Category: Week 6

Mountain West Football: Players Of The Month For October

The weather is finally cooling down, but these Mountain West football standouts were red-hot throughout spooky season.

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Mountain West Football: Players of the Month For October

The weather is finally cooling down, but these Mountain West football standouts were red-hot throughout spooky season.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

The small-sample elite.

Note: Players below are presented in alphabetical order.

Offensive Players of the Month

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Though Jeanty was limited by injury in Boise State’s victory over Wyoming in Week 9, the super sophomore still posted one of the nation’s best overall performances through October. In three games, Jeanty posted a Mountain West-best 163.3 all-purpose yards per game, averaging a whopping 7.08 yards per carry on the ground, and scored three touchdowns.

2. Kairee Robinson, RB, San Jose State

The Spartans surged in October thanks in large part to their star senior in the backfield. It was Robinson, not Jeanty, that led the Mountain West with 435 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns last month, though he also chipped in with ten receptions for 165 yards for the SJSU passing game, as well.

3. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

After posting a monster game to close out September against UConn, Royals kept the good times rolling into last month with a pair of 100-yard performances, racking up 17 catches for 325 yards in three contests, and a conference-high five receiving touchdowns.

4. Ricky White, WR, UNLV

Though the Rebels ended October with a bit of heartache, you can’t say White didn’t do everything possible to keep UNLV in the title game chase. After all, he tallied 24 catches for a Mountain West-high 400 receiving yards with touchdowns, topping 150 yards against both Nevada and Fresno State.

Defensive Players of the Month

1. Jay’Vion Cole, CB, San Jose State

If Cole’s October performance is any indication, the Spartans’ newest star defender is quietly putting together a pretty solid candidacy for defensive player of the year. He was the only defender in the Mountain West to intercept three passes last month, doing so across four games, though he added two additional pass breakups and, according to Pro Football Focus, allowed a reception on 10 of 21 targets.

2. Mohamed Kamara, DE, Colorado State

Where Cole’s case might be subtle, Kamara’s defensive player of the year push disrupted offenses just about as frequently as it did in September. He once again paced the Mountain West with four sacks and finished third among conference defenders with five tackles for loss while also racking up 20 total tackles.

3. Bo Richter, DE, Air Force

Then again, the same could be said of Richter, who posted an overall PFF grade of 81.7 throughout October, the seventh-best mark among Mountain West defenders who played at least 50 snaps, and racked up three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and a forced fumble to go along with 11 total tackles in three Falcons contests.

4. Jackson Woodard, LB, UNLV

When it came to tackling, few players in the country were as prolific as Woodard was in the middle of the Rebels defense last month. He was one of only 15 FBS players to average at least 11 tackles per game, though he also intercepted a pass against Hawaii and, according to PFF, also tied for third among Mountain West defenders with eight total stops.

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San Jose State at New Mexico Recap: Spartans Overwhelm Lobos

San Jose State at New Mexico Recap: Spartans Overwhelm Lobos Spartans trail at halftime, respond with 38 unanswered points Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Kairee Robinson leads Spartans with three rushing touchdowns, four total Sometimes a game like …

San Jose State at New Mexico Recap: Spartans Overwhelm Lobos

Spartans trail at halftime, respond with 38 unanswered points

Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Kairee Robinson leads Spartans with three rushing touchdowns, four total


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Sometimes a game like football swings with momentum, and both teams can realize *here* is where the game went in favor of one team or the other. Others, like this game between the Spartans and Lobos, need a couple of quarters to realize one team has it figured out versus the other. 

To begin the game, both teams exchanged punts, then the Lobos got an early field goal, and San Jose State missed a field goal. On the next drive for New Mexico, the Spartans blocked a punt and took it back to the end zone for a 7-3 lead.

Things seemed to settle in from there as both offenses scored touchdowns, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored twice – including once on a wildcat trick play – and Kairee Robinson scored once on a 35-yard run, updating the score to 17-14, in favor of the Lobos.

To start the second half, San Jose State took the ball and quarterback Chevan Cordeiro hit Kairee Robinson in the flat for a 55-yard score, leading to a 21-17 score the Spartans would surrender again.

