The New Mexico Lobos head into San Jose on Friday night, looking to salvage a rough start to the season against a San Jose State Spartans team that's been quietly building momentum. It's the Mountain West opener for both squads, and with New Mexico sitting at 1-3 after a string of lackluster performances, the pressure is on quarterback Jack Layne to deliver something resembling stability. San Jose State, meanwhile, enters at 2-2, their defense showing flashes of the grit that defined last year's surprise run.
Predictions swirling around this matchup lean heavily toward the home team. Analysts point to the Spartans' edge in the trenches, where their linebackers have been disrupting plays with an average of 2.5 sacks per game so far. New Mexico's offense, plagued by turnovers— they've coughed up the ball eight times in four contests—could struggle against that front seven. Walker Eget at the helm for SJSU brings a dual-threat element that's clicked in recent outings, rushing for over 150 yards combined in the last two games while completing 65% of his passes.
Indeed, the betting lines reflect this disparity. San Jose State opens as a 7.5-point favorite, with the over/under hovering at 55.5 points, suggesting a game that might turn into a track meet if New Mexico's secondary falters again. However, the Lobos aren't without their weapons; running back Eli Sanders has averaged 5.2 yards a carry, and if he breaks free early, it could keep things closer than expected. Still, the Spartans' home-field advantage at CEFCU Stadium, where they've won four of their last five, adds another layer of challenge.
Moreover, New Mexico's travel woes— a long haul from Albuquerque— might amplify their fatigue, especially after a brutal loss to Fresno State last week. San Jose State, on the other hand, seems poised to capitalize, with their passing game clicking under Eget's steady hand. Predictions mostly see a comfortable Spartans victory, perhaps 34-24, but college football's unpredictability lingers. One upset here, and the conference race tilts wildly.
Whatever unfolds, this game underscores the Mountain West's parity, where a single night can redefine trajectories.