Tag: SJSU Spartans

Spartans Fall Short 21-16 in Valiant Upset Effort

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Senior quarterback Luke Weaver attempting a pass over fifth-year defensive end Brett Karhu on Oct. 31. (Photo courtesy of SJSU athletics)

By Lucas Quick

SAN JOSE – Despite San Jose State football (4-5, 2-3 MW) tricking New Mexico (7-1, 4-0 MW), the Lobos still came out with the treat in a tight 21-16 win.

Playing behind the Lobos for the majority of the match, the Spartans defense wound up keeping them in the game. They forced three turnovers and won the turnover margin against a Lobos team who led the nation in turnover margin prior to this game. However, the offense squandered a couple of chances to pull off the upset.

Down 21-9 in the fourth quarter, sophomore safety Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa made the biggest play of the game, jumping the route of fifth-year wide receiver Miles Williams and intercepting sophomore quarterback Toa Fa’avae, returning it for a 89-yard touchdown and cutting the deficit to 21-16. It was his first career interception.

“As soon as I saw that ball tipped, I knew as soon as I caught the ball that it was a touchdown,” Tagovailoa-Amosa said. “Shoutout to my teammates, they had great blocks.”

A Lobos three and out the very next New Mexico drive and a blocked field goal attempt gave the Spartans offense one final chance to take a late lead and pull off a potential upset.

The Lobos defense would make their biggest impact of the game on back-to-back plays. A sack by fifth-year defensive end Brett Karhu for a loss of 14 yards would kill all momentum SJSU had on its drive, following interceptions by fifth-year linebacker Jayden Flake and fifth-year safety Austin Brawley would seal the game for New Mexico.

After back-to-back three and outs by the SJSU offense and trailing 14-3 in the second quarter, senior safety Brian Dukes picked off Fa’avae and set the offense in opposing territory.

The ensuing play, the Spartans take their first shot of the game, as Weaver connects with freshman wide receiver Carson Clark for 32 yards to put them in the red zone and results in a 24-yard field goal by junior kicker Trajan Sinatra.

It wouldn’t take long until the Spartans were back in scoring position, as junior linebacker Dylan Lee forced a second straight interception to put them in the red zone again. However, the offense yet again weren’t able to capitalize it to a touchdown, resulting in a 28-yard field goal to cut the Lobos lead down to 14-9 at halftime.

“We felt like we could’ve executed a little bit more,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “We had one run to feel like we had a chance to score but we got backed up a little bit. You have to turn those into some touchdowns.”

Going into the half with momentum on their side, the Spartans lost it immediately. They opened the half on a three and out, proceeding to the Lobos marching down the field. The 9-play, 89 yard drive, capped off by a leaping 20-yard touchdown grab by junior tight end Cade Keith to give the Lobos more breathing room, up 21-9.

The rushing attack for the Lobos caused problems all day for the Spartans, running for 231 yards. Their top two running backs had efficient outings. Junior running back Kiefer Sibley finished with 12 carries for 102 yards and senior running back Scottre Humphrey had a pair of touchdowns on 16 carries for 87 yards.

After being demoted the previous two games, Weaver came back in as starter, finishing the game 16-of-23, 190 yards, 2 touchdowns and the 2 fourth quarter interceptions.

Alongside him was Clark, leading all receivers with 8 catches for 91 yards. Being shadowed in the first half, he took over in the second half, including having an impressive one-handed grab.

“He’s extremely talented,” Weaver said. “He’s a guy that just continues to find the ball and does his job every time he continues to do that.”

The Spartans were 14.5 point underdogs and kept a tight game against the top-seeded Lobos, but the offense woes continued. They’ve scored as many touchdowns in the last two games as the defense.

They look to shake off their two-game losing skid against Northern Illinois at 1 p.m. on Nov. 7 at CEFCU Stadium.

