The San Jose State Spartans and the New Mexico Lobos meet Saturday in college football action from University Stadium. San Jose State is fresh off a matchup versus Boise State last weekend. In that one the Spartans dropped to 1-5 overall with an eight-point loss. As for New Mexico, they’re 2-3 overall and coming off an open week. The Lobos last appeared in a loss to Wyoming. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
San Jose State Spartans
The Spartans’ season kicked off with a pair of unenviable matchups that resulted in an unsurprising pair of losses. Those came 56-28 to USC and 42-17 to Oregon State. San Jose State picked up their first win 59-3 over Cal Poly the next week, then fell 21-17 to Toledo. Game five was another loss, this time 45-20 versus Air Force.
Last weekend in the Boise State game, the Spartans held a 27-14 lead at halftime. San Jose State was outscored 21-0 from there however and lost 35-27. QB Chevan Cordeiro posted 325 yards and an interception in the defeat. Kairee Robinson rushed 12 times for 61 yards and a score, while Nick Nash caught four balls for 99 yards.
San Jose State Spartans Team Facts
San Jose State has lost each of its last 11 away matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
San Jose State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight games against conference opponents.
San Jose State has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
San Jose State has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
Six of San Jose State’s last seven October road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
New Mexico Lobos
Over on the Lobos’ side, they’ve alternated losses with wins in their five outings so far this year. New Mexico lost to Texas A&M 52-10 in the opener, then beat Tennessee Tech 56-10 before another loss 27-17 to New Mexico State. The Lobos took a thrilling OT win over UMass 34-31 in game four, then lost 35-26 to Wyoming in their most recent appearance.
Back on September 30 versus Wyoming, the Lobos scored in every quarter—and also gave up points in every quarter, including 17 in the third. New Mexico QB Dylan Hopkins finished with 162 yards, one TD and a pick, while Jacory Croskey Merritt added 92 yards off 14 carries. Tops in receiving was Ryan Davis on 59 yards from four catches.
New Mexico Lobos Team Facts
New Mexico has lost each of its last 19 games against conference opponents at University Stadium.
New Mexico has failed to cover the spread in each of its last nine games against conference opponents at University Stadium.
New Mexico has lost the first half in 13 of its last 14 games against conference opponents at University Stadium.
Each of New Mexico’s last four home games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
New Mexico ranked T11th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (4.8).
New Mexico was one of only 14 FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.
San Jose State ranked 8th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (4.2).
San Jose State ranked T10th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.667).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with New Mexico here. The Lobos put up a fairly respectable performance versus Wyoming in their last outing but couldn’t keep up on the scoreboard thanks to two turnovers and 10 penalties for 90 yards. The bad news is that New Mexico gave up 433 total yards (239 rushing) and had zero takeaways, but they were stout on third downs by holding the Cowboys to just 2-of-11 on conversions. The Lobos have 26 or more points in three of their last four games and should score well here also.
As for San Jose State, they put together a great first half against Boise State but faded down the stretch for another loss. The Spartans have scored 20 or more points in three of their last four games though, so I can see them keeping pace for a while here. Should be an interesting matchup overall.