UNLV Rebels vs. San Jose Spartans Picks, Predictions, Odds

Currently, the top two teams in the West Division of the Mountain West Conference are the UNLV Rebels and San Jose State Spartans. One of these teams will take sole control of first place in the division when these rivals square off on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 10:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network from CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California.

Updated on 04/27/2024

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UNLV REBELS vs. SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS BETTING PREDICTION

The UNLV Rebels are hoping to make their first bowl game since 2013 and just their second bowl game since the 2000 season in 2022. They are off to a 4-1 start, but they need two more wins before they can start celebrating their success. UNLV is hoping to get one of those remaining victories this week when the Rebels face the San Jose State Spartans, but the college football betting odds have the Spartans listed as seven-point favorites.

Score Prediction: San Jose State 30, UNLV 17
Best Bet: San Jose State -7 (-110)

UNLV REBELS vs. SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS BETTING ODDS

More Odds | Futures Odds | CFP Central

UNLV REBELS vs. SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS BETTING RESOURCES

Date: Friday, Oct. 7, 2022
Matchup: Mountain West
Venue: CEFCU Stadium
Location: San Jose, California
Time-TV: CBS Sports, 10:30 p.m. ET
Expert Picks

UNLV REBELS BETTING ANALYSIS

To its credit, UNLV has continually exercised patience with its coaches. Some were calling for the Rebels to 86 Marcus Arroyo after he won just two games in his first two seasons with the program, but they are off to a 4-1 start this season. Their only loss was a six-point road defeat at the hands of Cal, and they scored double-digit wins over North Texas and Utah State.

Doug Brumfield has had a lot of success under center, and he is completing 70.5% of his passes for 1,223 yards (8.2 YPA) with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. Brumfield is a mobile quarterback too, finding the end zone five times with his feet. Ricky White is his top target with 25 receptions for 360 yards and three TDs, and Kyle Williams has caught four touchdown passes.

That combined with a strong run game has UNLV ranked inside the top 100 in Offensive SP+.  Aidan Robbins is currently averaging 4.9 YPC and has run for eight touchdowns, and Courtney Reese has broken off some big plays too.

UNLV has done a good job stopping the run as opponents are averaging just 3.4 YPC against this front seven. The Rebels have been incredibly fortunate on the turnover end too with 14 takeaways through five games. Five players have intercepted at least two passes this year, and Cameron Oliver has led the way with three interceptions and two pick sixes. 

SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS BETTING ANALYSIS

Head coach Brent Brennan has struck upon something with San Jose State. The Spartans were a combined 3-22 after his first two seasons at the helm, but they went 17-15 from 2019 to 2021 and are out to a 3-1 start this season. Their only loss was on the road to Auburn, and the Spartans only lost that game by eight points.

Hawaii transfer Chevan Cordeiro has shined in the Bay Area. Cordeiro is completing 57% of his passes for 1,078 yards (8.0 YPA) with four touchdowns and no picks. Nevada transfers Elijah Cooks and Justin Lockhart have been big play threats, and that has been necessary considering San Jose State has been unable to run the ball like we saw in previous seasons.

The Spartans are averaging just 3.1 YPC. However, those numbers are skewed by how often Cordeiro gets sacked or runs for a minimal gain. Kairee Robinson is averaging 4.5 YPC as the No. 1 running back on this team, but the offensive line should start to come along soon.

This defense has been very good. San Jose State ranks 62^nd in Defensive SP+, and no opponent has scored more than 24 points against the Spartans this season. This is an excellent pass defense, allowing just 116.3 YPG through the air, and the Spartans already have six interceptions on the year.

UNLV REBELS vs. SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS BETTING TRENDS

• Nevada is 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
• San Jose State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games.
• The total has gone OVER in eight of Nevada's last 11 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in four of San Jose State's last five games.
• Nevada is 4-1 SU in its last five games.
• San Jose State is 11-3 SU in their last 14 home games.
• Nevada is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games against San Jose State.
• Nevada is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games against San Jose State.
• Nevada is 2-9 SU in its last 11 road games.
• Nevada is 0-6 SU in its last six road games against San Jose State.