The teams then exchanged punts and penalties – 26 penalties in total for both teams – before Cordeiro hit Nick Nash for a 54-yard strike to extend the San Jose State lead to 28-17. From there, New Mexico went three-and-out on a couple of drives and the Spartans added a field goal, to further their lead to 31-17.

To close out the third quarter, Kairee Robinson scored his third touchdown of the day, on a 19-yard touchdown run through a visibly depleted Lobos defense, and the lead continued for the Spartans, now 38-17.

Opening the 4th quarter, Spartans running back Quali Conley featured a 60-yard pass which set up Kairee Robinson’s fourth touchdown of the day, on a four-yard run up the middle. The score now ballooned up to 45-17.

On their ensuing drive, the Spartans again featured Quali Conley with a 68-yard run, down to the 14-yard line. This time, Conley found the end zone and extended the lead to 52-17.

The Lobos scored a late touchdown, primarily with backups, but by now the damage was done on the scoreboard, with the final score 52-24.

Keys to the Game:

Whatever Head Coach Brent Brennan discussed with the Spartans at halftime, the team seems to have responded with a resounding roar. To put together a performance like San Jose State did, on the road, to take control of this game in the second half, had to leave New Mexico with a sense of wondering what happened and where did it all go wrong.

Final Thoughts: 

San Jose State showed a true comeback spirit when, trailing at halftime, came out to dominate the second half, outscoring New Mexico 38-7. The Spartans continued to pour it on against a New Mexico squad that looked tired, specifically on defense. [lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1360 tag=16543673]The Lobos can still salvage their season, but it’s going to take a lot to get back in the win column this year. 

Much has been written and said about the caliber of the Spartans’ non-conference schedule earlier this year, but if the team can rally around this year and refocus on a “one game at a time” mentality, this San Jose State squad looks like they can rally for a bowl invite before the season is through.

Player of the Game:

Kairee Robinson ran for three rushing touchdowns and hauled in a fourth from Chevan Cordeiro, pacing the Spartans’ surge in the second half. Overall, Robinson finished with 126 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Averaging more than eight yards a carry seemed to be more than the Lobos could handle, as Robinson was able to turn the corner on a number of plays against a tired Lobos defense.

Next Up:

The Spartans will head home to face Utah State next week, looking for another conference win. The Lobos will stay home and welcome in the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors next Saturday.




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Week 6 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

Week 6 Mountain West Football Power Rankings Air Force now at the top? Not yet. Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Gap is closing So… the big game last week saw Wyoming knock off Fresno State to remove them from the unbeaten ranks. The Cowboys …

Week 6 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

Air Force now at the top? Not yet.

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Gap is closing

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So… the big game last week saw Wyoming knock off Fresno State to remove them from the unbeaten ranks. The Cowboys have a chance to do it again as they take on Air Force in what should be a great game.

The top of the rankings is getting a makeover with the Cowboys win over Fresno State. Wyoming does land a few first-place votes but is it enough to overtake a currently unblemished Air Force?

There was not much going on outside of the top teams facing off as last week there were just three games featuring six Mountain West teams.

Keep reading to find out.

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San Jose State at New Mexico: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

San Jose State at New Mexico: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction Will Strength of Schedule prove the tougher team this Saturday? Follow @MWCwire Both teams looking for first conference win San Jose State at New Mexico: Keys to a …

San Jose State at New Mexico: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Will Strength of Schedule prove the tougher team this Saturday?

Follow @MWCwire

Both teams looking for first conference win


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San Jose State at New Mexico: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

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WEEK 4: San Jose State Spartans at New Mexico Lobos

WHERE: University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico

WHEN: Saturday, October 14, 2023 – 6:00pm EST (3:00pm PST)

TV: The game will be televised live on Mountain West Network 

RADIO: ESPN 1100AM & 100.9 FM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the twenty-second meeting between San Jose State and New Mexico. The Spartans have won the three most recent meetings.

WEBSITES: sjsuspartans.com is the San Jose State University Athletics official website |  golobos.com is the official New Mexico Athletics website.

