By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks onto the field on Oct. 3 against the New Mexico Lobos. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – The Spear)
The San Jose State Spartans get grounded by the Air Force Academy Falcons in a 26-16 loss at home.
This loss closes the Spartans’ hope in contending for a Mountain West championship in a wide-open conference.
Senior quarterback Walker Eget ended his interception-free streak dating back to Week 2, throwing two costly second-quarter turnovers in Air Force territory.
“It’s hard to win games when you lose the turnover battle 3-0. It’s hard to overcome,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
Eget’s interceptions occurred while testing double or triple coverage, making questionable decisions. These were two of three turnovers for the Spartans.
“It just goes back to being the leader of the offense. I got to be able to see what they’re giving us and not try to force things,” Eget said. “Offensively, the guys did great, defense battled their butts off…it just goes back to a couple plays on my part that I need to turn the other way.”
The third turnover for the Spartans was arguably the worst when sophomore running back Lamar Radcliffe made a costly mistake, catching a tipped ball in his own endzone, resulting in a safety.
Statistically, the Spartans outgained the Falcons in total yards and trips to the red zone.
The Falcons’ suffocating run game, combined with winning the turnover battle, was too much to handle during the Spartans’ second-half comeback effort.
Air Force’s run game combined for 261 rushing yards and two touchdowns, winning the time of possession by almost a full quarter.
“They were willing to grind it out, just keep the ball away from us, play keep away, and play coverage,” Niumatalolo said. “Their plan was pretty simple, but it was smart and effective.”
SJSU’s second-half rally was haunted by an inability to convert in the red zone, having to settle for field goals deep in Falcons territory twice. The kicking system of Mathias Brown and Denis Lynch made field goals from 29 and 34 yards out. This was the first time since 2012 that SJSU has made two field goals by different kickers.
The Spartans’ only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when freshman running back Steve Chavez-Soto rushed for an eight-yard touchdown on fourth and one.
The drive was set up by a 30-yard catch from junior wide receiver Leland Smith. Smith was SJSU’s best receiver, accounting for 144 receiving yards on nine catches.
Air Force dual-threat sophomore quarterback Liam Szarka and junior running back Owen Allen gashed the Spartans on the ground. Allen had 109 rushing yards on 20 carries and Szarka had 87 rushing yards with two touchdowns on the ground, throwing for another one.
The nation’s leader in receiving yards, sophomore Danny Scudero, was held in check, accounting for just 41 yards on five receptions.
The Spartans will be back on the road as they will prepare to head to Reno to face the University of Nevada Wolfpack at 12:30 p.m. on Nov.15 at Mackay Stadium.
