Week 13: Nevada at San Jose State

Both teams lost heartbreakers last week that dented — or, in San Jose State’s case, squashed — their bowl chances.

Nevada needs to win one of its last two games to get bowl eligible but will have a much better chance of earning an invitation if it can get to seven wins. The Wolf Pack lost to Hawaii 28-26 on a field goal with 11 seconds left last week.

San Jose State’s bowl hopes were dashed by a four-point loss at Louisiana Tech.

San Jose State has won 11 of its past 13 home games and leads the WAC with a stunning plus-12 turnover margin — two factors that could play a key role against Nevada.

The Wolf Pack traditionally struggle on the road (they’re 2-3 this year) and they are minus-5 on turnovers.

The quarterback matchup also is intriguing. San Jose State senior Adam Tafralis has carried an inexperienced Spartans offense all season, while Nevada freshman Colin Kaepernick has provided a spark for the Wolf Pack with his dual-threat talents.

Also, Nevada junior running back Luke Lippincott is closing in on the WAC rushing title. He leads Boise State’s Ian Johnson by 14.5 yards per game with 1,194 yards.

Nevada by 6