Spartans Fall to Wyoming After Fourth-Quarter Collapse, Kicking Struggles
Laramie, WY - The San Jose State Spartans (3-5) suffered a heartbreaking 35-28 loss to the Wyoming Cowboys (5-3) Saturday, undone by a late-game defensive collapse and continued kicking woes. The defeat marks the spartans’ third consecutive game giving up important points in the fourth quarter, totaling 39 over the last three contests (14 to Wyoming, 11 to New Mexico, and 16 to stanford).
The game began promisingly for San Jose State, fueled by a dominant first half from wide receiver Danny Scudero. He recorded 10 receptions for 180 yards and all four of his touchdown catches within the first 19 minutes of play, bringing his FBS-leading receiving yardage total to 845 yards. However, Wyoming adjusted its defensive coverage, switching from man-to-man to zone, effectively slowing Scudero down. He finished the game with six drops, including one on a crucial third-and-8 in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Beau Eget, who accounted for all 28 of the Spartans’ points, was absent for portions of the game.Backups Ward (3-for-10, 15 yards, 1 interception returned for a touchdown) and tama Amisone (5-for-8, 30 yards, 13-yard rush) struggled to move the offence effectively during Eget’s absence.
“I thought he did some good things,” Head Coach Brent Niumatalolo said of Amisone. “A couple of his balls were a little low but I thought he made some good decisions.”
The Spartans’ defense faltered in the final minutes. Trailing 28-21 with 4:42 remaining,Wyoming capitalized on a pass interference and roughing the passer penalty to gain 30 yards. Kaden Anderson then connected with Charlie Coenen for a 45-yard touchdown to tie the game. Wyoming sealed the victory with a late drive, highlighted by a 52-yard screen pass to Samuel Harris and a 28-yard touchdown run by Terron Kellman.
SJSU has allowed nine conversions on ten fourth-down attempts over the last three games, but Wyoming converted a critical fourth-and-5 in the fourth quarter before the tying touchdown.
Adding to the Spartans’ struggles, their kicking game remains a significant liability.Mathias Brown missed both of his collegiate field goal attempts (from 53 and 47 yards), bringing the team’s season total to 4-of-12 on field goals. Brown replaced Denis Lynch, who was 4-for-10 on the season.
“You make one of those early on you’re up three scores,the game feels totally different,” Niumatalolo said. “(Mathias) and Denis are all we got so they just got to keep working.”
