San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic: Wranglers-Cuda host classroom Wednesday match; Does the early game disrupt the players routine?

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San Jose Barracuda defenceman Adam Artem (8) and Tucson Roadrunner defenceman Montana Onyeduchi (79) anticpate the puck at Tech CU Arena in San Jose on Sat Oct 10, 2026 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic:

1. Roland McKeown scored San Jose’s only goal with less than two minutes remaining in the third period. How important was his late power-play goal in preventing the Barracuda from being shut out?

2. The Barracuda outshot Tucson 36–29 but still lost 4–1. What prevented San Jose players such as Filip Bystedt from generating more goals?

3. San Jose went 1-for-10 on the power play. What adjustments do the Barracuda need to make to improve their special-teams perform?

4. Tucson scored three goals in the second period, including a shorthanded goal by Yegor Borikov. How did that second-period collapse affect the Barracuda’s chances of mounting a comeback?

5. After losing both games of the weekend series to Tucson, what must Filip Bystedt, do to help the Barracuda bounce back in their next game?

Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings Turn Up the Pressure 111-106 put Warriors Hold On; Raynaud leaves game on crutches

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Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) favors his right knee after falling to the floor in the first half agianst the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Oct 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings game wrap:

By Mauricio Segura

Kings Turn Up the Pressure 111-106 put Warriors Hold On

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Kings nearly turned a difficult second half into a comeback worth celebrating, but the Golden State Warriors had just enough left to protect a 111-106 preseason victory.

Sacramento trailed by eight entering the fourth quarter and drew within two in the closing minutes. Jonathan Mogbo supplied much of the resistance with offensive rebounds, second-chance baskets and trips to the foul line. Golden State answered at just the right moments, however, denying the Kings their first exhibition victory.

For Sacramento, the finish was more encouraging than the result. The Kings led 25-24 after the opening quarter, only to surrender 37 points in the second and head to halftime behind 61-56. Golden State extended that margin to 89-81 through three quarters, benefiting from another imposing performance by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.

Lendeborg finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, providing Golden State with production far beyond scoring. His activity around the basket and ability to find teammates repeatedly challenged Sacramento’s defense. Stephen Curry also contributed during the opening half, while Brandin Podziemski helped the Warriors take control after the break.

Sacramento had opportunities to change the direction of the third quarter. Precious Achiuwa made two free throws to give the Kings a 70-69 advantage with 7:55 remaining. Podziemski quickly responded with consecutive three-pointers, turning that one-point deficit into a 75-70 Warriors lead. Brandon Williams added a three-pointer at the buzzer, giving Golden State an eight-point cushion heading into the final period.

The Kings’ reserves did not allow that margin to settle the argument.

Mogbo began the fourth with a cutting layup, and Nique Clifford followed with a jumper. Leaky Black then connected from beyond the arc to pull Sacramento within 91-88 with 9:28 remaining. Georges Niang twice answered with three-pointers and later added a floating jumper, pushing Golden State ahead 101-93 midway through the quarter.

Even then, Sacramento continued finding extra possessions. Black buried another three-pointer, and Mogbo converted consecutive putbacks after missed attempts by Clifford. On the second, Mogbo drew a foul and completed the three-point play, reducing the deficit to 103-101 with 3:27 left.

That sequence offered the clearest illustration of Sacramento’s late approach. The Kings were not relying exclusively on long-range shooting. They were crashing the offensive glass, forcing Golden State to defend beyond the initial attempt and getting meaningful production from players fighting for preseason minutes.

Charles Bassey responded with two free throws, restoring a four-point advantage. Sacramento answered with a pull-up jumper to make it 105-103, but the Warriors delivered one of the game’s most damaging combinations moments later. Will Richard stole the ball from Clifford and, after a pass from Dalen Terry, connected on a three-pointer with 2:10 remaining.

The Kings still had a chance. Mogbo hit one free throw at 1:14, then sank two more with 37.6 seconds left to narrow the score to 108-106. Golden State missed a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, but Terry grabbed the offensive rebound. Richard drew a foul with 14.5 seconds remaining, and the officials upheld the call following a replay review. Richard converted both attempts, and Bassey added the final point at the line.

