New Mexico didn’t enter the season with extremely high expectations. But after just four games, that’s all changed.
In Jason Eck’s first year as UNM’s head coach, the Lobos are 3-1 entering Mountain West play with a Power Four win.
The Lobos started the year with a 34-17 loss at Michigan, which is maybe a more competitive result than some expected. Then they beat Idaho State by 10 points before going on the road and upsetting UCLA 35-10. UNM is on a three-game winning streak after beating in-state rival New Mexico State 38-20.
San Jose State, meanwhile, was one of the preseason favorites to win the Mountain West and is 1-3 with its lone win being a three-point victory over FCS Idaho. The Spartans started off with a two-point loss against Central Michigan at home and have also fallen against Texas and Stanford on the road.
Now SJSU and UNM will compete against each other in hopes of beginning league play on a high note.
New Mexico vs. San Jose State Betting Odds
San Jose State is a -2.5 college football betting odds favorite against New Mexico, with the Over/Under being 58.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for New Mexico is +115, while it’s -140 for San Jose State.
New Mexico vs. San Jose State On TV
The matchup between New Mexico and San Jose State will be televised on FS1.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 3. The contest is taking place at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California.
New Mexico vs. San Jose State Prediction
I predict San Jose State will win and will cover the 2.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 58.5 total points.
Based on what these two teams have accomplished so far this season, I could see why some may think my pick doesn’t make sense. But I think SJSU is going to surprise some people in this matchup.
And that’s mostly because I believe the Spartans’ offense is going to power them to a win here.
I like what I’ve seen from Walker Eget thus far. The Spartans quarterback has thrown for 1,187 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 57% completion rate. And I think we’re going to see just how great he can be now that SJSU is getting into conference play.
The Spartans also have explosive playmakers around Eget with two players who have at least 140 rushing yards and four with 160 receiving yards.
Danny Scudero is first on the team and third in the country with 514 yards through the air. He’s also ninth with 33 receptions, and he’s caught three TDs.
Kyri Shoels has added 269 yards and two touchdowns on 23 catches, while Leland Smith has 168 yards and a score on 10 receptions. Jabari Bates (192 yards and two touchdowns) and Floyd Chalk IV (141 yards and two TDs) have been SJSU’s leaders on the ground.
I think this will be a fun game to watch. But I ultimately expect SJSU will score enough to win at home.
