The San Jose State Spartans and Wyoming Cowboys meet in sunny California on Saturday for a Mountain West Conference showdown.
The Spartans are off to a great start in the debut season of a new head coach, entering this matchup with a 4-2 overall record.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are struggling after the departure of their longtime leader in the offseason, owning just one win through six games.
San Jose State is an 11-point favorite on the spread with a 52-point over/under. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on Mountain West Network.
This feels like a mismatch on paper, and I believe it could play out this way on the field.
Let’s jump to our Wyoming vs San Jose State predictions and college football picks for this NCAAF Week 8 matchup on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Wyoming vs San Jose State Prediction, Picks
- Wyoming vs San Jose State Pick: San Jose State -11
My Wyoming vs San Jose State best bet is on the Spartans spread, with the best line currently available at BetRivers, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Wyoming vs San Jose State Odds, Spread, Lines
| Wyoming Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11.5 -110 | 52.5 -115o / -105u | +340 |
| San Jose State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11.5 -110 | 52.5 -115o / -105u | -450 |
- Wyoming vs San Jose State Point Spread: Wyoming +11.5 · San Jose State -11.5
- Wyoming vs San Jose State Over/Under: 52.5 Points
- Wyoming vs San Jose State Moneyline: Wyoming +340 · San Jose State -450
Wyoming vs San Jose State Preview
Wyoming Cowboys Betting Preview: Improvements Under First-Year Coach
After the departure of Craig Bohl, it was always going to be a difficult transition for Wyoming’s new coach, Jay Sawvel. Even with the struggles, you have seen improvements in the recent performances.
The Cowboys’ offense has pieced together productive showings against San Diego State and Air Force. Wyoming rushed for a season-high 190 yards as a part of 381 yards of total offense against the Aztecs.
One of the keys to the offensive output was the play of quarterback Evan Svoboda. He threw for a career-high 191 yards and chipped in with a 51-yard rushing score with his legs.
On the defensive side of the ball, Wyoming lived in the backfield against SDSU, recording 10 tackles for loss. The Cowboys also held the Aztecs to just 102 rushing yards.
Fans will love seeing the improvements under a first-year coach and hope they continue down the stretch.
San Jose State Spartans Betting Preview: Nash Fever
Like Wyoming, San Jose State lost its veteran coach in the offseason. However, the school was able to turn over the reins to another successful coach, Ken Niumatalolo.
The former Navy coach has six bowl wins, which is just one shy of matching SJSU’s total as a program. He has the Spartans in an excellent spot to add to this total with his quick start.
San Jose State's opportunistic defense has aided this fast start to his tenure. The Spartans have forced 15 turnovers this season, which is good for third in the nation.
It also helps when you have one of the best playmakers in the country at receiver, Nick Nash. He leads all FBS players in receptions (62), receptions per game (10.3) and receiving touchdowns.
Niumatalolo will need his stud wideout to play well here if he hopes to secure another victory.
Wyoming vs San Jose State Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Wyoming and San Jose State match up statistically:
Wyoming Offense vs. San Jose State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 128 | 115 | |
| Line Yards | 129 | 54 | |
| Pass Success | 133 | 54 | |
| Havoc | 82 | 49 | |
| Finishing Drives | 103 | 83 | |
| Quality Drives | 128 | 67 | |
San Jose State Offense vs. Wyoming Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 120 | 63 | |
| Line Yards | 133 | 64 | |
| Pass Success | 15 | 113 | |
| Havoc | 88 | 111 | |
| Finishing Drives | 29 | 101 | |
| Quality Drives | 75 | 114 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 60 | 93 |
| PFF Coverage | 103 | 78 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 42 | 109 |
| Middle 8 | 97 | 10 |
| Seconds per Play | 26.6 (52) | 24.4 (21) |
| Rush Rate | 58% (47) | 39% (128) |
Wyoming vs San Jose State Pick & Prediction
Wyoming is a dangerous team at home, especially with the Cowboys' advantage in Laramie.
However, I do not like them once they have to hit the road, which applies here.
My best bet is to take San Jose State at -11 on the spread, which I would play up to -12.5. I also don’t hate looking at Nash to review his receiving props.
The Spartans have one clear advantage in this matchup on offense — they love to attack teams through the air, and I believe they’ll be able to do so here.
Entering Week 8, SJSU ranks 15th nationally in Pass Success Rate. This is also the same offense that is first among Non-Power 4 programs in Passing EPA.
They'll face a Wyoming defense that ranks sub-100th nationally in Pass Success Rate allowed and PFF's Coverage grades. The Cowboys also rank 111th nationally in Havoc rate.
We’ve also seen Wyoming struggle on the road. In trips to Arizona State and North Texas, the Cowboys lost both games by 68 total points, allowing 40 or more to both opponents.
The one contest that stood out was against the Mean Green. This squad is very similar to SJSU in how it likes to move the ball through the air.
Admittedly, I don’t love San Jose State juggling two guys at the quarterback position. Still, regardless of who plays, I think both could have plenty of success here.
So, I'll bet on the home team to get back on track against a weak secondary.
Pick: San Jose State -11 (Play to -12.5)
Wyoming vs San Jose State Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How To Watch
| Location: | CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, Oct. 19 |
| Kickoff Time: | 4 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Mountain West Network |
Wyoming vs. San Jose State will be played at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, CA, on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. ET. The game can be streamed live on Mountain West Network.
