San Jose State-Washington State: What to know before Spartans face Cougars

SAN JOSE STATE AT WASHINGTON STATE

Records: San Jose State (3-0, 1-0 Mountain West); Washington State (3-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.,  Gesa Field at Martin Stadium, Pullman, Washington

TV: The CW

Radio: KTRB (860 AM)

Series history: Washington State leads the series 8-4-1. The teams have met just four times since 1980, splitting the games. WSU beat SJSU 31-0 in Pullman in the most recent meeting in 2018.

Storylines: Quarterback Emmett Brown returns to Pullman as a starter after spending two seasons as walk-on at WSU and appearing in just one game. … Offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann returns to WSU as well, coaching there in 2020-2021. … The Spartans look to extend their winning streak to four, so do the Cougars. … San Jose State’s last victory against Washington State was on Sept. 13, 1986, winning 20-13. … Washington State beat rival Washington in the Apple Cup last week, winning 24-19.

Matchup to watch: Washington State’s quarterback John Mateer vs. SJSU’s defense. Mateer is a true dual-threat quarterback and leads the Cougars in rushing through three weeks with 314. SJSU’s defense is ranked no. 21 in the FBS for total defense.

Injuries: Linebacker Taniela Latu was seen wearing a boot not practicing this week. He is questionable.

Stats that matter: SJSU has forced 10 turnovers this season, tied with Cal, Maryland, and Oklahoma for most in FBS. … Linebacker Jordan Pollard has 37 total tackles this season which is fifth in the nation and leads the Mountain West.. …  Wide receiver Nick Nash leads all FBS players outright in receptions with 34, receiving yards with 485 and receiving touchdowns with six. … Brown’s nine thrown touchdowns leads the Mountain West and is good for fourth in the country. … Washington State ranks 125th in total defense in the FBS but has outscored its opponents 131-65 so far this season.