Nevada Sports Net columnist Chris Murray breaks down Nevada’s football game against San Jose State on Saturday at Mackay Stadium with a position-by-position analysis.

San Jose State (3-6, 2-3 MW) at Nevada (1-8, 0-5)

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Mackay Stadium (capacity 27,000)

Surface: FieldTurf

Weather: High of 54; low of 40; 25 percent chance of rain

TV/Radio: CBS Sports Network/105.7 FM (also on the Varsity Network)

Online: None

Betting line: San Jose State favored by 9.5; total of 52.5

All-time series: Nevada leads, 23-12-2

Last matchup: San Jose State won 35-31 on Oct. 5, 2024 (in San Jose)

Position-by-position

Quarterback: SJSU’s Walker Eget leads the FBS with 2,941 passing yards with 17 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He’s dealt with a shoulder injury and missed some of last week’s game, so that’s something to monitor. But he’s been one of the MW’s most effective offensive players. Nevada will stick with true freshman Carter Jones under center despite his struggles over the last month. Edge: SJSU

Running backs: SJSU plays two young backs in sophomore Lamar Radcliffe (319 yards, 5.2 ypc) and freshman Steve Chavez-Soto (300 yards, 5.4 ypc, seven TDs). They’re not hugely featured in this pass-heavy offense but are solid. Nevada doesn’t have a back who’s hit 400 yards this season despite running the ball 63 percent of the time. Herschel Turner Jr. exited last week’s game with injury. Edge: SJSU

Wide receivers/tight ends: This is the most lopsided edge in the game with SJSU’s Danny Scudero leading the nation with 1,126 yards. He’s caught 68 balls, including 10 touchdowns. If you focus too much on him, Kyri Shoels (52/680/2) and Purdue transfer Leland Smith (37/643/3) can hurt you. Nevada doesn’t get the same pop from its wideouts, but TE Jett Carpenter (26/286/1) has been solid. Edge: SJSU

Offensive line: SJSU has allowed only eight sacks in 386 pass attempts, partially a result of its quick-throw scheme and partially a result of the quality of the offensive line. The team also averages 4.7 yards per carry. The starting five includes two Weber State transfers and a Utah State import. Nevada’s line has taken injury blows to Zach Cochnauer, Hadine Diaby and Snoop Leota-Amaama. Edge: SJSU

Defensive line: SJSU’s three-man front is a strong group that’s held foes to 3.8 yards per carry. NG Gafa Faga sets the tone with Utah transfer Vili Taufatofua posting four sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. Nevada’s line has been its strength this season, but the tackles for loss and sacks have shriveled up in recent games. The run defense has been good of late, but Nevada must get a pass rush on Eget. Edge: Nevada

Linebackers: Jordan Pollard of SJSU is one of the MW’s elite linebackers. He had 71 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble this season. Taniela Latu is good, too, and has chipped in 56 tackles, five TFLs, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble. For Nevada, Nakian Jackson has earned an enhanced role in recent games and is coming off back-to-back outings with double-digit tackles (14 and 12). Edge: SJSU

Secondary: SJSU lost a ton of secondary talent to transfer and has not recovered. The Spartans are allowing opponents to complete 64.5 percent of their passes for 281 yards per game. SJSU ranks 123rd out of 136 FBS teams in pass efficiency defense. Six of SJSU’s eight FBS foes have passed for at least 300 yards. Nevada’s secondary has been iffy and now gets its toughest test of the year. Edge: Nevada

Special teams: The Spartans have a field-goal kicker issue having made just 10-of-18 field goals (and also missing an extra point). P Trent Carrizosa (47.2 yards per attempt) is elite, although he sometimes out-boots his coverage. SJSU also has some dangerous return men. Nevada’s group produced a blocked punt last week and has generally been at least average despite the return game being so-so. Edge: Nevada

Coaching: SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo has won 119 FBS games at a 56 percent clip, although he’s not gotten everything possible out of his roster this season. Craig Stutzmann does a good job at offensive coordinator. Defensive line coach Al Lapuaho worked at Nevada under Ken Wilson. Wolf Pack head coach Jeff Choate looks for his first MW win after starting 0-12 against league foes. Edge: SJSU

Columnist Chris Murray provides insight on Northern Nevada sports. Contact him at crmurray@sbgtv.com or follow him on Twitter at @ByChrisMurray.