UNLV Rebels vs. San Diego State Aztecs Betting Preview
Where: Qualcomm Stadium — San Diego, CA
When: Saturday, October 8, 2016, 10:30 PM ET
Line: UNLV Rebels (+14) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (-14); total: 55.0 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Writer’s Pick: San Diego State Aztecs (-14)
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Betting on the UNLV Rebels (+14)
Running is what the UNLV Rebels do best this season. They’re generating 271.2 rushing yards per game, the 10th-most in the nation today. Spearheading this relentless attack on the ground has been the duo of Lexington Thomas and Charles Williams, who are averaging 5.8 and 6.4 yards per carry, respectively, through five games.
Williams had a big game in the Rebel’s much-needed win over Fresno State last weekend. The freshman finished with a career-best 153 yards on 18 carries and found the end zone once, his second touchdown of the year. But Williams, including Thomas, could be shut down by a San Diego State defense that’s only allowing 108.7 yards rushing.
If so, the Rebels are going to have to pass more. QB Dalton Sneed, in his first collegiate start, completed eight of his 16 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown in the game versus the Bulldogs. He also made effective use of his legs, running for 147 yards on 15 carries with a score.
Expected to be targeted the most are UNLV’s leading receivers, Devonte Boyd and Darren Woods Jr. Both are averaging more than 10 yards per catch and have at least one touchdown this year. The former leads the team with three scores and 329 yards on 18 receptions.
The Rebels are 3-2 ATS through five games this season.
Betting on the San Diego State Aztecs (-14)
An epic fourth-quarter meltdown caused the San Diego State Aztecs to drop their first game of the season.
Despite entering the final period with a 24-21 lead against South Alabama last week, they allowed 21 unanswered points in the final 12 minutes of regulation, a collapse that was capped off by a costly fumble that resulted into a touchdown return for the opposition.
Well, these things happen to any team in any sport, but don’t expect San Diego State to let another one slip away from their fingertips. The reigning Mountain West champs will be seeking redemption in this weekend’s showdown with the visiting Rebels.
The Aztecs, who have found most of their offensive success on the ground, will continue to lean on senior running back Donnel Pumphrey. He currently leads the nation in rushing yards (750), already has eight TDs this season and is averaging 7.7 yards per carry. The UNLV defense, however, will surely have most of its attention on him.
Hence, San Diego State’s quarterback—Christian Chapman—better find ways to gain some yards through Mikah Holder, the team’s top receiver. Holder kicked off the new season with bang, exploding for 160 yards on four catches with two touchdowns in the opener against New Hampshire. But since then, he’s hauled in just eight catches for 130 yards and a TD in three contests.
The Aztecs are 7-0 ATS versus teams that have a losing record.
Writer’s Prediction
San Diego State (-14) bounces back.
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