SAN JOSE, Calif. - Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa had an 89-yard pick-six to lead San José State (4-5, 2-3 MW) in a 21-16 loss to Mountain West-leading New Mexico (7-1, 4-0 MW) Saturday afternoon at CEFCU Stadium.
The Spartans took an early 3-0 lead after Trajan Sinatra connected on a 25-yard field goal late in the first quarter. New Mexico responded with two second-quarter touchdowns, but Sinatra added field goals of 24 and 28 yards to pull San José State within 14-9 at halftime.
New Mexico extended its lead to 21-9 midway through the third quarter before the Spartans answered with a game-changing defensive play. Tagovailoa-Amosa intercepted a pass and returned it 89 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to five points with 10:47 remaining in the fourth.
San José State’s defense kept the Spartans within striking distance, forcing three interceptions. Dylan Lee recorded a team-high seven tackles, while Tagovailoa-Amosa and Solomone Langi added six tackles apiece.
Quarterback Luke Weaver completed 16 of 23 passes for 190 yards, with Carson Clark leading the receiving corps with eight catches for 91 yards. Jabari Bates rushed for 63 yards on 22 carries.
The Spartans had one final opportunity in the closing minutes, driving to the New Mexico 34-yard line. However, the Lobos stopped San José State on fourth down with 1:25 remaining and sealed the victory with a final interception in the end zone.
- The Spartans’ three interceptions were the most for the Spartans in a game since they had three on October 3, 2025, also against New Mexico
- Tagovailoa-Amosa’s pick-six was the first interception returned for a touchdown since Jordan Pollard’s pick-six against Fresno State on Nov. 29, 2025
- Tagovailoa-Amosa’s pick-six was also the longest interception returned for a touchdown since Michael Dansby’s 98-yard pick-six against Fresno State on Nov. 11, 2023
- This was Tagovailoa-Amosa’s first career interception and first career touchdown
- Lee’s interception was his third of the season, and he leads the team in interceptions
- Brian Dukes, Jr.’s interception was his first at SJSU
- Auma Jennings’ sack was the first of his career
- Dejon Roney had his first career half sack and had a career-high 1.5 tackles for a loss
- Aizik Mahuka had a half sack, putting him up to four sacks on the year
- Jayland McGlothen also had a tackle for a loss
- Clark adds to his streak of at least five receptions in a game to nine games
- Sinatra’s three field goals tied his career-high
UP NEXT: The Spartans will face NIU on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1:00 p.m. from CEFCU Stadium, presented by Webcor. The game can be watched on MW+ and NBC Sports California.
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