain West with 249.1 yards per game. The dual-threat quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams, has been the catalyst for the offense. In the win over San Diego State, Williams completed 69% of his passes for 244 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 646 yards and 8 touchdowns on the season. He’s been efficient, throwing for 1,436 yards, with 14 TDs and just 3 interceptions.
In the receiving game, Greg Burrell and Jacob De Jesus have emerged as reliable targets, with Burrell catching 10 passes for 68 yards in the Aztecs win, and De Jesus hauling in 7 catches for 75 yards. With a balanced offensive attack and solid defense allowing only 23.4 points per game, the Rebels will look to extend their win streak and continue their pursuit of a Mountain West championship.
San Jose State Spartans: Searching for Consistency After Loss to Boise State
The Spartans have shown flashes of brilliance, especially in their dominant 42-13 victory over Oregon State earlier in the season. However, they’ve been inconsistent, having lost two of their last three games, including last week’s 42-21 defeat to Boise State. San Jose State’s defense has been a key concern, allowing an average of 25.9 points per game, and they will need to tighten up if they want to have a chance to win on Friday.
San Jose State’s offense, led by quarterback Walker Eget, is potent, averaging 28 points per game. Eget has thrown for over 1,700 yards on the season with 6 touchdowns, but he’s been prone to interceptions, with 8 picks on the year. In last week’s loss to Boise State, Eget passed for 446 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, with his top target, Justin Lockhart, hauling in 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown.
The Spartans’ rushing game, however, has been lackluster, averaging just 88.8 yards per game. Running back Floyd Chalk IV has had a tough time finding space, rushing for only 37 yards on 13 carries against Boise State. Against a Rebels defense that has shown the ability to contain opposing offenses, San Jose State will need a much stronger performance from its rushing attack to keep pace.
Conclusion
With a higher-powered offense and the momentum of two straight wins, the Rebels are the favorites heading into this matchup. UNLV’s defense, while not elite, has been solid enough to stifle San Jose State’s high-flying passing game, especially considering the Spartans’ struggles to establish a consistent run game.
San Jose State will need a near-perfect performance to pull off the upset. If Walker Eget can avoid turnovers and the defense can find a way to slow down UNLV’s rush attack, the Spartans could have a shot. However, with the Rebels playing with playoff aspirations and a strong, balanced offense, expect UNLV to secure a crucial road win.
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