Nevada vs San Diego State Prediction & Picks: Don’t Expect Much Offense

Nevada vs San Diego State Prediction & Picks: Don’t Expect Much Offense article feature image
Credit:

Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images. Pictured: Jalen Mayden (San Diego State)

Nevada vs San Diego State Odds

Nevada Logo
Saturday, Oct. 21
9 p.m. ET
FS1
San Diego State Logo
Nevada Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+11.5
-110
47.5
-110o / -110u
+340
San Diego State Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-11.5
-110
47.5
-110o / -110u
-450
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NCAAF odds here.
BetMGM Logo

The Mountain West Conference has not exactly been the class of the country, and Nevada is a big reason why, as it's 0-6 entering this matchup.

However, this is a matchup that exemplifies the beauty of betting, because even the worst teams in the country can help you profit.

While the Wolf Pack have not given us much to talk about, the Aztecs are a team that needs to keep the ball rolling in a big way. They finally got off the schneid last week as they defeated Hawaii, which ended a four-game losing streak.

So, what's the best way to bet this Mountain West matchup? Let's dive in to find out.


Check out our NCAAF Betting Hub for more college football previews, predictions, news, and analysis.

Header First Logo

Nevada Wolf Pack

This Nevada offense is impressively bad; it's 111th in Rushing Success Rate and 120th in Passing Success Rate. In turn, the Wolf Pack are averaging just 19.6 points per game.

They may have a path to offensive success in this matchup, though. The Wolf Pack run a very balanced offense, but it may benefit them if they keep the ball on the ground against the Aztecs.

San Diego State is 133rd in Rushing Success Rate Allowed, which stems from poor work up front, as it's 132nd in Defensive Line Yards. It will be interesting to see how the Wolf Pack approach the run game, as quarterback Brendon Lewis is their leading rusher and their lead back has not been all that efficient.

Regardless, the more run-heavy scheme will benefit the Wolf Pack, as they'll be able to move the chains and keep the Aztecs off the field.


Header First Logo

San Diego State Aztecs

Speaking of the Aztecs, they are built to embrace the grind this game will be, as they've run the ball at the 39th-highest rate in the country. San Diego State's rushing attack will be effective, and it will also drain the clock.

The Aztecs have a massive edge in trenches and should get a consistent push, despite not being all that efficient on the ground this season.

Quarterback Jalen Mayden will be a dynamic weapon in this offense, as he can not only shred the Wolf Pack with his legs but should find plenty of openings through the air.

Nevada is 132nd in Passing Success Rate Allowed and 129th in PFF's coverage grading.

To cap things off, the Wolf Pack are 128th in tackling, which will make all aspects of the San Diego State offense better.

Phone With the Action App Open
The must-have app for college football bettors
The best NCAAF betting scoreboard
Free picks from proven pros
Live win probabilities for your bets

Header First Logo
Header Second Logo

Nevada vs San Diego State

Matchup Analysis

Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Nevada and San Diego State match up statistically:

Nevada Offense vs. San Diego State Defense
Offense
Defense
Edge
Rush Success111133
Line Yards119132
Pass Success120109
Havoc13390
Finishing Drives13078
Quality Drives117117
San Diego State Offense vs. Nevada Defense
Offense
Defense
Edge
Rush Success40108
Line Yards65105
Pass Success61132
Havoc92124
Finishing Drives9984
Quality Drives83132
Pace of Play / Other
PFF Tackling128123
PFF Coverage129114
Special Teams SP+8567
Middle 883108
Seconds per Play27.0 (69)30.3 (124)
Rush Rate51.5% (65)57.6% (34)

Header First Logo

Nevada vs San Diego State

Betting Pick & Prediction

This is not the game that you are going to want to sweat, as watching these two offenses could be borderline painful.

However, we can capitalize on that by taking the under in this matchup.

The total is currently hovering around the key number of 48, which is a tremendous number given what these two offenses have shown us.

Combined, these two teams average just 39 points per game.

Given the schemes, the tempo and the inefficiency of the ground game, this game should stay under the total.

About the Author
Doug Ziefel is a contributor for the Action Network. He specializes in College Fooball, College Basketball, and rooting for bad New York teams.

Follow Doug Ziefel @DougZiefel on Twitter/X.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.