The Bulldogs of Fresno State (-31) are prepared to host the San Jose State Spartans at Bulldog Stadium. Interested parties are able to tune in to the action on ESPNU and this conference matchup kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET. When the two teams faced each other a year ago, Fresno State got the victory 27-10.
Betting Preview: San Jose State Spartans at Fresno State Bulldogs
San Jose State is a heavy road dog here and is currently receiving 31 points from bookmakers. Oddsmakers have determined the over/under (O/U) to be 51 points, and if one squad can find paydirt early, it will probably result in a nice live betting opportunity.
The Spartans have lost 5.5 units so far in 2018 and are 6-5 against the spread (ATS). The team has posted an O/U record of 5-5.
The Bulldogs have been a nice surprise for moneyline bettors this season, gaining 3.5 units. The team is 8-3 ATS and has an O/U record of 2-8.
The Spartans have gone 1-10 straight up (SU), including 1-6 SU against MWC opponents. The Bulldogs are 9-2 SU overall and 6-1 SU in conference play.
The Spartans are trying to get back in stride after a 21-12 defeat to Nevada last week. Michael Carrillo completed 17 passes for just 168 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Spartans rushed for just 30 yards as a team in the loss.
Fresno State is coming off of a 23-14 win over San Diego State. The defense did its part in the victory, holding the Aztecs to just 218 passing yards and 64 yards on the ground. Fred Trevillion was on a different level for San Diego State, putting up 189 yards and two touchdowns on four catches. For Fresno State, Marcus McMaryion completed 17-of-24 passes for 267 yards and one touchdown. Ronnie Rivers (78 rushing yards on 22 attempts, one TD) mounted the running game as KeeSean Johnson (10 receptions, 141 yards) and Jamire Jordan (two catches, 94 yards, one TD) led the pass-catching corps in the win.
San Jose State has run the ball on 45.1 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Fresno State has a rush percentage of 53.1 percent. The Spartans have rushed for 61.6 yards/game (including 66.1 per game against Mountain West opponents) and have eight scores on the ground this year. The Bulldogs are averaging 144.1 rush yards per game (131.9 in conference) and have 26 total rushing TDs.
It appears that the Bulldogs may own the edge in all aspects of the ground game, as their running backs has logged 4.0 yards per carry while their defense has allowed 3.6 YPC to opponents. The Spartans have registered 2.0 yards per carry while allowing 4.7 yards per rush attempt to opponents.
The Spartans offensive scheme has averaged 256.7 yards in the air overall (279.6 per game versus conference opposition) and has 19 passing scores so far. The Bulldogs have put up 279.7 pass yards per outing (283 in the MWC) and have 23 total pass TDs.
Defensively, San Jose State has allowed opponents to run for an average of 212.4 yards and throw for 280.9 yards per game. The Fresno State D has given up 190.1 yards per game to opposing passers and 127.5 yards per game to opposing runners. The Bulldogs are giving up an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of just 4.15 to opponents, while the Spartans have allowed a 7.53 ANY/A.
Offensively, Carrillo is up to 193 passing yards this year. The signal-caller has completed 20-of-33 attempts with two passing scores and two interceptions. Carrillo’s got a 2.68 adjusted net yards per pass attempt overall, although that number is 8.20 over the last two games.
Look for a balanced approach offensively from San Jose State in this one. As a group, Tre Walker, Josh Oliver and Tyler Nevens have combined for 444 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns over the last two outings.
On the other sideline, Marcus McMaryion has completed 214-of-302 passes for 2,683 yards, 21 TDs and three INTs. McMaryion’s ANY/A stands at 9.45 for the season and 8.60 across his past two outings.
KeeSean Johnson (999 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns on the year), Ronnie Rivers (343 rush yards, six rush TDs, 173 receiving yards, two receiving TDs) and Jamire Jordan (373 receiving yards, three receiving TDs) have combined for 513 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns over the past couple of games.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Free Pick
SU Winner: Fresno State, ATS Winner: San Jose State, O/U: Over
Betting Trends
- The Spartans offense has produced 12 pass plays of 40 or more yards, while the Bulldogs have put up eight such plays.
- The San Jose State defense has allowed 12 pass plays of 40 or more yards, while Fresno State has given up eight such plays.
- The San Jose State offense has created four rushing plays of 20 or more yards, while Fresno State has created 11 such runs.
- The Spartans defense has allowed 19 rushing plays of 20 yards or more, while the Bulldogs have given up three such runs.
- The Fresno State defensive unit has produced 18 sacks on the year while San Jose State has just 11.
- As a team, San Jose State has averaged 2.2 yards per carry over its last three games and 1.9 over its last two.
- Fresno State has averaged 4.0 yards per carry over its last three outings and 3.2 over its past two.
- Over its last three contests, Fresno State is 1-2 ATS and the under cashed in each of those three.
- The Over/Under for San Jose State’s previous game was set at 58.5. The under cashed in the team’s 21-12 loss to Nevada.
- In its last three matches, San Jose State is 2-1 ATS and the under cashed in two of those three.
- The O/U for Fresno State’s previous matchup was set at 42. The under cashed in the 23-14 victory over San Diego State.
- Fresno State has won nine of its last 10 games SU, with a -7-point defeat to Boise State on November 9th accounting for the lone loss over that span.
