Week 7: Utah State at San Jose State

This is a critical game for both teams — and one that will give the winner at least a share of the WAC lead.

Utah State, which quietly has the longest current WAC winning streak at three games, could help coach Brent Guy save his job with a win. Guy is 7-33 in three-plus seasons at Utah State. He took over the Aggies in 2005, at the same time Dick Tomey took over the Spartans.

San Jose State quietly has won 14 of its last 16 home games, with losses to two ranked teams. The Spartans are 20-21 under Tomey and could even that record with a win. More importantly, they could put themselves in position to become bowl-eligible for the second time in three years.

These teams have played three times since the Aggies joined the WAC in 2005. Those games have been decided by a total of 17 points — two seven-point decisions and a three-point game. San Jose State has won the past two years.

This year should be another close game because neither team features an explosive offense. Utah State averages 21.4 points per game and San Jose State averages 18.

Notes:

Four of San Jose State’s five games have been decided in the fourth quarter. The Spartans are 2-2 in those games.

San Jose State leads the WAC with three sacks per game. It also leads the WAC in total defense.

Utah State has lost to three teams that have been ranked in the Top 15 — Oregon, Utah and BYU. They still must face one more, Boise State.

San Jose State wide receiver Kevin Jurovich, an All-WAC second-teamer last season, likely will miss the rest of the season with mono.

Key Player (Aggies) — Diondre Borel, QB

The sophomore struggled with turnovers last week against BYU. He must be smart with the ball against San Jose State because the Spartans don’t have the firepower to march the length of the field repeatedly. If Borel can do that and sprinkle in a few big plays, the Aggies have a chance.

Key Player (Spartans) — Yonus Davis, RB

Davis is the one player the Spartans have who can make game-breaking plays, but he has been used sparingly this year because he was a late addition to the roster. The Aggies allow 195 rushing yards per game, so this might be his breakout game.

San Jose State by 3