SAN JOSE, Calif. - Leland Smith recorded a career-high nine receptions for 144 yards to lead the San José State football team (3-6, 2-3 MW) in a 26-16 loss to Air Force (3-6, 2-4 MW) Saturday afternoon from CEFCU Stadium, presented by Webcor.
After falling behind 16–3 at halftime, the Spartans clawed back into the game behind quarterback Walker Eget, who threw for 334 yards on 27 completions. Running back Steve Chavez-Soto sparked the offense with an eight-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 16–13. Kicker Denis Lynch added two field goals (31 and 34 yards), while Mathias Brown connected from 29 yards out. Kyri Shoels added six receptions for 93 yards, while Danny Scudero contributed five catches for 41 yards.
Defensively, San José State’s front was anchored by Taniela Latu and Jaylen Thomas, who combined for 15 total tackles, and Vili Taufatofua, who added a tackle for loss. The Spartans held Air Force to just 41 passing yards (5-for-10) but were challenged by the Falcons’ run-heavy attack, which gained 261 yards on 63 carries.
Despite outgaining Air Force 435–302 in total offense, turnovers proved costly for San José State. Two first-half interceptions and a fumble deep in Falcon territory led to 16 Air Force points, including a first-half safety.
- Air Force controlled the time of possession 35:51-23:34
- The Spartans averaged 7.2 yards per play compared to Air Force with 4.1 yards per play
- Smith has surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark for the fourth time this season and third game in a row
- Eget’s streak of passing attempts without an interception ends at 275, the third-longest streak in Mountain West history
- Chavez-Soto’s touchdown was his seventh of the season
- The Spartans have led in eight of nine games this season
- This is the first time the Spartans have had two different kickers make a field goal in a game since Harrison Waid and Austin Lopez each made a field goal against New Mexico State on Nov. 10, 2012
UP NEXT: The Spartans will face Nevada on the road on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12:30 p.m. from Mackay Stadium. The game can be watched on CBSSN.
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