Air Force vs San Jose State Odds & Picks: Triple Option Will Cause Problems
Christian Petersen/Getty Images. Pictured: Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun and the Falcons.
Air Force vs San Jose State Odds
| Air Force Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | -250 |
| San Jose State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | +200 |
Friday night ends with a bang as the Air Force Falcons head to California to take on the San Jose State Spartans.
The Falcons are off to a red-hot start and enter this matchup undefeated.
However, they're set to face a very game San Jose State squad that's already taken on some of the Pac-12's finest and can't be overlooked.
So, which side should you bet on Friday night? Let's dive in and find out.
When it comes to Air Force (and every other service academy), opponents know what they're going to get on the offensive side of the football.
But can they stop it?
The Falcons' triple option is essentially a war of attrition against the opposing defense. Air Force runs the ball at the highest rate in the country, a staggering 92%.
However, the Falcons are built for option success and have looked the part thus far. The Falcons are 16th in Rushing Success Rate and are averaging 4.8 yards per carry. A big part of their success stems from the push their offensive line gets on a consistent basis.
Air Force will have a massive edge in the trenches, as it outranks the Spartans eight to 129 in Line Yards. San Jose State has been one of the worst teams in the country against the rush and is in for a world of trouble in this matchup.
On the other side of the ball, San Jose State's offense is almost the complete opposite, as the Spartans have thrown the ball at the eighth-highest rate in the country.
It makes sense. Why not keep the ball in the hands of your best player?
Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro has garnered plenty of attention since throwing three touchdowns against USC in the season opener.
Cordeiro's aerial assault has led the Spartans to a 3-1 record against the spread thus far. However, he and the rest of the offense may be in for a challenge against Air Force.
The Falcons' defense is legit and has talent at all three levels. Their defensive line has shut down rushing attacks and also gets to the quarterback at the second-highest rate in the country.
Their secondary is not far behind and ranks 16th in coverage rating, per PFF. Air Force is holding opponents to just six yards per pass and is 38th in opponent completion percentage.
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how the Air Force and San Jose State match up statistically:
Air Force Offense vs. San Jose State Defense
 | Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 16 | 123 | |
| Line Yards | 8 | 129 | |
| Pass Success | 50 | 83 | |
| Havoc | 14 | 112 | |
| Finishing Drives | 20 | 84 | |
| Quality Drives | 39 | 99 |
San Jose State Offense vs. Air Force Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 57 | 79 | |
| Line Yards | 85 | 51 | |
| Pass Success | 114 | 26 | |
| Havoc | 71 | 20 | |
| Finishing Drives | 129 | 52 | |
| Quality Drives | 88 | 16 |
Pace of Play / Other
| ||
| PFF Tackling | 1 | 123 |
| PFF Coverage | 16 | 52 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 2 | 91 |
| Middle 8 | 37 | 91 |
| Seconds per Play | 34.1 (132) | 29.1 (97) |
| Rush Rate | 94.7% (1) | 45.5% (115) |
Air Force vs San Jose State
Betting Pick & Prediction
This matchup is intriguing because these teams have completely contrasting styles.
However, one side is built to stop the other's offensive attack.
The Falcons are going to control the trenches on both sides of the ball, which will not only lead to points on the scoreboard, but will also keep the Spartans off the field.
Back Air Force to cover the spread.
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