San Jose Spartans report: Spartans host Bulldogs in “Battle of the Valley” in week 2 of the NCAA season at Spartan Stadium Saturday

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San Jose State Spartans running back Jaberi Bates (6) runs the ball up field against Cal Poly Mustangs defesive back RL Miller (4) at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Sat Sep 12, 2026. The Spartans host the Fresno State Bulldogs this Sat Sep 19, 2026 (San Jose State Spartans photo)

By Lucas Quick

SAN JOSE–Another chapter of “The Battle of the Valley” between San Jose State (2-1, 0-0 MW) and Fresno State (1-1, 0-0 MW) begins on Saturday, but there are some new changes in a lengthy rivalry.

With the conference shift from the Mountain West to the PAC-12 for the Bulldogs, this marks the first time both teams will face off in a nonconference matchup since 1994 and the earliest matchup in a season since that same year.

Both teams come out of Week 1 with wins in their home openers, with Fresno State’s dismantling of Sacramento State, 49-3, and SJSU holding onto a 30-20 win over Cal Poly.

A matchup so early into the season brings a lot of questions and uncertainty surrounding both teams. Both offenses have had their fair share of bright spots and weaknesses.

The first quarter of this matchup will be crucial for both teams, as neither team has scored in the first quarter this season. Getting off to a good start early can be a potential deciding factor in who comes out on top.

“You always want to get off to a fast start,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “So we’re doing all we can, I’m sure they [Fresno State] are too. Nobody wants to start scoreless.”

The Spartans will need to play more disciplined football and avoid making as many mental mistakes as they committed in their previous two matchups. While starting on a better note than last season, the product isn’t close to perfection, and Niumatalolo has emphasized that this week.

“Obviously, winning is big for our school and our friends but if we don’t play well, it doesn’t matter,” Niumatalolo said. “So the big thing is just preparing so we can play well and execute.”

The line of scrimmage battle is another key factor to keep an eye on. SJSU’s offense has opened up its rushing attack at a level that hasn’t been seen often under offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann’s system. In all three games, they have eclipsed 100 yards rushing, putting less weight on senior quarterback Luke Weaver’s shoulders.

One of the Bulldogs’ biggest strengths comes on their defensive line and their “front seven,” with nickelback Simeon Harris being named to the Jim Thorpe watch list heading into this season. Running back Jabari Bates has had a career year early on, but this is the biggest task he and this offense have faced since USC.

In what could be a tight game or a game where the Spartans might have to play behind, Weaver is going to need to lead his offense to a consistent, turnover-free game in order to go 3-1 heading into their bye week.

Lucas Quick is a San Jose Spartans football beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Underdog Spartans Stun Nevada 87-71, End Losing Streak

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San Jose State Spartans forward Sadraque NgaNga (99) takes a jump shot on the Nevada Wolfpack’s guard Corey Camper (4) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Tue Feb 17, 2026 (San Jose State Spartans X photo)

By Ryan Hannagan
San Jose, Calif.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — San Jose State ended its eight game losing streak in emphatic fashion Tuesday night, knocking off the Nevada Wolfpack 87-71 at Provident Credit Union Event Center.

The Spartans (7-19, 2-13 Mountain West), who had not beaten the Wolf Pack since January 2020, delivered one of their most complete performances of the season despite being without four starters. Jermaine Washington Jr., Yaphet Moundhi, Javaughn Hannah and Ben Roseborough all remained sidelined due to injury.

San Jose State entered the night short handed and near the bottom of the Mountain West standings, while Nevada (17-9, 9-6) came in fourth in the conference and heavily favored. The Wolf Pack defeated the Spartans 87-54 in their previous meeting.

The Spartans wasted little time setting the tone.

San Jose State opened the game on an 11-3 run, fueled by back-to-back 3-pointers from Nganga. The Spartans hit their first five attempts from beyond the arc and built a heavy lead, forcing Nevada to burn an early timeout.

