By Madyson Montoya – Staff Writer
San Jose State football was a long way from home in the cold city of Laramie, Wyo. as it fell to the Cowboys 24-9.
The Cowboys (4-6, 2-4 MW) were ready to make moves right off the bat as they scored a field goal in their first possession. The Spartans (1-8, 1-4 MW) shifted real quick after the Cowboys put up points so fast.
SJSU’s defense carried the team in the first quarter as the Cowboys dominated in possession time. The Spartans were able to keep the Cowboys down to one field goal for the first quarter.
Momentum quickly shifted as SJSU did not capitalize on a Wyoming error in a punt return. The ball was bobbled by Wyoming’s kicker Cooper Rothe, then quickly recovered and ended up running it in for a first down.
The defense was not on the field for much longer as the first play in the second quarter resulted in a WYO touchdown and made the score 10-3.
With just under 11 minutes on the clock, SJSU was able to recover a fumble by Wyoming on the one yard line. SJSU followed it up by getting its initial first down of the game.
The Spartans did not do much with this possession as they quickly brought out senior Bryce Crawford to punt the ball.
The Spartan offense struggled immensely in the first half, getting little yardage and no points up on the board.
Change was happening with the Spartan offense at the start of the third quarter as they were able to get the ball down to the 10 yard line. Unfortunately, they cracked under the pressure of the Wyoming defense and were forced to settle for the field goal.
The Cowboys weren’t going to let the Spartans rally for long as they responded with a touchdown with 8:41 left in the third quarter.
By the end of the third, junior quarterback Josh Love was able to figure out how to work under the weather conditions, making a successful 26-yard pass to senior tight end Josh Oliver.
Passing the ball in the windy conditions proved to be a challenge for Love, but the Spartans gained more yards in the second half when they strayed away from running the ball.
In the fourth quarter, SJSU performed phenomenally when sophomore safety Jonathan Lenard Jr. forced a Cowboy fumble and allowed junior Jesse Osuna to act fast and recover the ball on the 38 yard-line.
Coming off the play, the Spartans were able to get the ball down the field. Love made the decision to pass the ball to wide receiver Tre Walker for a Spartan touchdown.
Due to a bad snap, the extra point was no good, making the score 17-9.
The Cowboys were not done with the Spartans yet as they dominated their following possession for seven minutes of the fourth quarter. This dragged out running of the ball and resulted in a Cowboy touchdown that made it 24-9.
The Spartan offense was able to gain some yards during their last drive, but it was not enough to make and effect on the game.
Ultimately, the Wyoming dynamic duo of freshman quarterback Sean Chamber and senior running back Nico Evans proved to be hard for the Spartan defense to stop. A pair that has not played together long, but had amazing chemistry out on the field.
The Spartans also had no experience playing in those types of elements, which resulted in a slow offensive start. Playing in under-30 degree weather is not something the Spartans are able to prepare for in practice.
Next week, the Spartans will be on the road again to face the Utah State Aggies.
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