San Jose State vs. BYU preview: Spartans look to pick up 9th win against Cougars

The San Jose St. Spartans have been solid throughout the season, and they'll face one of their toughest challenges yet this weekend as they welcome in the BYU Cougars.

The Spartans are now 8-2 and feature a 4-1 mark against the Western Athletic Conference. The Cougars began the year with high expectations, and a brutal schedule has ticked on a couple of tough losses so far. One could make the argument the team deserved to beat then-No. 5 Notre Dame, and they hung tough with No. 10 Oregon State and No. 24 Boise State.

All loses count the same in the grand scheme of things, but it's hardly like BYU hasn't kept it close nearly every time they've taken the field this season. Look for the veteran-laden Cougars to use their experience against a hungry San Jose State team.

Perhaps the most intriguing battle on Saturday night will be the Spartans' offensive attack against BYU's stout defense. SJSU ranks 31st in the nation while averaging a little more than 35 points a game, while the Cougars are seventh in scoring defense, surrendering just 14.2 points to their opponents each week.

Kickoff from Spartan Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday. ESPN2 will televise the game live.