Week 4 - San José State @ Washington State: How To Watch, Preview, Time, Storylines

Joe Londergan | Sep 17, 2024

Sep 14, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Kris Hutson (1) carries the ball after making a catch against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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The Washington State Cougars are off to a 3-0 start after an upset victory against the Washington Huskies in the first September edition of the Apple Cup. Now, The Cougars prepare for their first of eight Mountain West Conference opponents. The San José State Spartans bring an exciting brand of offensive football to the conversation that should make for a intriguing game.

Here's everything you need to know about the showdown at Gesa Field.

Washington State Cougars (3-0, 0-0 Pac-12/Independent) vs. San José State Spartans (3-0, 1-0 Mountain West)

Date: Friday, September 20

Time: 7 PM PT

Location: Gesa Field at Martin Stadium - Pullman, Washington

TV: The CW

Radio: WSU Radio Networks

Betting Line: WSU -13.5 on FanDuel

San José State's Biggest Weapon

Through three games, Spartans wide receiver Nick Nash leads the nation in touchdown catches (6), receiving yards (485), total receptions (34), and receptions per game (11.3). The former quarterback can be used in variety of ways, including trick plays. He has one touchdown pass so far this season. Keeping tabs on #3 will be a priority for the Cougar defense on Friday.

A Familiar Face Under Center

San Jose State's current starting quarterback is a former Cougar in redshirt sophomore Emmett Brown. Brown redshirted his first season at WSU in 2022, then appeared in one game in the 2023 season, completing two passes for 14 yards and an interception.

This season at SJSU, Brown has completed 63 passes on 104 attempts for 915 yards and nine touchdowns, with two interceptions.

“It’s cool to see," Jake Dickert said this week of Brown immediate success. "He's an ultimate competitor. He wants to play and I'm glad to see him getting a chance to do that.”

More Passing, More Rhythm

Through the first three weeks, Washington State's running game has served them very well. However, Dickert iterated this week that getting back to success in the passing game will be better for them in the long run. Quarterback John Mateer is 37-for-70 through the air thus far, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Dickert also noted his desire to involved star receiver Kyle Williams more in the passing game. Williams has just eight catches through the first three games of the season, though three of those catches were touchdowns.

More Reading Material From On SI

AP POLL: Washington State Receive 30 Votes Following Apple Cup Win

RECAP: Cougars Win 2024 Apple Cup 24-19, Move To 3-0

WATCH: WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert Reviews Apple Cup Win, Previews San Jose State

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Published Sep 17, 2024

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.