Sacramento outscored Golden State 25-22 in the fourth, yet its earlier lapses left too much ground to recover. Mogbo’s work on the glass and the bench’s persistence gave the Kings something tangible to build upon. The missed opportunity was equally clear: a spirited finish could not erase the damage from the middle quarters.

Injury to Raynaud: The Kings Maxime Raynaud went down on his right knee late in the second quarter after setting a screen on Warrior guard Stephen Curry. Raynaud was in pain and was laid out on his back when the Kings medical staff came onto the floor and later escorted Raynaud off in a wheelchair with general manager Scott Perry. Kings owner Vivek Randive also checked on Raynaud outside the Kings dressing room. Raynaud had left Chase Center with a ice bag wrapped on his injured knee and was on crutches as he left Chase Center.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Roadrunners sweep Barracuda in 4-1 win

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San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent and Tucson forward Kevin Rooney tussle during a brawl in the first period at Tech CU Arean as the Roadrunners defeated the Barracuda 4-1 on Saturday October 10, 2026. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Tucson Roadrunners scored three goals in the second period to rout the the San Jose Barracuda 4-1 on Saturday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose has lost three out of four to start the season. Tucson swept the weekend series and is even at 500 after losing their first two games of the season.

Tucson (2-2) broke through with the game’s first goal late in the first period. Ben McCartney sent a shot from the left boards that Cuda goalie Matt Davis initially stopped. Vadim Moroz pounced on the rebound and put home his second attempt from in front of the crease for his team leading third goal of the season at the 14:02 mark.

San Jose (1-3) had a good scoring chance late in the opening frame when Carson Wetsch cross iced a pass over to Patrick Giles on a two-on-one odd man break, but Giles shot was saved by Roadrunners goalie Jaxson Stauber who dove out with an outstretched save to keep the Cuda off of the board.

Anthony Vincent and Kevin Rooney got into a spirited scrap earlier in the period at the 7:03 mark.

The Roadrunners doubled its lead with a power play goal early in the second period. Caleb Desnoyers scored his second goal of the season when he skated in from the neutral zone down the right wing before firing a shot into the crease that through the five-hole of Davis at the 3:01 mark.

Tucson scored its third unanswered goal just over three minutes later. Former Cuda defenseman Montana Onyebuchi’s shot from the point had seeing eyes as snuck past Davis for his second goal of the season at the 6:33 mark. Desnoyers and Yegor Borikov received helpers on the play.

Borikov scored the third goal of the middle frame for Tucson when he scored a short-handed goal on a breakaway after a turnover by San Jose in the neutral zone. Borikov beat Davis to the glove side for his first goal of the season at the 11:58 mark.

San Jose’s power play was absolutely anemic on the evening. They squandered two different 5-on-3 power plays and did not score with the man advantage on its first nine chances.

Roland McKeown spoiled Stauber’s shutout bid with a power play goal, too little, too late with 1:31 remaining in the game. McKeown tipped in Wetsch’s shot from the point for his second goal of the season.

Stauber (1-1) stopped 35 of the 36 shots he faced to earn his first win of the season. Davis (1-1) made 25 saves on 29 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-10 on the power play. Tucson went 1-for-4.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Desnoyers 2) Borikov 3) Stauber.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the Calgary Wranglers on Wednesday at 10:30am as part of the first Cuda Classroom of the season at Tech CU Arena.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Notre Dame dominates Stanford 58-7; Fighting Irish have Davis running out of pocket all day

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Notre Dame defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) sacks Stanford quarterback Davis Warren (8) and forces a fumble on Stanford’s opening drive in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Barnick)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Quarterback performance: How did Stanford quarterback Davis Warren perform against Notre Dame’s defense, and what impact did his interception and lost fumble have on the Cardinal’s offensive momentum?

2. Rushing attack: How did running back Micah Ford contribute to Stanford’s ground game, and what challenges did the Cardinal face in establishing a consistent rushing attack?

