San Jose State is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2020, but the Spartans are on the road this week to face Washington State, which is fresh off of its first Apple Cup win since 2021.
The Spartans take on WSU (3-0) at 10 p.m. ET on The CW.
San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash hauled in a program-record 17 passes for 225 yards and tied his own single-game record with three touchdowns to lead the Spartans past Kennesaw State 31-10 last weekend. San Jose State held Air Force to 143 rushing yards in a 17-7 win on Sept. 7.
Washington State is coming off a thrilling 24-19 win over Washington, which featured a late goal-line stand that helped the Cougars capture the Apple Cup for the third time since 2008. Quarterback John Mateer threw for 245 yards and a touchdown and posted a team-high 62 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
San Jose State vs. Washington State Betting Line
Washington State is an 11.5-point college football betting odds favorite against San Jose State, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points. The Cougars are 15-5 in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. The Spartans are 5-15 in their past 20 games as an underdog on the road, but they’ve won nine of their past 10 games, dating back to last October. Their only loss in that stretch was a 24-14 setback against Coastal Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl.
SJSU vs. WSU Prediction
I predict Washington State beats San Jose State 28-21.
Mateer is athletic enough to be a problem for most teams. He’ll have another big day, but the Spartans have enough weapons on offense and experience on defense to keep this one close.
Mountain West Games To Watch
UTEP At Colorado State
How to watch: 5 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max
Betting line: Colorado State is a 9.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 50.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 27-21. The Rams will likely be without star wide receiver Tory Horton, who is dealing with a groin injury, according to the Coloradoan’s Kevin Lytle. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has other targets, but expect the Rams to lean on running back Justin Marshall.
Wyoming At North Texas
How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+
Betting line: North Texas is a 9-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points.
Prediction: I predict North Texas wins 28-14. Wyoming’s offense has been disappointing, and North Texas is hungry for a win after giving up 66 points in a loss at Texas Tech last week.
Fresno State At New Mexico
How to watch: 8:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max
Betting line: Fresno State is a 14.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 61.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Fresno State wins 35-24. The Bulldogs’ defense pitched a shutout last week, and they have one of the Mountain West’s top receiving duos in Mac Dalena and Jalen Moss. The Lobos will go as far as athletic quarterback Devon Dampier takes them.
Other Mountain West Games
Utah State At Temple
How to watch: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+
Betting line: Utah State is a 6.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 53.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Utah State wins 28-14. Utah State’s weapons on offense finally get on the same page and help the Aggies end a two-game losing skid. Expect wide receiver Jalen Royals to go deep early and often.
Eastern Washington At Nevada
How to watch: 3 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network
Prediction: I predict Nevada wins 42-14. The Wolf Pack have suffered two losses by five points or less, but quarterback Brendon Lewis and the offense should have a big day against Eastern Washington.
Portland State At Boise State
How to watch: 9:45 p.m. ET, FS1
Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 56-10. Running back Ashton Jeanty should continue to prove why he’s a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Malachi Nelson might make his debut during mop-up duty.
Northern Iowa At Hawaii
How to watch: 12 a.m. ET, Spectrum Sports
Prediction: I predict Hawaii wins 35-17. Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager should get the offense back on track after it struggled in a loss to Sam Houston last weekend.
