New Mexico Lobos vs. San Jose State Spartans: A Hard-Fought Mountain West Clash The New Mexico Lobos and San Jose State Spartans met in a pivotal Mountain West Conference football showdown on October 4, 2025, with San Jose State emerging victorious by a score of 35-28. The game, held at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California, marked the conference opener for both teams and highlighted the competitive balance within the Mountain West. San Jose State struck early and often, building a 14-0 lead in the second quarter after touchdowns on their first three drives. Quarterback Walker Eget delivered a near-perfect performance, completing 26-of-30 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. His precision passing was complemented by a strong ground game, as true freshman Steve Chavez-Soto rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut, including a 10-yard score that extended the Spartans’ lead to 35-17 heading into the fourth quarter. New Mexico refused to back down. The Lobos rallied behind a resilient effort led by quarterback Jack Layne, who threw for 344 yards but was hampered by three interceptions, two of which came from Spartans defensive back Jalen Bainer. Layne also contributed a rushing touchdown, although running backs Damon Bankston and Scottre Humphrey added short scores to keep the Lobos within reach. Wide receiver Keagan Johnson had a career night with 11 receptions for 145 yards, tying for the 11th-most receptions in a single game in New Mexico history. Despite a late push that included a touchdown and field goal in the fourth quarter, New Mexico could not overcome the deficit. San Jose State’s defense held firm in the final minutes, forcing three interceptions and recording four sacks to preserve the win. The Spartans dominated third-down conversions, going 8-for-12, and averaged 7.4 yards per play while holding the Lobos to just 76 rushing yards. The victory improved San Jose State’s record to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in Mountain West play, while New Mexico fell to 3-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference. The game also marked the Spartans’ fourth consecutive win over the Lobos, underscoring their recent dominance in the series. This matchup exemplified the intensity of Mountain West Conference football, where every game carries significant implications for standings and postseason aspirations. Both teams demonstrated resilience and skill, setting the stage for a compelling conference race as the season progresses.
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