3. Receiving production: How did wide receivers Bryce Farrell Blackburn and Caden High contribute to Stanford’s passing game, and what could the offense have done to generate more successful passing plays?

4. Defensive effort: What could Stanford defenders Jaxon Galvan and Sam Mattingly have done differently to help contain Notre Dame’s explosive rushing attack and limit its scoring opportunities?

5. Lessons for the next game: After scoring only seven points against Notre Dame, what adjustments should Stanford head coach Travita Pritchard and players such as Davis Warren, Micah Ford, and Caden High prioritize before their next matchup?

Stanford Cardinal podcasts with Michael Roberson from the are heard at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears beat the Virginia Tech Hokies, 25-20

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Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback (#17) Ethan Grukenmeyer looks downfield for an open receiver in an NCAA football game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, in Berkeley, CA. (Photo credit to IMAGN IMAGE)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Saturday afternoon, the California Golden Bears (3-3) returned home to host the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-2) in this week’s six-game matchup. The Hokies led all game until a late fourth-quarter Bears offensive drive took the lead. However, Virginia Tech would have a chance to win the game, but the Bears’ defense came alive. California would get the win, 25-20 over Virginia Tech; this was also the Hokies first time playing in Berkeley.

Cal and Virginia Tech played their first-ever ACC football game at Databricks Field at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The Golden Bears and Hokies have a 1-1 record in their all-time series. In their first game as conference rivals last season, Virginia Tech won 42-34 in double overtime in Blacksburg, Virginia. The game was tied at 27 points at the end of regulation in last year’s back-and-forth game, forcing overtime. Before Virginia Tech scored the game-winning goal in the second extra time, the Bears and the Hokies traded touchdowns in the first overtime.

Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele did not play this afternoon as he’s recovering from a concussion in last week’s matchup against the UNLV Rebels. Jackson Brousseau started for Cal, his first start as a Golden Bear. Brousseau started 8 games at Colorado State last year. Adding to the bad news for the Bears, their star defensive back Kingston Lopa was also out. He’s recovering from a concussion he got last week as well, and he was leading the country in interceptions.

In the first quarter of the game, both teams were struggling offensively. Neither team was able to score in this quarter. The Bears were struggling to convert the ball on third downs; by the end of the quarter, the Bears went 0-of-3 on third downs. Also, Cal’s rushing game wasn’t seeing any success either, as the team’s rushing had -3 yards to start the game.

Going into the second quarter, Virginia Tech would get on the board first. Hokies quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer would throw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Ayden Greene, and the Hokies led 7- 0. Then about six minutes later, the Bears were able to respond in five plays with Cal’s running back Ashten Emory. Emory would rush in a 5-yard touchdown and tie the game, 7-7.

Right before the two-minute warning, Virginia Tech would march down the field and finish their drive scoring. Hokies running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. rushes a 5-yard touchdown for Virginia Tech, giving them the lead, 14-7. However, to end the first half of the game, Bears kicker Towns McGough makes a 35-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 14-10.

At the start of the third quarter, the Bears’ offense became aggressive, and being at home helped Cal. After an eleven-play drive, the Bears weren’t able to get a touchdown but were able to get a field goal. California McGough would make another field goal, this time at 22 yards. He brought the Bears, 14-13, to the Hokies. Bears’ defense also came up big on their stops and didn’t let the Hokies score in the third quarter.

In the final quarter of the game, Virginia Tech and Cal gave it their all to get the win. Both of these teams lost last week, so a win can help project the rest of both their seasons. With four minutes left on the clock, the Bears were able to convert a touchdown while in the red zone. Bears Brousseau would throw to Carson Perry-Smith for a 3-yard touchdown, giving Cal the lead, 19-13. California would go for the 2-point conversion, but failed.