Adrian Meyers paced the offense early, scoring 11 points in less than seven minutes, with most of his production coming from long range. Nevada struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 33% midway through the first half.

San Jose State did not attempt its first free throws until the final three minutes of the half, underscoring its efficiency from the field. The Spartans carried a 47-32 lead into halftime, shooting 52% from the field and 52% from 3-point range while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing 18 rebounds.

Nevada shot 41% in the first half and just 20% from beyond the arc, while also getting out rebounded by the smaller Spartans.

The Wolf Pack responded with urgency in the second half.

Nevada increased its physicality inside and began attacking the rim, earning frequent trips to the free throw line. Five minutes into the half, the Wolf Pack had attempted 18 free throws, converting 15, compared with just four attempts for San Jose State.

The surge cut the Spartans’ lead from 15 to six, as Nevada’s halftime adjustments and San Jose State’s foul trouble shifted momentum.

But the Spartans answered.

Colby Garland drilled a 3 pointer to push the lead back to double digits, and Pasha Goodzari followed with another from deep. San Jose State extended its advantage to 13 with 8:55 remaining and maintained control the rest of the way.

The Spartans finished 30 of 58 (52%) from the field and 15 of 29 (52%) from 3 point range. Nevada shot 22 of 55 (40%) overall and just 3 of 20 (15%) from long distance.

Nevada held a significant edge at the free throw line, going 24 of 32 (75%), while San Jose State finished 12 of 19 (63%).

The Spartans outrebounded the Wolf Pack 38-32 and recorded 18 assists. Both teams committed 15 turnovers.

San Jose State’s largest lead was 18 points. Nevada never led.

For a team battered by injuries and a difficult season, the victory marked a much needed bright spot as the regular season winds down.

Shorthanded Spartans drop contest to UNLV 76-62

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San Jose State Spartans Melvin Bell Jr scored a career high 22 points against the UNLV Runnin Rebels at Provident Union Event Center at San Jose on Sat Jan 17, 2026 (SJSU photo)

By Ryan Hannagan

San Jose — UNLV pulled away late to defeat shorthanded San Jose State 76-62 on Saturday afternoon, capitalizing on its depth and timely scoring runs to secure a Mountain West victory.

The Spartans dressed just seven players and were without leading scorer Colby Garland, who remains sidelined with a concussion. San Jose State also missed Ben Roseborough, Javaughn Hannah, Yaphet Moundhi and Jermaine Washington, leaving the Spartans thin against a UNLV team that entered the game favored.

Despite the limitations, San Jose State (6-12, 1-6 Mountain West) showed early resilience, trading baskets with the Rebels before UNLV began to find rhythm offensively. A Rebel run midway through the first half pushed the lead to eight, but the Spartans responded with a 9-1 surge to tie the game at 14.

San Jose State relied heavily on its interior offense in the opening half, drawing fouls and converting at the free throw line as perimeter shots failed to fall consistently. The Spartans briefly regained the lead at 20-19 with 8:23 remaining, but UNLV answered with a decisive 16-5 run to seize control.

Adrian Myers provided a spark late in the half, knocking down a 3-pointer and converting a pair of free throws to pull the Spartans within four. UNLV closed the half on another run and took a 40-31 lead into the locker room.

The Rebels opened the second half with efficient shooting, extending their advantage, but San Jose State adjusted offensively and found success from beyond the arc. A strong stretch of perimeter shooting cut the deficit to three and briefly swung momentum.

As the half progressed, the Spartans balanced inside scoring with perimeter looks, but UNLV maintained a cushion for much of the second half. Each San Jose State push was met with a response from the Rebels, who repeatedly halted comeback attempts.

Fatigue eventually set in for the undermanned Spartans, and UNLV pulled away in the closing minutes to secure the 76-62 win.

UNLV improved to 9-8 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while San Jose State fell to 6-12 overall and 1-6 in Mountain West action.

