Scouting Report: Struggling Nevada coy about starting quarterback as Aztecs visit

San Diego State and Nevada have met 16 times on the football field in a series that dates back 80 years but wasn’t played with any regularity until 2012, when the Wolf Pack joined the Mountain West.

It was the most recent get-together, two years ago at Snapdragon Stadium, that was most memorable — just not in a good way.

Nevada handed SDSU one of the worst losses in program history, beating the Aztecs 6-0 to end a 16-game losing streak.

It is the game that pointed former SDSU coach Brady Hoke toward “retirement.”

That Wolf Pack team was ranked 129th in the nation in scoring defense (39.5 ppg) and 130th in total offense allowed (510 ypg). Nevada ranked 126th in passing yards allowed (314.7 ypg). And yet SDSU managed just 47 passing yards while being shut out for the first time in five years.

Both programs made coaching changes after the 2023 season in an effort to take things in a new direction.

This has been a very even series over the past ten games dating to 2014, with each team winning five games. Five of the past six meetings have been decided by less than a touchdown.

SDSU (4-1, 1-0 Mountain West) is a 7 1/2-point favorite against Nevada (1-4, 0-1 MW) coming into Saturday night’s game at Mackay Stadium.

About the Wolf Pack

Nevada enjoyed its share of success, making 14 bowl appearances from 2005 to 2021 before suffering three straight 10-loss seasons. The 2025 season isn’t trending any better, though Nevada has been competitive.

The only lopsided loss came in the season opener at then-No. 2 Penn State, which beat the Wolf Pack 46-11. A 20-17 victory over Sacramento State the following week accounts for Nevada’s only win. The Wolf Pack are in the midst of a three-game losing streak against Middle Tennessee (20-17), Western Kentucky (31-16) and Fresno State (20-17).

Nevada made a game of it against Fresno State after falling behind 20-3 at halftime.

Turnovers have been the team’s downfall. Nevada leads the nation with 14 giveaways.

“Clearly, that’s the thing that’s holding us back,” Nevada coach Jeff Choate said this week.

The offense

Most of the turnovers come from starting quarterback Chubba Purdy (40-for-77 for 494 yards, 1 TD/8 INTS). The brother of San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy was benched after throwing a pair of picks against Fresno State.

True freshman Carter Jones played the second half and went 11-for-16 for 121 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

“Making a change at quarterback in the second half gave us a fresh start, provided some energy on both sides of the ball,” said Choate, who was understandably coy about who his starting QB would be this week. “We’ve had those discussions about how we’re going to approach the quarterback position. I don’t know that it helps us to tell you who is playing quarterback. I think that helps (San Diego State), and so I’ll kind of leave it at that. We know that multiple guys are going to play, and Carter is going to be one of them.”

Choate said he was most impressed with Jones’ poise.

Said SDSU coach Sean Lewis of Jones: “You could tell he has some playmaking ability. He’s talented. … He gave them a spark.”

Lewis said the Aztecs expect Jones to be the starter, though they will be prepared for multiple QB sets.

Nevada is led by wide receivers Marcus Bellon (15 receptions, 193 yards, TD) and Jordan Brown (13-164) and tight end Jett Carpenter (13-113).

Purdy (60 carries, 292 yards, 2 TDs) leads the team in rushing, followed by running backs Caleb Ramseur (48-236) and Herschel Turner (47-215).

The defense

Nevada’s defense ranks 82nd in the nation in points allowed (25.6) and 74th in yards allowed (372.8 ypg). The team has forced five turnovers (four interceptions), which ranks tied for 87th.

The defense has been effective in getting to the quarterback, collecting 13 sacks. Defensive lineman Dylan Labarbera and edge Jonathan Maldonado lead the team with 3 1/2 sacks apiece. Labarbera has team highs in both tackles (42) and tackles for loss (10).

Defensive back Edward Rhambo leads the team with six pass breakups and linebacker EJ Smith has two interceptions.

Special teams

Kicker Joe McFadden is 9-for-12 on field goals with a long of 45 yards. Punter Bailey Ettridge is averaging 43.7 yards a punt, with five of at least 50 yards and 10 inside the 20-yard line.

Did you know?

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Purdy’s given name is Preston. So why Chubba?

“When I was 1-year-old I weighed 38 pounds, so my dad gave me the nickname Chubba,” Purdy said. “Thank the Lord I thinned out a little bit.”

San Diego State (4-1, 1-0) vs. Nevada (1-4, 0-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nev.

TV: CBSSN

Radio: 760-AM