Virginia Tech’s turn on offense after Cal scored, it took the Hokies nine plays to score. Virginia Tech’s Grukenmeyer rushed in a 1-yard touchdown for them and gave the Hokies back the lead, 20-19. Hokies went for the 2-point conversion, but failed. That gave the Bears hope for a comeback, whether it ends on a touchdown or field goal. So in six plays, Cal’s Ashten Emory would get his second touchdown of the game after rushing in a 2-yard touchdown. His scoring gave the Bears the lead and was ultimately the dagger on the Hokies, 25-20.

The Hokies had 18 seconds left of the game with no timeouts. However, they were able to bring the ball into their red zone, the 7-yard line. 3 seconds and the ball at the 7-yard line, Cal’s defense holds off Virginia Tech. Hokies Grukenmeyer was looking for Luke Reynolds, who couldn’t hold on to the ball as it hit his chest and then dropped. Reynolds had 4 catches in this game, but couldn’t grab this catch for the Hokies. Giving California the win and feeling Golden at home, the Bears’ last home win this season was on September 19th, against Wagner Seahawks.

California is now 2-2 at home this season. The Golden Bears will enjoy this conference win and get ready for their next game. Their next game will be on Saturday, October 17th, at home, as the team will get ready to host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1) in another conference matchup. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ACC Network.

Sharks have First Loss of Season at Home Against Oilers 3-1; Celebrini back in SJ line up

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Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) looks to pass the puck past San Jose Sharks Darnell Nurse (25) in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Oct 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

By: Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Saturday, overcoming Macklin Celebrini’s third-period goal to earn their fourth straight win at SAP Center. At the same time, the Men in Teal recorded their second loss of the season.

Vasily Podkolzin, Mattias Ekholm and Alex Formenton scored for Edmonton, while Connor McDavid recorded an assist. Goaltender Tristan Jarry made 19 saves as the Oilers improved to 4-0-1.

Celebrini scored in his return to the lineup after missing two games with a lower-body injury. The Sharks captain finished with his first goal of the season, but San Jose was unable to complete a comeback against Edmonton in the final 10 minutes of the third.

Edmonton stuck first after so many attempts; the fourth line made it work. Oilers forward Issac Forward protected the puck along the boards in the Sharks’ zone; the Sharks ‘ D-line made a poor play in defending, leaving Oilers defenseman Mattias Eklund to make a powerful slap shot wide open to put the Oilers up by one goal.

Edmonton extended its lead early in the third period. McDavid in full speed carried the puck down the left wing before finding Podkolzin near the top of the slot. Podkolzin finished with a one-timer at 3:13 to make it 2-0.

Two minutes later, Oilers Forward, Alex Formenton added another goal, taking a pass from Mathieu Joseph on a rush before beating Askarov with a backhand shot over the goaltender’s left pad.

San Jose responded at 11:19 when Celebrini received a pass from Michael Misa near the left faceoff circle and scored with a wrist shot to cut the deficit to 3-1.

The goal provided a bright spot for the Sharks, who were unable to find another breakthrough in the final minutes.

Askarov concluded with 17 saves for San Jose, which fell to 3-2-0. Edmonton extended its season-opening point streak to five games, while McDavid and Podkolzin each continued their individual point streaks to start the season.

The Oilers secured the victory with three goals of their own, while Celebrini’s return offered San Jose a positive takeaway despite the loss and good ovation at the Tank.

Sharks are back at home this tuesday night against the Boston Bruins at 8pm local time.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Who watched the A’s on TV this season?

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Sacramento A’s TV talent Jenny Cavnar (front) and Dallas Braden (back) decribe and analyize A’s baseball on NBC Sports California (photo from Jenny Cavnar to Diablo Magazine)

Who watched the A’s on TV this season?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The Sacramento A’s saw the biggest drop in television audience in Major League Baseball this season. It is hardly a surprise for anybody who follows baseball, especially here in the Northern California. As I noted in my previous article on this site, the WNBA Golden State Valkyries drew over 9,000 more fans per home game than the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. 