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal Conquer the Spartans 86-82 in Silicon Valley Capital City, Saturday Evening

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Stanford Cardinal guard Jeremy Dent-Smith throws the ball with a big smile in front of the San Jose State Spartans bench at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Sat Dec 13, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (8-2) invaded the South Bay campus of the San Jose Spartans (5-6) and handed them a 86-82 loss in the Santa Clara County Clash.

The Cardinal wasted no time jumping all over their regional neighbor.  They lad by as many as 14 points in the first half, with the assistance of a 6-0 run.  This was accomplished without the services of their freshman sensation, Ebuka Okorie.

Okorie was held out of the game with a reported lower body injury.  The team’s leading scorer (21) and assists (3.1) guy was apparently not needed for the dispatching of the Spartans. Stanford controlled the first 20 minutes of the game, never trailing or tied.

At recess, the visitors from Palo Alto led by eight points, 44-36.  Two of their players reached double-figures.  Senior forward Chisom Okpara led with 13 points, senor guard Jeremy Dent-Smith added 11 points to the Cardinal total.

The Spartans only presented one player to reach the aforementioned plateau.  Senior forward Yaphet Moundi led his squad with 10 points.

In the second half, Stanford increased their single-digit halftime advantage to a high of 14 points, although SJSU did cut the deficit to four points midway through the second stanza..

The Cardinal immediately went on a 7-0 run over 1:29 span, putting them back up by 11.  The lead did reach 14 points, as it did in the first half.

The Spartan did try to utilize their swords and shield to knock over the mighty Tree, but the Cardinal seemed to have an answer for every SJSU run.  They cut it to two a couple of times, but Stanford had the every time..

The crucial sequence was a turnover by SJSU with 7 seconds left in regulation.  Gealer was fouled with 3-6 seconds left.  His clutch free throws sealed the game, and gave the Cardinal a four point victory, 86-82.

Okpara and AJ Rohosy both led the Cardinal with 20 points each, while Den-Smith added 16 and Agarwal chipped in 11.  SJSU was led by Moundi’s 26 points and 5 rebounds, and Colby Garland 20 points 9 assists, , in addition to Adrian Myers contributing 14 points.

The Cardinal will next be in action Wednesday, December 17, as they host UT-Arlington at 7 PM PT on ACCNX.  The Spartans travel to the Southwest to take on New Mexico Saturday, December 20, at 6 PM PT on MWN.

San Jose State Basketball dominates Bethesda in their home opener 110-56

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San Jose Spartans Japhet Moupadele (21) gets the throw down against the Bethesda University Flames at Provident Credit Union Arena in San Jose on Mon Nov 17, 2025 (SJSU Spartans photo)

By Ryan Hannagan and Lincoln Juarez

San Jose, Calif–The Spartans (1-3) buried the Flames (0-4) under a relentless first half surge, turning an early 9-8 deficit into a 15-0 run that broke the game open and came away with a 110-56 victory at Provident Credit Union Arena. San Jose State led 54-24 at the break and never let up in a wire to wire blowout.

SJSU guard Colby Garland scored a team high 17 points, and Roseborough added 12, all in the first half to pace the Spartans’ balanced offense. Camron Durr led Bethesda with 11 points.

San Jose State dominated nearly every statistical category. The Spartans shot 65% from the field (43 of 66) and 52% from 3 point range (12 of 23), while holding Bethesda to 30% shooting overall. SJSU outrebounded the Flames 55-18 and outscored them 60-18 in the paint.

The only brief scare for SJSU came early in the second half, when Garland went down awkwardly after a collision under the basket. He returned quickly and said afterward the issue wasn’t serious.

“Oh I’m actually feeling pretty good,” Garland told Sports Radio Service. “…I injured this ankle early in preseason, so it’s been lingering. It tightened up a bit, but I went to the back, got a few massages and went right back out there. I feel good.”