GAME NOTES (PDF):  San Jose State  |  New Mexico

ODDS: San Jose State Spartans by -8.0

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: 

For San Jose State, the Spartans suffered a tough loss on the road at Boise State last week, one where the Broncos put up 28 unanswered, including 21-0 in the second half. If there is any comfort for the Spartans, one could argue the competition takes a step down in class from here, having already played through conference contenders Air Force and Boise State.

Now, San Jose State can quickly turn their attention to the Lobos, with an eye towards getting back in the win column. The Lobos are a tough team, but thus far have given up 17 of 18 scores in the red zone when opponents have made it to their 20-yard line.

With both teams still looking for their first conference win, the Spartans and Lobos will be looking to get back on a winning path and an outside chance at a bowl game alive. Also of note is that the Lobos will be coming off a bye week, with two weeks to prepare for the Spartans.

Much of the statistical analysis tends to favor the Lobos, or shows both teams in similarly comparable rankings, but what also needs merit are statistics like strength of schedule. In this case, various resources rank San Jose State’s schedule ranks 87th; New Mexico’s is ranked 117th. That difference in schedule should reveal an advantage to the Spartans who have played the stronger schedule thus far, but still offer a favorable expectation for the Spartans to be the stronger team on Saturday night.

HERE IS WHY THE SPARTANS WILL WIN AGAINST THE LOBOS

This is a game where one could argue San Jose State is clearly the better team – from quarterback to offensive line to overall squad. Chevan Cordeiro will be the more mobile quarterback, and the team finally gets a game against a possibly inferior foe.

From USC and Oregon State to conference competition, San Jose State has played the tougher non-conference and conference teams, and it is reflected in their 1-5 record. This Spartans team is hungry for a win, and San Jose State should be able to pick one up here, even as a road team.

In his weekly press conference, Spartans Head Coach Brent Brennan described the loss to Boise State as “soul-crushing” and the need for a road win this week. From top to bottom, there seems to be a genuine drive for the Spartans to get the win.

Prediction

Look for big plays on both sides, but San Jose State should be the more explosive team. San Jose State has played the tougher schedule, has better skill players and the team that can outplay its competition. Simply put, the Spartans should be able to get the win against an outclassed Lobos team.

San Jose State 34, New Mexico 30
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Mountain West Football: Week 6 Winners And Losers

Andrew Peasley, Utah State’s wide receivers, and Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi headline the week’s winners and losers in Mountain West football.

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Mountain West Football: Week 6 Winners And Losers

Who came out ahead and who left something to be desired across the Mountain West in Week 6 of the college football season?

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

Encouragements and letdowns from the week that was.

You might have believed there wouldn’t be a lot of high drama with just three conference games on the schedule this past Saturday, but between ranked teams succumbing on the road and two more epic rallies, well, you should have known better than to think that.

Here are the winners and losers from Week 6 of Mountain West football.

Winners

1. Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley

Peasley has been the focus of a lot of consternation over the last couple of seasons, but his performance on Saturday night justifies what Cowboys head coach Craig Bohl saw in old “Boot Leather” the entire time.

The graduate quarterback from La Grande, Oregon had what was arguably the best overall game of his career in a 24-19 win over #24 Fresno State on Saturday night, completing 19-of-27 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two second-quarter first downs on three carries. There’s still plenty for the 5-1 Cowboys left to do, especially with a titanic road game against undefeated Air Force next week, but for one week Peasley has earned every plaudit.

2. Utah State wide receivers Jalen Royals, Terrell Vaughn, and Micah Davis

Once again, the Aggies got off to a painfully slow start in the first quarter against Colorado State, but the trio of Royals, Vaughn, and Davis made sure the Utah State offense would generate yet another explosive turnaround in a 44-24 decision against the Rams.

Besides being the only Aggies pass catchers with a reception in the game, all three went for over 100 yards. They became the first Utah State triplet to do so since 1996, but the bigger accomplishment may be the 387 receiving yards and four touchdowns for which they combined on just 19 total receptions. All of a sudden, USU is one of just ten FBS offenses with at least 30 plays of 20-plus yards through the air at this juncture of the season, one more reason why they remain the conference’s ultimate wild card.

3. Boise State wide receiver Eric McAlister

Ashton Jeanty put up his usual big numbers for the Broncos in their season-saving rally against San Jose State, but the home team might not have been able to complete their 35-27 comeback against the Spartans if their young star receiver hadn’t helped to start it in the first place.

