The Mountain West gets the spotlight in Week 7 as San Diego State and Nevada square off in a game that could shake up the conference standings.
For San Diego State, longtime NDL veteran BigZZ916 is chasing consistency after a 3-2 start. The Aztecs are no strangers to success, with back-to-back 12-win seasons recently under their belt, but this year’s team has been up-and-down.
On the other side, Nevada is led by PirateFlag_23, fresh off a dream run at Old Dominion where he posted a 12-1 record and a CFP berth in his debut. Now in Reno, he’s looking to prove Nevada is more than a middle-of-the-pack program.
Both coaches know how to win. The question: who can impose their style of play in this clash?
San Diego State Aztecs Outlook
The Aztecs sit at 3-2 with a mix of highs and lows, but they’ve shown enough firepower to be dangerous.
QB Jayden Denegal has had growing pains, with 826 yards, 4 TDs, and 5 INTs. Turnovers have been costly, and he’ll need to clean that up on the road.
RB Lucky Sutton has been the bright spot, rushing for 394 yards and 8 TDs. His combination of power and vision has carried the offense, including 26 broken tackles already.
WR Jordan Napier leads the receiving corps with 246 yards and a TD, but he’ll need to step up as a consistent chain-mover if the Aztecs want balance.
SDSU averages 25.6 PPG, but their defense is giving up 34.7 PPG. Their 3rd-quarter production (just 1.4 PPG scored) has been especially concerning, as momentum tends to slip away after halftime.
Nevada Wolf Pack Outlook
At 2-1, Nevada is still a bit of a mystery. Their blowout loss to Jacksonville State raised questions, but convincing wins over NIU and Marshall showed promise.
QB Chubba Purdy has been streaky, with 677 yards, 6 TDs, but also 7 INTs. His decision-making will be under the microscope against an opportunistic SDSU defense.
RB Ky Woods has been effective, rushing for 346 yards and 2 TDs, including a 75-yard long run that showcased his breakaway speed.
WR Nathaneal Floyd, playing out of position as a CB, has surprisingly become the team’s leading receiver with 275 yards and 2 TDs. His athleticism gives Nevada a unique weapon.
Defensively, Nevada is giving up 34 PPG, similar to SDSU. The difference is they’ve been more explosive offensively, averaging 24.8 PPG despite limited possessions.
Key Matchups to Watch
Denegal vs. Purdy: Both quarterbacks have struggled with turnovers. Whichever QB avoids mistakes likely leads their team to victory.
Lucky Sutton vs. Nevada Front Seven: Sutton has been SDSU’s offensive workhorse. If Nevada can contain him, it forces Denegal into risky throws.
Woods vs. SDSU Defense: Nevada will lean on Woods to establish balance. If he finds running lanes, the Wolf Pack offense could keep pace.
Coaching Battle
BigZZ916 is one of the NDL’s most experienced coaches, with 30+ seasons across a wide range of programs. His SDSU tenure has already produced multiple double-digit win seasons and Mountain West titles. He’s proven he can build sustainable success.
PirateFlag_23 may be newer, but he burst onto the scene with Old Dominion, going 12-1 with a CFP berth. His transition to Nevada has been quieter, but his potential is undeniable.
This is a clash of experience vs. rising talent — and one that will help define the Mountain West race.
Prediction
Both teams are giving up over 30 PPG, so expect some fireworks. Sutton gives San Diego State the most reliable offensive weapon in the matchup, but Purdy’s volatility could make things interesting — for better or worse.
Ultimately, SDSU’s pedigree and Sutton’s red-zone dominance give them the edge, though Nevada’s home field keeps it close for a while.
Projected Score: San Diego State 35, Nevada 27
The Aztecs survive a tricky road test, while Nevada shows enough flashes to prove they’re on the rise under PirateFlag_23.
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