San Jose State opened the game hitting shots at a high clip but struggled with turnovers early. Once the Spartans cleaned up their possessions, the offense exploded behind strong ball movement and physical interior play. Bethesda briefly slowed the run with a 3 pointer midway through the half, but the Spartans controlled the rest of the night.

SJSU’s starters combined for 64 points, including strong showings from Jermaine Washington and Yaphet Moundi, who opened the second half with a 3 pointer to extend the margin.

With the win, SJSU is now 1-3, while Bethesda falls to 0-4.

San Jose State returns to action later this week looking to build on its first victory of the season.

Air Force takes advantage of SJSU turnovers and run right through the Spartans for a 26-16 Victory

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Despite the San Jose State University Spartans hard efforts they fell ten points short for a win against the visiting Air Force Falcons at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Sat Nov 8, 2025 (SJSU Spartans photo)

By Lincoln Juarez

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State turns the ball over three times in route to disappointing 26-16 loss to Air Force in conference battle. SJSU quarterbacks passed for 341 yards but did not pass for a touchdown as the lone endzone finder came via the struggling run game.

The Spartans kicked off a Mountain West matchup against Air Force Saturday afternoon at CEFCU Stadium. Coming in at 2-6 overall Air Force aimed for their second conference win of the season, while the Spartans hoped to shoot above .500 in conference play.

The SJSU defense provided the spark in the opening quarter with two three-and-out drives forced on the Air Force offense.

The Spartans’ first drive spanned nearly two minutes resulting in a Denis Lynch 31-yard field goal for the first score of the game. That was the only time the Spartans scored in the first half.

On State’s next drive, quarterback Walker Eget scrambled up field for 12 yards and a first down but took a hard hit on his way to the ground. Eget came out of the game for a few plays but luckily re-entered on the next drive. Eget threw two interceptions as part of the three SJSU turnovers which resulted in Air Force points.

The Falcons took a handle on the game in the second quarter outscoring the Spartans 16-0, including a safety on one of the wilder plays you’ll see, earning a commanding 16-3 lead going into halftime. Air Force totalled 94 offensive yards with only 11 passing yards as they ran the ball right through the SJSU defense on 24 total plays in the second quarter.

State answered back with another field goal in the third quarter before eventually scoring 10 in the fourth to make it somewhat close toward the end. Freshman, Steve Chavez-Soto rushed the only Spartan touchdown as part of his team-leading 49 rushing yards in the game.

Air Force matched the Spartans’ 10 point fourth quarter to come out on top with a 26-16 victory improving to 2-4 in the Mountain West Conference this year.

With no turnovers and a better run game, the Spartans most likely come out on top of this game. However, it’s onto the next for San Jose State as they head to Reno next week for a matchup against last place Nevada.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Cardinal set to face SMU Sat Oct 11 in Dallas

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The Stanford Cardinal line up against the San Jose State University Spartans on Sat Sep 27, 2025 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto. Stanford has a bye this week and play the SMU Mustangs on Sat Oct 11, 2025 in Dallas. (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 What key plays or decisions swung the momentum in Stanford’s favor in the final minutes? That 4th‑and‑10 conversion by Stanford, or critical missed field goals by San José State? The Cardinal won this one 30-29.

#2 How did the quarterbacks perform under pressure, and which one made the biggest impact down the stretch? Spartans quarterback Walker Eget threw for 473 yards and 3 TDs, while Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson engineered a last‑minute drive.

#3 How did special teams especially field goal attempts and kicking influence the outcome of the game? San José State had multiple missed field goals that could have changed the final result.

#4 What does this result say about San José State’s ability to close out tight games against Power‑5 opponents? They’ve historically struggled in such matchups, and this one slipped away in the final minute.

#5 How does this game affect the trajectory or confidence of each team going forward in the season? For Stanford, a comeback win against a local rival; for SJSU a tough loss.

