UNLV vs. San Jose State: position-by-position breakdown
A look at who has the advantage at each position when UNLV hosts San Jose State in a 7:30 p.m. game Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.
QUARTERBACKS
Sophomore Josh Love is atop San Jose State’s depth chart despite completing only 48 percent of his passes and throwing more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three). UNLV starter Armani Rogers is in the same situation with two TDs and three picks, but his passing efficiency far outweighs Love’s.
Advantage: UNLV
RUNNING BACKS
The Spartans feature three backs in Zamore Zigler, Malike Roberson and Packer DeJon, but the group as a whole isn’t as productive on a per-game basis as Rebels runner Lexington Thomas. The junior ranks seventh nationally in rushing yards per game (141.7) and has a higher per-game average than 40 FBS teams.
Advantage: UNLV
RECEIVERS
Another impressive stat for UNLV: Senior wide receiver Devonte Boyd leads the nation in yards per reception (28.4). But the Rebels have little depth, as he’s one of only three receivers with 50 yards or more. San Jose State has five receivers with more than 90 yards through five games.
Advantage: San Jose State
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Spartans boast an experienced line with 146 combined starts, but that hasn’t translated to success in running the ball or pass protection. San Jose State is in the bottom 20 among FBS teams in rushing yards per game (112) and sacks allowed (12). UNLV ranks eighth in rushing average nationally (292.3).
Advantage: UNLV
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Rebels’ offensive line should be champing at the bit because the Spartans allow 279 rushing yards per game, fifth-worst in the FBS. UNLV isn’t exactly a stone wall up front on defense, but it at least held mighty Ohio State to 213 rushing yards last week.
Advantage: UNLV
LINEBACKERS
San Jose State junior Frank Ginda leads the nation with 14.6 tackles per game, so imagine where the Spartans’ defense would be without him manning one of the inside spots. Ginda also has more tackles for loss (4.5) and pass breakups (three) than the Rebels’ three starters combined.
Advantage: San Jose State
SECONDARY
UNLV has fared worse against the pass than San Jose State, and while the Rebels played at Ohio State, the Spartans have played two ranked teams in South Florida and Utah. UNLV is allowing an opposing quarterback rating of 158.85, 11th-worst in the FBS.
Advantage: San Jose State
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Rebels have made seven of their 12 field-goal attempts, and San Jose State is 5-for-5. Neither team has an exciting kick return game, and both are pretty similar at punting.
Advantage: San Jose State
INTANGIBLES
UNLV is at home, knows it needs to win to keep any hope of a bowl game alive, and its biggest strength (running the ball) matches up perfectly with its opponent’s biggest weakness. It would not be a good sign if the Rebels lose for the fifth straight season to the Spartans.
Advantage: UNLV
HANDICAPPER’S TAKE
Bruce Marshall (goldsheet.com): UNLV 44, San Jose State 22 — We would say fans are looking forward to basketball at San Jose State, except that the Spartans’ coach quit in the summer and their best player transferred to Gonzaga. Wait until 2018, then? No, they can’t cancel their football season, which might seem like a good idea after Utah State scored 61 points against San Jose State last week. UNLV is scoring 35 points per game.
More Rebels: Follow all of our UNLV coverage online at reviewjournal.com/Rebels and @RJRebels on Twitter.
Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@reviewjournal.com. Follow@BenSGotz on Twitter.
