This week, the San José State Spartans (3-5, 2-2 mWC) will travel to Hawaii to face the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (2-6, 0-3 MWC). Following a dominating 42-21 win over Utah State, the Spartans proved to be effective on offense and defense. However, Hawai’i is hurting from a 42-21 defeat by New Mexico and struggling for a win to keep its hopes alive for a bowl game. It is going to be an intriguing Mountain West Conference game with the Spartans fighting to show they are back and Hawai’i trying to improve its situation. 

San José State Spartans: Finding Rhythm in Chaos

Balance is the word that describes San José State’s offense. The best player on this team is running back Kairee Robinson who has 573 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s not just a workhorse, he’s the fire that lights up the Spartans’ attack. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro has also achieved good numbers, throwing for 1,738 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Nick Nash has accumulated 416 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. These offensive weapons help San Jose to average 388.5 total yards per game which is a respectable number. The Spartans are averaging 161.3 rushing yards and 227.3 passing yards per game, demonstrating that they are capable of gaining first downs through the air or on the ground.

San José State needs to work on its defense. The Spartans have conceded an average of 379.9 yards per game, with the run defense exceptionally porous giving up 197 yards each game. Nevertheless, their pass defense has been much tougher giving up only 182.9 passing yards on average. The defense has also been able to wreak havoc on plays and has tallied 15 sacks on opponents this season. Although the unit has recorded just three interceptions, the secondary unit must not be underestimated, especially the front line pressuring the opposing quarterback.

San Jose State Spartans Team Facts

• The favorite has won each of San Jose State’s last eight games.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of San Jose State’s last four games.
• San Jose State has lost the first half in 21 of its last 28 road games against conference opponents.
• San Jose State has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
• Seven of San Jose State’s last eight October road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: Searching for a rainbow amidst the storms

The Hawai’i offense is like an enigma wrapped in riddles. Quarterback Brayden Schager has passed for 2,433 yards and 20 touchdowns, making their air attack strong. Steven McBride has 701 yards and eight touchdowns receiving as Schager’s favorite target. The formidable passing attack averages 305.5 yards per game. The rushing game has almost been unheard of with the team averaging only 56.6 rushing yards per game per game. Jordan Johnson, the leading rusher for the Rainbow Warriors has only198 yards, indicating a huge weakness in Hawai’i’s ground game.

Hawai’i has been particularly vulnerable on defense, especially in dealing with the pass. The team has given up an average of 209.3 yards passing and 177.4 yards rushing per game. The figures are worrisome but would be even worse if the defense did not have 28 quarterback sacks to its credit this season.. However, the secondary has intercepted only four passes, a number that is too low and a big reason why opponents have little fear for the Rainbow Warriors’ back seven.

Hawai’i has lost three of its last four games, with the only win a narrow  20-17 victory over New Mexico State during that period. This losing streak has exposed weaknesses on the line of scrimmage defensively, and a limited, one-dimensional offensive attack. In their last four games, the team has scored only 75 points while conceding 157. These aspects will be vital for them as they prepare to meet a San Jose State team that is starting to improve with each outing.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Team Facts

• Hawaii has lost eight of its last nine games against conference opponents.
• Hawaii has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games.
• Hawaii has lost the first half in each of its last seven games against conference opponents.
• Each of Hawaii’s last four games as an underdog against San Jose State have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• San Jose State rank 38th among FBS teams for points per game this season (32.8).

David’s Pick: San José State Spartans -10

San Jose State enters this contest riding a wave of momentum having won impressively over UTah State. Hawaii’s inconsistent defense will face challenges due to a balanced offensive attack of San Jose that features a potent ground game and an effective passing attack. Hawai’i’s, on the other hand has a strong passing attack, but do not have a ground game to speak of averaging less than 57 yards per game, leaving them as one dimensional which San Jose will stop. San José State should cover this spread comfortably as they have the edge overall.