Daniel Dullum is a Stanford Cardinal podcaster at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Walker Eget, New Running Back Room Shine as Spartans Halt Late Comeback Attempt defeat New Mexico 35-28

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San Jose State University Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) gets a pass off against the visiting New Mexico Lobos at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Sat Oct 3, 2025 (photo from Winners and Whiners)

by Austin Ota

SAN JOSE — Following a heartbreaking loss on the road in the Bill Walsh Legacy Game, San Jose State returned home and put on an offensive show for its home crowd, taking down Mountain West-foe New Mexico, 35-28.

With 2024 receiving triple crown winner Nick Nash watching his alma mater on the sidelines, the Spartans (2-3, 1-0 Mountain West) gashed a surging New Mexico Lobos (3-2, 0-1 Mountain West) defense.

“That’s a really good football team,” said head coach Ken Niumatalolo. “Coach Eck — what he’s done — they had to start from ground zero. Their team was 3-1, with some big wins. They’re well coached. That was a hard-fought win.”

After redshirt-senior quarterback Walker Eget fired a career-high 58 past attempts against the Cardinal, the Spartans opened the Friday night bout against the Lobos with a curveball: establishing the run. Five of the first ten plays from scrimmage were rushes, including a third down run from Steve Chavez-Soto to put the Spartans up early. At the end of their first drive, the Spartans ran three straight times, marking just the second time since opening night against Central Michigan they’ve done so.

San Jose State followed with its best defensive possession of the first half. Lobo quarterback Jack Layne, who followed head coach Jason Eck from FBS Idaho, showed his game-management tendencies early on as he weaved through the Spartan defense. But as New Mexico’s run-first offense churned through three- and four-year gains, they had turned field position after converting on a fourth-and-one try.

It was a continued theme for the Spartans, who entered the game having allowed 10 conversions on 12 fourth down tries.

But a pass defense that has also struggled turned the tide on the next play. Larry Turner-Gooden had originally lined up as the man-defender marking the Lobo running back, but as he recognized the flea-flicker try from the opposition, Turner-Gooden floated back into coverage and made an acrobatic play on the football along the boundary for the Spartans’ second interception of the season and more importantly, the first of the safeties’ career.

Eget continued to slice apart New Mexico’s defense, connecting with Matthew Coleman early in the second quarter to put the Spartans up by a pair of touchdowns. Eget was terrific through an early three-safety shell, surely placed by the Lobos following the Spartan air-raid against the Cardinal.

“The biggest thing is go by your rules, go by your keys,” said Eget. “Not overthinking it, take what they give to you. You can’t be getting bored of taking the easy throws or the easy completions.”

The two teams traded scores with a New Mexico rush touchdown and a 70-yard dime from Eget to leading receiver Danny Scudero. The Lobos scored quickly after, canvasing 78 yards when Layne took the top of San Jose State’s defense for a 42-yard gain and Scottre Humphrey pushed the pile for a 1-yard touchdown. Friday night’s first punt came at the end of the first half, and Lobo kicker Luke Drzewiecki drilled a 25-yarder to keep the Lobos in it at the half, 21-17.

Chavez-Soto capped a four-and-a-half-minute drive with his second touchdown of the game. With Jabari Bates sidelined for the rest of the year after sustaining a late injury against the Cardinal and Floyd Chalk IV’s status up in the air as the deadline to redshirt looms, players like Chavez-Soto and sophomore Lamar Radcliffe could be huge pieces for the Spartans going forward.

“Coach Smith always just says, ‘stay ready’,” said the freshman. “So that’s what I did, stay ready, and waited for my opportunity.”
 

New Mexico entered Friday with a top-35 rush defense which allowed just 111 rushing yards per game. Ratcliffe entered the night averaging just 2.6 yards per carry, and Chavez-Soto hadn’t had a single collegiate touch. On paper, it was the unstoppable force of New Mexico’s rush defense against the very movable force of an unproven San Jose State rush attack that had lost its top two rushers.

