Utah State (7-2) at San Jose State (5-5)
- Kickoff: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. MDT
- Venue: CEFCU Stadium (21,520 capacity)
- TV: FS1
- Livestream: FS1
- Radio: KZNS 1280 AM/97.5 FM
- Series: San Jose State leads the all-time series between the two sides 20-18-1, although Utah State has dominated as of late, winning the last eight meetings.
- Weather: Clear skies with temperatures in the low 60s at kickoff.
THE TRENDS
For Utah State... The Aggies enter Saturday on a four-game win streak. With a win over San Jose State, they would ensure at least their second-best season record since 2014.
For San Jose State... The biggest trend for the Spartans this season as far as game results are concerned has been their inconsistency. They’ve never had more than a two-game winning streak or a two-game losing streak. They are coming off a loss last week to Nevada, but before that was their lone win streak of the year.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The Spartans are in the bottom 20 nationally in points per game at just 21.4, but quarterback Nick Starkel returned last week against Nevada after more than a month out because of injury, and it stands to reason that he’ll be more comfortable this week with a game back under his belt. Removing the game in which he got hurt and threw for just 55 yards, Starkel is averaging 298 per game on the year.
KEY PLAYER
Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State
A few weeks ago, Utah State faced the nation’s leading tight end in receiving yards, Colorado State’s Trey McBride. On Saturday, they’ll see the player who is No. 2 in that category in San Jose State’s Derrick Deese Jr. For the season, Deese has amassed 677 yards on 42 catches with four touchdowns.
QUOTABLE
“They’re the best team on the Mountain side of the (Mountain West) conference. They’ve had big wins all over this season. I think Coach (Blake) Anderson his first year is doing a really good job. I’ve known him for a while. He’s a really good guy, and he’s doing a nice job with their program.” — San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan on Utah State
“We catch ‘em I think at their very best having gotten their quarterback back on the field. It changes the dynamic of things. I know their record doesn’t speak that highly of them, but watching them play Nevada Saturday night when we got back, they’re clearly excited to have him back. It gives them a little spark.” — Utah State head coach Blake Anderson on San Jose State
NEXT UP
After two straight games on the road, Utah State will be at home next week against Wyoming, while San Jose State will remain at home to face Fresno State.
UTAH STATE SCHEDULE
Sept. 4 — Utah State 26, Washington State 23
Sept. 10 — Utah State 48, North Dakota 24
Sept. 18 — Utah State 49, Air Force 45
Sept. 25 — Boise State 27, Utah State 3
Oct. 1 — BYU 34, Utah State 20
Oct. 9 — BYE
Oct. 16 — Utah State 28, UNLV 24
Oct. 22 — Utah State 26, Colorado State 24
Oct. 30 — Utah State 51, Hawaii 31
Nov. 6 — Utah State 35, New Mexico State 13
Nov. 13 — at San Jose State (8:30 p.m., FS1)
Nov. 20 — Wyoming (6 p.m., CBS Sports Network)
Nov. 26 — at New Mexico (11 a.m., FS1)