Down 17-0 in the early second quarter, McAlister slipped a tackle for a pivotal 83-yard catch-and-run touchdown reception and would eventually finish the game with a team-high five catches for 170 yards. That included a key 44-yard grab at the end of the third quarter which would set up Taylen Green’s scoring keeper two plays later and give Boise State the lead for good.

Losers

1. Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi

Entering Week 6, the young Rams signal-caller led the nation by the Sickos Committee’s DETMER metric. After Saturday night, he might still be #1 in DETMER but not for reasons anyone in Fort Collins enjoyed.

Fowler-Nicolosi had what was easily the worst game of his young career against Utah State, completing 26-of-57 throws for 225 yards and three interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, it could have been a lot worse since the sophomore tallied eight turnover-worthy throws in those 57 dropbacks (though he also had to deal with five drops, as well). In any case, BFN now owns a 5% interception rate on 199 attempts, a rate that is simply far too high if CSU has any hope of rallying to clinch bowl eligibility.

2. San Jose State

The Spartans simply do not have any juice in 2023. If that wasn’t apparent before Week 6, it certainly was after SJSU blew a 27-7 second-quarter lead and allowed 28 straight Boise State points in an eight-point road loss.

There’s really no one culprit for the collapse, either. This isn’t the first time that quarterback Chevan Cordeiro has failed to raise his game when the chips are down, for instance, as he completed 14 of his first 19 passes but finished 9-of-19 with an interception down the stretch. Somehow, running back Kairee Robinson didn’t have a single carry in the fourth quarter. The defense managed to create some early headaches for the Broncos’ unusual two-quarterback approach, but they finished the evening having allowed 319 yards on 11 chunk plays and lost Tre Smith to an easy targeting call that will keep him out of the first half of their contest next week.

In all, it was a terribly disappointing performance in a season where that has become uncomfortably common.

3. Fresno State

Jeff Tedford’s Bulldogs don’t really have anyone to blame but themselves for their “close, but no cigar” showing against Wyoming on Saturday. The offensive line did not have a particularly good time against the Cowboys’ defensive front, coughing up three sacks while running backs Malik Sherrod and Elijah Gilliam managed a combined 3.93 yards per carry (and that’s to say nothing of Mikey Keene’s injury).

Meanwhile, the Fresno State defense was uncharacteristically penalty-prone, racking up seven flags which totaled 86 yards. The Bulldogs deserve credit for battling back to give themselves a chance to steal the win on their final drive, but they no longer control their own destiny in the race to the Mountain West’s top two spots and, much like everyone else in the conference, are vulnerable to getting upended again if they can’t resolve the concerns that reared their ugly heads in Laramie.

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San Jose State at Boise State Recap: Broncos come back to win over Spartans

San Jose State at Boise State Recap: Broncos come back to win over Spartans Broncos trail early, overcome 17-0 deficit, now 2-0 in Conference Follow @MWCwire Spartans fail to hold early lead, fall to 0-2 in Conference play In a game that both teams …

 

San Jose State at Boise State Recap: Broncos come back to win over Spartans

Broncos trail early, overcome 17-0 deficit, now 2-0 in Conference

Follow @MWCwire

Spartans fail to hold early lead, fall to 0-2 in Conference play

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In a game that both teams are still probably trying to figure out what happened, the Broncos and Spartans played a high-stakes game where the lead only changed once. And once would prove to be enough.

In the first quarter, after exchanging punts, San Jose State recovered a fumble from Ashton Jeanty which put the Spartans on a short field. Spartans running back Kairee Robinson opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run.

Then, on the ensuing play for Boise State, Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen’s first pass attempt was an interception that set up the Spartans offense at the Boise State 25-yard line. San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeirocapped this drive with an 11-yard touchdown run to put the lead at 14-0.after a three-and-out forBoise State, the Spartans added a field goal to lead 17-0 heading into the second quarter.

As Boise State has rotated two quarterbacks in their games, it was Maddux who led the initial scoring for the Broncos, with an 83-yard touchdown pass to Eric McAllister. San Jose State added a field goal to extend their lead to 20-7.