NBC California will have to take less money when it sets rates for next season (if there is a season). Maybe you like me were removed from the Xfinity package without notice, and I truly didn’t miss the A’s, didn’t attend a game since they moved to West Sacramento, and didn’t watch a single A’s game during the 2026 season. I have been to Sacramento but not to their park. The last time I was at that park was as VP of The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame, invited to throw the first pitch on Hispanic Day, but with another team: the AAA Sacramento River Cats. Years before the A’s made that their temporary home.

The team is scheduled to play again in Sacramento during the 2027 season. But how about Las Vegas in 2028? Well ,their 33,000-seat stadium, located at the former Tropicana resort site, is under construction, with an original total cost of $ 2 billion. For the record, and according to the most recent Nielsen Media Market rankings, Oakland/SF Bay Area is #9, Sacramento is #20, and Las Vegas is #40

Aside from the Casinos in Las Vegas, where every sporting event is on television 24-7, it will be hard to tell how many people will watch the A’s on TV or at home in their new digs on the Strip. As for attendance at their games, they originally projected drawing 30,000-plus every home game, “to make it work.”

Perhaps the A’s ownership can just pay fans to attend their games, as they do in Hollywood when they hire extras for movies, who usually get paid between $100 and $200 per day, more if they’re in the film industry Union, SAG-AFTRA. But if not, the team can always bring back the “cardboard fans” that they used at the Coliseum during the Covid years. Or they could make a deal with the famous Las Vegas Neon Museum and use some of its props as fan seats. I am sure the casinos would be happy to have replicas of all the entertainers that have worked in Sin City, from Sinatra to Elvis, Streisand, and dozens more.

The Athletics hold the record for the most cities an MLB franchise has called home, a total of five: Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland, Sacramento, and Las Vegas, Nevada. So…let the longest-running relocation Soap Opera continue “The Edge of Disaster”.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings tip off with Warriors in San Francisco in third exhibition game of pre season

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Sacramento Kings Precious Achiuwa (4) looks to get a little more hang time as the Kings face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Oct 10, 2026 (Getty file photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

1. Can Zach LaVine lead the Sacramento Kings’ offense against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors?

2. Will Domantas Sabonis dominate the rebounds and create scoring opportunities for Sacramento against Golden State’s frontcourt?

3. Can De’Andre Hunter make a significant defensive impact against the Warriors’ perimeter shooters?

4. Will rookie Nique Clifford build on his preseason performances and provide a scoring boost for the Kings?

5. Can Maxime Raynaud take advantage of his size to protect the rim and control the paint against the Warriors?

Tony Harvey does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa: Oilers-Sharks battle in Saturday matinee puck drop at 1pm

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San Jose Sharks Alex Wennberg (21) and St Louis Blues Colton Parayko (55) battle for the puck in the first period at Enterprise Arena in St Louis on Thu Oct 8, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Darnell Nurse’s overtime heroics how important was Nurse’s game winning goal at 1:03 of overtime that was assisted by Ivar Stenberg, in securing San Jose’s 3-2 comeback win.

#2 Tyler Toffoli’s offensive performance. How did Toffoli’s goal and assist help the Sharks stay competitive after falling behind 1-0 in the first period.

#3 Collin Graf’s third period equalizer what did Graf’s goal at 6:05 of the third period demonstrate about San Jose resilience after Dillon Dube gave St Louis 2-1 lead with a shorthanded goal.

#4 Alex Nedeljkovic’s performance in goal. How sigificant were Nedeljkovic’s 24 saves in his season debut, particularly as the Sharks played without captain Macklin Celebrini for the second consecutive game?

#5 San Jose defensive effort. How crucial was Keifer Sherwood’s late shot block against Robert Thomas in preventing a potential Blues game winning goal and allowing the Sharks to reach overtime?

Mary Lisa does the San Jose Sharks podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Late Lead Slips Away as San Jose State Spartans Fall to Wyoming Cowboys 16-13 in Overtime

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San Jose State senior quarterback Luke Weaver answers a postgame media question after throwing for 251 passing yards against the Wyoming Cowboys on Fri Oct 9, 2026 (photo by Lucas Quick Sports Radio Service staff)

By Sean Mentzer

SAN JOSE– The San Jose State Spartans led most of the game, but a late, game-tying drive by the Wyoming Cowboys forced overtime, paving the way for a game-winning field goal that handed the Spartans their first conference loss 16-13.

