San Jose State Suffers Heartbreaking 30-25 Loss at Utah State

UPDATE: San Jose State’s football team faces a crushing setback after a 30-25 loss to Utah State on Friday night, marking their fourth heartbreaking defeat this season. The Spartans, now 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the Mountain West, rallied late but fell short, leaving players and fans devastated.

After trailing by eight points, the Spartans surged ahead 25-24 in the fourth quarter. However, they couldn’t seal the deal, losing their chance for a comeback when Utah State kicked a decisive 45-yard field goal with 6:09 left on the clock. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo expressed his team’s frustration, calling the losses “gut-wrenching” and “heart ripping.”

The Spartans faced tough odds coming into the game without top receiver Danny Scudero and quarterback Walker Eget, both dealing with injuries. Eget managed to complete 27 of 49 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while Scudero—leading the nation in receptions—was limited to six catches for just 25 yards and required multiple medical checks during the game.

San Jose State’s hopes of bowl eligibility now hinge on winning 4 out of their last 5 games. The road ahead is challenging, as three of their remaining opponents are currently top contenders in the Mountain West: Hawaii (5-2), San Diego State (5-1), and Fresno State (5-2). The Spartans will have a bye week before facing Hawaii on November 1 at CEFCU Stadium.

In a season marked by missed opportunities, Friday’s loss was the third time in four games that the Spartans lost after leading in the fourth quarter. Niumatalolo noted that players were understandably hurting after another close defeat. “We go into the bye week first and foremost to try and get healthy physically,” he said, emphasizing the need for recovery.

Despite the loss, some players showcased impressive performances. Running back Steve Chavez-Soto rushed for a career-high 102 yards, including a stunning 66-yard touchdown run. Lamar Radcliffe also shined with 74 yards on 13 carries. Both players stepped up significantly in the absence of key starters.

Wide receiver Leland Smith set a personal best with 116 receiving yards and scored a touchdown, although he was denied another spectacular catch that was ruled out of bounds. “It’s pretty upsetting that the refs missed another one of his catches,” Eget commented, reflecting the frustration of players over several critical calls.

The Spartans’ defense struggled once again, allowing 534 total yards to the Aggies and failing to close out key plays. A missed defensive assignment allowed a crucial 30-yard conversion on a fourth-and-4, leading to a touchdown that sealed San Jose State’s fate.

As the Spartans prepare for their upcoming matchup against Hawaii, they must regroup and work on their execution. With their playoff hopes on the line, every game counts, and fans are eagerly awaiting if San Jose State can turn their season around and keep their bowl streak alive.

Stay tuned for updates as the Spartans look to bounce back from this latest heartbreak.