UNLV vs. San Jose State Game Information & Odds
Game: UNLV Rebels vs San Jose State Spartans
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Location: CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, CA
TV: FS1
Odds/Point Spread: Spartans (+7.0)
Total/Over-Under: 62
No. 23 UNLV Rebels Face San Jose State Spartans in High-Stakes Battle
MWC Clash Preview: UNLV Rebels vs. San Jose State Spartans
The No. 23 UNLV Rebels (8-2) head into CEFCU Stadium confidently, riding a two-game win streak, while the San Jose State Spartans (6-4) aim to rebound after a tough loss.
As Mountain West rivals face off, both teams have plenty on the line in this pivotal late-season matchup.
The stage is set for an exciting Mountain West Conference clash as the No. 23 UNLV Rebels (8-2) travel to CEFCU Stadium to take on the San Jose State Spartans (6-4) this Friday, November 22, 2024.
With the Rebels surging and the Spartans eager to bounce back, this game has all the ingredients for an electrifying showdown under the Friday night lights.
UNLV Brimming with Confidence
UNLV, coming off a commanding 41-20 victory over San Diego State, has proven itself as one of the MWC’s most dynamic teams.
The Rebels have been one of the most impressive teams in the Mountain West this season, boasting an 8-2 record behind an explosive offense that ranks sixth in the nation.
They’re coming off a decisive 41-20 victory over San Diego State, where a 21-point second quarter set the tone.
Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams played a key role, completing 20 of 29 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown.
The running game, led by Greg Burrell with 58 yards and a score, complemented Williams’ precision. In comparison, receiver Jacob De Jesus hauled seven catches for 75 yards to keep the chains moving.
On the season, UNLV averages 39.9 points per game while allowing just 24.3 points, ranking 58th nationally on defense.
The Rebels have amassed an impressive 4,351 total yards this season, showcasing their offensive versatility. UNLV has found the end zone 20 times through the air and 23 times on the ground, with only six turnovers.
They’ve also racked up 219 first downs while being flagged for 57 penalties, resulting in 538 yards. Their ground attack is a significant strength, averaging 249.1 rushing yards per game, ranking sixth nationally.
With an explosive offense, the Rebels are averaging a remarkable 39.9 points per game, making them one of college football’s most potent scoring teams.
The Rebels’ ability to dominate both sides of the ball makes them a formidable opponent. Still, they face a Spartans team with a strong track record against them.
The Rebels were solid against the run, allowing just 107 yards on 35 attempts, an average of 3.1 yards per carry.
The Rebels rank 60th nationally in team defense, allowing 23.4 points per game. Against the run, they’ve been solid, giving up an average of just 3.4 yards per carry and 111.5 rushing yards per game for a total of 1,115 yards over 10 games.
However, their pass defense has been challenging, ranking 119th in the nation. They’ve allowed 2,605 passing yards, or 260.5 yards per game, with opponents completing 58.3% of their passes.
Overall, UNLV is surrendering 372.0 total yards per game, which places them 72nd in the country.
So far this season, the Rebels have given up 16 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns.
While their run defense is a strength, tightening up against the pass will be key as they head into critical matchups.
In the passing game, they gave up 14 completions on 23 attempts for 163 yards, resulting in a 60.9% completion rate. Offensively, UNLV dominated, running 79 plays for 515 yards.
The ground game was imposing. The Rebels rushed 47 times for 253 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
The Rebels’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, combining a potent ground game with efficient quarterback play that has defenses scrambling. At 8-2, UNLV is chasing MWC supremacy and strengthening its case for a premier bowl game.
Why San Jose State Could Cover
San Jose State, meanwhile, enters the matchup with something to prove after a brutal 42-21 loss to Boise State.
The Spartans, led by head coach Ken Miumatalolo, have shown resilience throughout the season and boast a 6-4 (3-3 MW) record that reflects their knack for competing in close games.
While listed as 7.5-point underdogs, they’ll look to draw on the energy of their home crowd and the determination of their veteran leaders to challenge the ranked Rebels.
San Jose State has historically performed well against UNLV, winning their last four meetings. The Rebels have struggled to cover the spread in recent conference matchups, and the Spartans’ home-field advantage could tilt the scales in their favor.
Walker Eget’s ability to push the ball downfield gives San Jose State the firepower to keep pace with UNLV’s high-scoring offense.
The Spartans rank 65th nationally in scoring, averaging 28.0 points per game. Their offense has been productive, generating 432.5 yards per game, which places them 35th in the country.
San Jose State has committed 70 penalties for 614 yards, ranking 33rd in the nation in penalty yardage.
Turnovers have been an issue, with the team throwing 14 interceptions and losing 10 fumbles. Despite this, they’ve secured 216 first downs on the season.
Through the air, the Spartans have been prolific, amassing 3,437 passing yards and averaging 343.7 passing yards per game—good for fourth in the nation.
Their ground game, however, has been less effective. They average just 88.8 yards per game for a season total of 888 rushing yards.
Defensively, San Jose State allows 25.9 points per game, ranking 77th in the FBS. They’ve given up 1,531 rushing yards (153.1 per game) and 18 rushing touchdowns this season.
Against the pass, they’ve allowed 240.9 yards per game, ranking 98th nationally, and have conceded 14 passing touchdowns.
The Spartans’ defense has been on the field for 753 plays, the most in the nation, but they’ve managed to force seven fumbles and record 16 interceptions this year. With both strengths and vulnerabilities, San Jose State will need a balanced performance to secure a win in their upcoming contests.
If he can limit turnovers and the defense can replicate its strong moments against Boise, the Spartans have a path to keeping this game close.
The over/under for this contest is set at 62, hinting at the potential for a high-scoring affair. Both teams possess explosive playmakers capable of turning a game on its head, making this a must-watch for fans of offensive fireworks.
With conference standings, bowl implications, and pride on the line, this game promises to deliver all the drama and intensity college football fans love. Can the Rebels continue their march toward an exceptional season, or will the Spartans rise to the occasion and pull the upset off?
Prediction
While UNLV’s explosive offense makes them the favorite, San Jose State’s recent success in this matchup and Eget’s playmaking ability suggest a competitive game. Expect the Spartans to exceed their season scoring average, using a balanced attack to challenge the Rebels.
Pick: San Jose State covers the spread (+7.5), but UNLV edges out a hard-fought win.
This Mountain West clash kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT, promising fireworks in the battle for conference supremacy.