The Spartans’ first drive ended in a quick three-and-out, and the Cowboys took an early lead. A jet pass to Samuel Harris put the Cowboys in the red zone, but a holding penalty forced them to settle for a field goal. 

After Spartans kicker Trajan Sinatra missed a 44-yard field goal attempt, the Cowboys began the second quarter with a 4th-and-goal on the Spartans’ two-yard line. However, defensive leader Ethan Powell made a crucial wrap-up tackle on Cowboys quarterback Tyler Hughes, completing their goal-line stand.

The Spartans’ defense did its job, and the offense answered. A quick 8-play drive was capped off by Jabari Bates for an 18-yard rushing touchdown, finding the end zone for the first time this season. 

Another Cowboys field goal made it 6-7. In the final three minutes of the half, Therman Williams intercepted Luke Weaver on the Spartans’ 36-yard line, giving the Cowboys another chance to take the lead. Coming into tonight’s match, the Cowboys’ Achilles’ heel was turnovers, with 12 total, including six interceptions by Hughes, and they paid the price with another late-half chance at points. Dylan Lee’s interception gave the Spartans the ball back with 1:54 left in the half.

The Spartans had one timeout remaining as they advanced the ball to the Cowboys’ 25-yard line. However, Weaver was sacked, and the Spartans had already used their final timeout earlier in the drive. The field goal unit rushed onto the field, but time expired before they could snap the ball. As a result, the Spartans went into halftime with a narrow 6-7 lead.

“That last drive in the first half, I’m gonna have nightmares about it the rest of my life,” Spartans Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “I know better how to manage that.”

The Cowboys started the second half with the ball, but the Spartans forced a fumble that defensive lineman Jeremiah Tuiileila recovered, giving the offense the ball at the Cowboys’ 41-yard line. The Spartans couldn’t find the end zone, however, settling for a field goal to extend the lead to 6-10.

After forcing the Cowboys into a three-and-out halfway through the third quarter, the Spartans offense got back to the red zone but could only muster another field goal to make it 13-6. 

The Cowboys got the ball back in the final two minutes of the third quarter and went on another 16-play-or-more drive, eating up 10 minutes of clock, and finally scored a touchdown to tie the game. It was their third drive of the game that took 16 or more plays and lasted seven or more minutes.

The Spartans regained possession, but quickly went three-and-out again. The Spartans’ defense made a strong stop, forcing the Cowboys to punt with three minutes left in the fourth quarter. Neither team gained traction on their final drives, forcing overtime.

The Spartans started overtime with the ball and were held to a 4th-and-1. With Carson Clark in motion pre-snap, Weaver looked his way, but his throw fell short, turning the ball over.

Wyoming drove downfield and prepared for a field goal. Cowboys kicker Erik Sandvik nailed his third field goal of the night, winning on a walk-off field goal, stealing the game late from the Spartans.

The Cowboys executed a strong game plan: controlling time of possession to keep the Spartans’ offense off the field, tiring their defense, and slowly putting points on the board.

The Spartans’ strengths shine on offense, but their weaknesses show on defense, too. As expected, the high-tempo pace led by Weaver creates explosive plays and quick drives, but the run defense remains a glaring flaw. Halfway through the second quarter, the Cowboys had 110 yards on the ground, finishing with 231 rushing yards on the night. It’s the second time in the last four games the Spartans have allowed 100+ rushing yards.

“I think the thing you see in our offense right now is just inconsistency,” Weaver said. “And I think that comes from myself. You see times where we’re really rolling; you see times where we’re really struggling to get that first drive going, get that first first down. So really, focus on keep making good decisions and getting the ball to the playmakers.”

After a win over Hawaii to kick off conference play last week, the Spartans were close to another win but ultimately fell short. They will aim to bounce back next weekend against UTEP and return to winning in conference play.