On their next drive, the Broncos even tried to go up tempo, which seemed like it was working to tire out the Spartans; however a second fumble by Ashton Jeanty lead to another touchdown for the Spartans, this one by Quali Conley, with a 27-7. 

A late touchdown on a quarterback draw by Maddux Madsen left the halftime score at 27-14, including three San Jose State touchdowns off three turnovers by the Broncos.

After both punting to open the second half, Boise State’s second drive of the third quarter featured a 63-yard run by Jeanty and was finished in the end zone, closing the gap to 27-21 on an efficient bootleg run by Taylen Green.

At a one-score game, the momentum was clearly leaning in Boise State’s direction. On their next drive, San Jose State was stopped on a 4th down and 4 to go at the Boise State 29-yard line, gaining more momentum for the Broncos.

The ensuing drive by Boise State featured a 46-yard reception by Eric McAllister, finished with an 11-yard touchdown run by Taylen Green, to put the Broncos ahead 28-27 early in the fourth quarter.

Midway through the fourth, Boise State added to its lead when Taylen Green threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Riley Smith, to make the score 35-27.

Some late game suspense included an interception by Cordeiro and a missed field goal by Boise State, but nothing that changed the scoreboard. The Spartans had a late drive turnover on downs to no avail, and Boise State was able to kneel out the clock and secure the victory at the final score of 35-27 in favor of the Broncos.

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Keys to the Game:

Poise, Fortitude, whatever you want to call it, the Broncos found a way to not only remain competitive in the game, but also came back to claim a lead they would not relinquish. Despite being down three scores, Boise State kept getting big plays and eventually took over the momentum and then the game. Twenty-eight points unanswered left the Spartans looking for whatever opportunity they could find and the Boise State faithful with something to cheer about.

Final Thoughts: 

San Jose State looked like they were going to run away in the first quarter, but by game’s end had no adjustments to be made to regain the lead. Boise State’s use of two quarterbacks – even alternating them in the same drive – still seems kind of questionable but was effective all the same. And with this kind of comeback, it would seem Broncos Head Coach Andy Avalos has more of a reason to continue with the rotation as he sees fit to do.

Player of the Game:

In a game of such ups and downs for both teams, Boise State’s Eric McAllister helped lead the comeback and had a few big plays. The sophomore wide receiver opened the Broncos’ scoring in the game, taking an eighty-three yard touchdown pass after San Jose State jumped out to a 17-0 lead. From there, McAllister hauled in a 46-yard reception on the drive that put Boise State ahead to stay. Overall, McAllister finished with five catches for 170 yards and one touchdown.

Next Up:

The Spartans will head out on the road to play at New Mexico next week, still in search of their first conference win. The Broncos will continue their conference play at Colorado State next Saturday.

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Fresno State vs Wyoming: Why the Bulldogs will win

Fresno State faces its biggest test yet as they head to Laramie to take on the (4-1) Wyoming. Contact/Follow @Tj_Nijjar and @MWCwire https://x.com/FresnoStateFB/status/1708991669885161939?s=20 Game: Fresno State Vs Wyoming Where: War Memorial …

Fresno State faces its biggest test yet as they head to Laramie to take on the (4-1) Wyoming.

Contact/Follow @Tj_Nijjar and @MWCwire

https://x.com/FresnoStateFB/status/1708991669885161939?s=20

Game: Fresno State Vs Wyoming

Where: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming

TV: Fox

Streaming: Fubo TV with a free trial

Series Record: 6-2 Fresno State leads

Websites: gobulldogs.com

Game Notes:  Fresno State

Odds: -6

Players to Watch:

Morice Norris JR.

