URGENT UPDATE: San Jose State University (SJSU) faces a critical crossroads after suffering a 26-16 loss to Air Force on November 8, 2025. With just three games remaining in the season, the Spartans (3-6, 2-3 Mountain West) must win out to secure bowl eligibility. This loss marks their third defeat in the last four games, leaving fans anxious about the team’s future.
The Spartans were 6.5-point favorites in this home matchup, but their only lead came early in the first quarter when kicker Denis Lynch successfully converted a 31-yard field goal. SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo emphasized the urgency, stating, “You just got to come back and win one. You can’t think about how you need all three games.”
In a disappointing offensive showing, SJSU quarterback Walker Eget struggled significantly, throwing two interceptions—his first since Week 2—while battling a leg injury. Eget completed 27 of 42 passes for 334 yards but failed to score a touchdown. The Spartans lost the turnover battle 3-0, with Air Force capitalizing on these errors to score 14 points.
One of the most pivotal moments occurred late in the second quarter when a deflected pass led to a safety, further compounding the Spartans’ woes. Niumatalolo lamented, “We got to knock that ball down and not take a safety. That’s a bad play.” Meanwhile, SJSU’s star receiver Danny Scudero, the nation’s leading receiver, was effectively contained, finishing with only five receptions for 41 yards. In contrast, teammate Leland Smith shone with a career-high nine receptions for 144 yards.
Air Force’s strategy of controlling the clock proved critical, as they dominated time of possession 36:26 to 23:34 and executed 63 rushing attempts compared to only 10 passing attempts. This methodical approach kept SJSU’s explosive offense off the field and forced them into a defensive posture. “They were just willing to grind it out and play keep-away,” Niumatalolo noted.
Despite these challenges, SJSU’s kicking game showed improvement. The dual-kicker system employed by Niumatalolo has paid dividends, as Lynch and Mathias Brown have combined for a perfect 6-for-6 since the switch. However, settling for field goals rather than touchdowns, especially in the red zone, left Niumatalolo frustrated, stating, “We left 12 potential points on the table in a 10-point loss.”
Looking ahead, the Spartans are under immense pressure to secure victories against tough opponents, including a crucial road game against San Diego State, currently one of the conference’s top teams. With bowl eligibility hanging in the balance, SJSU must regroup quickly to avoid missing out on a postseason opportunity.
Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if San Jose State can rise to the occasion in these final matches. The next game is not just a chance for redemption but a critical step toward salvaging the season. Stay tuned for updates as the Spartans’ quest for bowl eligibility continues.