Instead, the Spartans ran the ball a season-high 36 times for 153 yards. Radcliffe himself had 15 for 64, while Chavez-Soto turned in two touchdowns and put up 71 yards.

And of course, as all good quarterbacks do, Eget shouted his offensive line out for how tremendous they were guiding the run.

“They could be a room that is so freakin’ good,” said Eget. “Once they really knew it, it’s going to keep going with a head of steam. We knew that they had the potential to be one of the best o-lines, not in the Mountain West, but really in college football.”

Minutes later, Layne was intercepted a second time after he was pressured by Noah McNeal-Franklin. Jalen Bainer finished the play, picking up his first interception of the year as well.

When Eget found Leland Smith with 2:42 to play in the third to put the Spartans up by 18, it felt like the game was on ice. Bainer picking off Layne again to start the fourth pushed the metaphorical dagger in even more.

“To be able to close it out,” said Niumatalolo, “those are the type of things that you have to do to win championships. You have to be able to close games out. You have to be able to convert third-and-shorts. And we did so many things offensively, I feel like it’s going to bode well for us as we make a push to the next game.”

But San Jose State punted a second time after a three-and-out. New Mexico State scored on a QB keeper just three minutes later, and converted the two-point conversion. Spartan punter Trent Carrizosa had to double-down and punt again with 6:48 to play.

Layne hit Keagan Johnson in stride twice in a three-minute span for a combined 45 yards to bring New Mexico in field goal range, but after Spartan corner Runye Norton broke up a third down pass, the Lobos drilled a 31-yard field goal to make it a one-score game.

Chavez-Soto converted on a second-and-long to put the game on ice.

The overall hero was Eget. After a strong showing against the Cardinal, he finished 26-of-30 passing with 327 yards, finishing three touchdowns to three different receivers. Even though sophomore Danny Scudero has been the focal point thus far for the Spartans, Eget showed the ability to spray the ball to any open receiver against New Mexico.

Niumatalolo sung his praises.

“To me, everything started with our quarterback,” said Niumatalolo. “He played like I knew he could play. I’ve been saying this, the Walker I saw in camp, the Walker I saw in spring ball. The offense I saw was that offense right there. But we’ve been rolling, and if Walker plays like that… he’s just opened up so many things. He’s going with the ball to the right spots. Throwing it to the right people. As well as I thought the offense played last week, I thought the offense did a better job of finishing their catches.”

Now up over 1,500 yards and nearing ten touchdowns on the year, Eget’s stellar play becomes an easy target for the Spartan offense to try and take aim for as they ride on the shoulders of their quarterback.

With eyes on continuing 1-0 in conference play every single week, the message is straightforward, and it seems that the Spartans have the pieces in place to play the message through. They’ll head to Wyoming next to take on the Cowboys, with kickoff set for 4 P.M.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford looking for second straight win take on SMU Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Myles Jackson (3) flips the ball back to the official in a game against the San Jose State University Spartans at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How significant is the “Bill Walsh Legacy” branding for this game in terms of recruiting, alumni engagement, and the rivalry’s narrative between the two programs at SJSU and Stanford?

#2 What happened to SJSU’s defense it didn’t stop or disrupt Stanford’s offense, given Stanford’s struggles in yardage and scoring so far this season?

#3 Which quarterback — Walker Eget for the Spartans or Ben Gulbranson for the Cardinal — had the edge in this matchup, especially in clutch moments (third downs, red zone, late drives)?

#4 How did both teams handle special teams and kicking — did Stanford or SJSU gain an edge via field goals, punts, or kickoff returns?

#5 What adjustments will the coaching staff make as the Cardinal take on the SMU Mustangs (2-2) in Dallas this Sat Oct 11 for a 9:00AM PT kick off. The Mustangs lost to the TCU Frog Horns (3-0) in their last game 35-24 on Sat Sep 20 dropping their record to 2-2. How do you see Stanford matching up with SMU this Saturday?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com