The Air Force Falcons and the San Jose State Spartans meet Friday in college football action from Spartan Stadium. The Falcons are coming off a matchup versus Utah State last Friday. In that one Air Force bagged another victory by a margin of 18 points. As for San Jose State, they played Toledo over the weekend. The Spartans ended up falling to 1-3 with a 14-point defeat. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Air Force Falcons
The Falcons kicked off their 2023 season with a blowout win over Robert Morris, posting 469 total yards (374 rushing) in a 42-7 result. Air Force held the Colonials to just 156 total yards on the other side. In game two versus Sam Houston, the Falcons had 244 rushing yards and held the Bearkats to just 80 on the other side in a 13-3 win.
As for game three versus Utah State, the Falcons started out hot. Air Force was up 32-7 by halftime and cruised in the second for a 39-21 win. QB Zachary Larrier completed just three passes for 84 yards but also rushed for a TD. Owen Burk had 110 rush yards on 15 carries, while Emmanuel Michel added 106 rush yards with three scores.
Air Force Falcons Team Facts
Air Force has won each of its last eight games.
Air Force has covered the spread in seven of its last nine road games against conference opponents.
Air Force has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against conference opponents.
Air Force has won the first half in eight of its last nine road games against conference opponents.
Four of Air Force’s last five games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
San Jose State Spartans
Over on the Spartans’ side, they’ve got four games in the tank so far. The first was a tough matchup versus USC in a 56-28 loss. Things didn’t get much easier in week two versus Oregon State in a 42-17 defeat, but San Jose State finally got a win over Cal Poly in their third outing. The Spartans posted 472 total yards (267 rushing) in a 59-3 blowout victory.
Matched up against Toledo, San Jose State went into the break with a three-point lead. The Spartans were outscored 14-7 in the second half and fell in a tough one 21-17. Chevan Cordeiro had 228 yards with a score and a pick, while Kairee Robinson had 50 rush yards and a score. Nick Nash had 80 yards off six catches as well.
San Jose State Spartans Team Facts
San Jose State has lost each of its last 17 matches as an underdog when playing with a rest disadvantage.
San Jose State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games against conference opponents.
San Jose State has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Six of San Jose State’s last seven September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
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).
Air Force ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (2.0).
Air Force ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (1.5).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to try the Falcons in this one. It would be nice to see more of a multi-dimensional attack from Air Force, but what they’re doing is certainly working so far. The Falcons generated 428 yards of offense in the Utah State win, with 344 of those yards coming on the ground. Air Force was once again great at taking care of the football, posting zero turnovers and 38:40 in time of possession. Considering San Jose State gave up 229 of Toledo’s 321 total yards on the ground, this should be a solid opportunity for Air Force to do what they do best. This one will probably be competitive initially but I think the Falcons have it cover-wise.