The Bulldogs sack leader will be a vital part if the Dogs are going to leave Laramie with a win.  Norris is coming off his best game of the season with 1.5 sacks and one interception last week against Nevada.  Just like Nevada the Wyoming Cowboys are also a run-heavy team. Norris is going to have to win the edges against this physical Cowboys O-line and contain the run game.

https://x.com/FresnoSportsMag/status/1709764764136874437?s=20

WR – Jaelen Gill

Gill is coming off a career game with 8 receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns.  Look for Keene to find Gill more as they have developed chemistry over the last couple of games. Gill has been looking more comfortable in the offense and is poised for another big game. The Bulldogs have also gotten Gill involved in the running game, which could help the offense open up.

https://x.com/TPortalCFB/status/1708913044989120708?s=20

Keys to the Game:

When the Line of scrimmage

This is going to very physical gritty match-up for the Bulldogs. This will be the best O-line and the best team the Bulldogs have faced. If the Dogs are going to have any success on both sides of the ball it will start up front.  Take away Wyoming’s greatest strength. If the Bulldogs can win up front it will also help contain Wyoming’s legit run game. On the offensive of the Ball, the o-line has to do a better job protecting Keene or the Wyoming defense is going to have its way with this Bulldogs offense.

Finish Drives

We saw this last week and against Arizona State, the Bulldogs are leaving too many points on the board. Have to do a better job at finishing drives or Wyoming will make you pay for it as we saw in week one against Texas Tech. Mike Keene also has to make simple plays against this defense, throw the ball, and not try to make a play every time. The simple things will be the key to scoring seven instead of three.

Prediction:

Two good teams with two great Coaches on national television. Can Wyoming snap its four-game losing streak to the Bulldogs? Can Fresno State go into a hostile environment and come out unbeaten? Is Wyoming’s run going to have its way with this Bulldogs’ Defense? Can the Bulldogs o-line win the battle up front? This is shaping up to be one of the conference’s best games and could be a preview of the Mountain West championship. This one will come down to the wire and the Bulldogs’ defense will make a game-changing play late in this one.

Fresno State 27, Wyoming 20

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Week 6 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

The Mountain West takes a little break as there are only 3 games this week. Here’s what you should be looking for this week.

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Week 6 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

A look at the Mountain West betting odds for Week 6

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

What are the oddsmakers saying about these match ups?

Late in the week we will look at odds and recent lines and make our best picks and bets. Odds courtesy of Vegas Insider.

We went 4-3 in week five and are 32-21-1 on the year. First week above .500 in a few. Lets make it two in a row.

#24 Fresno State @ Wyoming (+6.5, O/U 42.5)

The premier matchup of the Mountain West season so far. The Bulldogs head to Laramie to face the Cowboys on Fox. Fresno State hasn’t missed a beat after losing Jake Haener to graduation. Wyoming still doesn’t have a quarterback. I think the Bulldogs remain in control of the MW.

Pick: Fresno State -6.5

Colorado State @ Utah State (+2.5, O/U 62.5)

A game between two top offenses and two bottom defenses. This game will determine bowl eligibility for both squads. CSU has started picking it up on offense and the defense needs to come along with it. Utah State is a second half team, but the Aggies will struggle to contain the Rams offense.

Pick: Colorado State -2.5

San Jose State @ Boise State (-9.5, O/U 57.5)

Boise hasn’t shown me enough this year to be confident in this spread. Their defense hasn’t been great and has just enough holes to let the Spartans get some scores to push this total higher. The over hasn’t moved since it game out and it’s probably a safe bet to hit.

Pick: Over

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Week 6 Mountain West Football Picks, Odds, More

Week 6 Mountain West Football Picks, Odds, More A trio of games Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire A light week Half of the league is on a bye week and the three conference games all start at the same time. Television plays a big role but maybe the …

Week 6 Mountain West Football Picks, Odds, More

A trio of games

Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

A light week

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Half of the league is on a bye week and the three conference games all start at the same time.

Television plays a big role but maybe the streaming game shown by the league perhaps could have been earlier.

This Saturday is a triple screen game.

Fresno State at Wyoming (+6), 8 p.m. ET, TV: FOX or stream with a free trial on FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Andrew: SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming

Sean: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Brandon : SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming

Phil: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Roger: SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming

Colorado State at Utah State (+1.5) 8 p.m. ET, TV: Mountain West Network

Jeremy: SU: Colorado State | ATS: Colorado State

Andrew: SU: Colorado State | ATS: Colorado State

Sean: SU: Colorado State | ATS: Colorado State

Brandon SU: Colorado State | ATS: Colorado State

Phil: SU: Utah State | ATS: Utah State

Roger: SU: Utah State | ATS: Utah State

San Jose State vs. Boise State (-9.5), 8 p.m. ET, TV: CBS Sports Network or stream with a free trial on FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Boise State | ATS: San Jose State

Andrew: SU: Boise State| ATS: Boise State

Sean: SU: Boise State| ATS: Boise State

Brandon: SU: Boise State | ATS: San Jose State 

Phil: SU: Boise State | ATS: San Jose State

Roger:  SU: Boise State| ATS: Boise State


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San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Both Spartans, Broncos Looking for Key Conference Win Spartans Looking for First Conference Win of Season Follow @MWCwire San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a …

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1360 tag=16543673]Both Spartans, Broncos Looking for Key Conference Win

Spartans Looking for First Conference Win of Season

Follow @MWCwire

San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction


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San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

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WEEK 6: San Jose State Spartans at Boise State Broncos

WHERE: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023 – 8:00pm EST (5:00pm PST)

TV: The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network 

STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, by following this link.

RADIO: ESPN 1100AM & 100.9 FM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the sixteenth meeting between San Jose State and Boise State. The Spartans have won the most recent meeting, back in 2020.

WEBSITES: sjsuspartans.com is the San Jose State University Athletics official website |  broncosports.com is the official Boise State Athletics website.

GAME NOTES (PDF): San Jose State | Boise State

ODDS: Boise State Broncos by -9.5

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: Boise State by 9.59

For San Jose State, the Spartans are still grinding through a tough part of their schedule, despite coming off a bye week. Having faced ranked opponents USC and Oregon State to open the season, then picked up a win against FCS Cal Poly before falling to Toledo and Air Force, two unranked teams but a combined 9-1 thus far in the season. 

Now, with two weeks to prepare for the Boise State Broncos, a critically needed win for San Jose State would go a long way to saving this season after a tough 1-4 start to the Spartans season, including an 0-1 start in conference play.

Of course, the Broncos will be looking for a win in their own right, as they are currently 2-3 on the season, 1-0 in conference, coming off a 34-31 win over San Diego State and a 35-32 loss to Memphis. Boise State Head Coach Andy Avalos, in his weekly press conference, talked about getting a key early victory in conference (against the Aztecs), working with two quarterbacks (Taylen Green and Maddux Madsen) to develop a game plan week after week, and continuing to get more players involved in the running and receiving depth.

Conversely, the Spartans will need to continue to exploit advantages on the offensive and defensive lines regardless of who the Broncos have on the field. Chevan Cordeiro will be tasked to continue to make plays as a mobile quarterback, to include tight ends and wide receivers for big plays downfield, or possibly scramble when necessary.

HERE IS WHY THE SPARTANS WILL WIN AGAINST THE BRONCOS

This is a game where San Jose State’s offense needs to shine. If the Spartans can keep their wide receivers involved in the passing game early and often, San Jose State will be able to stay ahead of Boise State, on the field and on the scoreboard. San Jose will also need to maximize their effort in the running game, with Kairee Robinson and Quali Conley, to not only move the chains but to keep the Broncos offense sidelined as well. 

Boise State currently ranks 49th nationally and the Spartans rank 86th in passing offense, so this might be a game where the offenses trade shots up and down the field.

The continuation of play action and run/pass options that will be what San Jose State will need to get the Broncos playing from behind. Look for San Jose State to spread the field where possible, especially across midfield, where the tight ends and wide receivers can work in space. From there, the offense can take a few shots down the field. For what it’s worth, don’t count on too many penalties in this one either; both teams are among the least penalized teams this season.

Every trip into the red zone will be critical, as the Spartans have allowed opponent’s points on 17 of 18 trips this season. The Spartans will need to focus on their red zone defense and time of possession to limit the Broncos’ offensive opportunities.

Prediction

Expect another physical game for San Jose State, possibly limited but looking for play action and a consistent rushing game from the Spartans. Expect both teams to challenge offensively, albeit by different means – can Chevan Cordeiro outplay a quarterback tandem from the Broncos? Which running game will establish itself first? Consider that if the Spartans offensive line can control the line of scrimmage, there’s a legitimate chance at an upset on the road.

San Jose State 27, Boise State 21

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