The San José State football team looks to bounce back after its first Mountain West Conference (MWC) loss.

The Spartans (2-4, 1-1 MWC) are set to face Utah State (3-3, 1-1 MWC) in their second straight MWC road matchup this Friday.

SJSU is coming off a heartbreaking 35-28 loss to Wyoming.
The Spartans lost their 28-14 lead, allowing the Cowboys to go on a 21-0 run in the fourth quarter.

San José State is led by senior quarterback Walker Eget, who is eighth in the nation in passing yards with 1,809, while also recording 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, according to a college football webpage.

Utah State is led by senior quarterback Bryson Barnes, who has thrown for 1,318 yards with 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

The Aggies face a tough defensive challenge, as Spartans sophomore receiver Danny Scudero leads the nation in both receiving yards and touchdowns, totaling 845 yards and eight scores.

Scudero is coming off a career performance in which he caught four touchdowns in the first half, setting a new Spartans record for most receiving touchdowns in a single game.

However, the status of both Eget and Scudero for the game is currently questionable.

If Scudero is unable to play, junior receivers Leland Smith and Kyri Shoels are expected to move up on the depth chart.

Spartans head coach Ken Niumatalolo remains optimistic that both players will be available.

“We’re hopeful that those guys (Eget and Scudero) will play, but we’re not sure right now,” Niumatalolo said.

At quarterback, freshman Tama Amisone and senior Xavier Ward are next in line.

They split pass attempts in the previous game, with Amisone taking 8 and Ward 10.

SJSU offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann said the team must be ready to play regardless of the uncertainty at quarterback.

“You gotta plan for the what-ifs, what’s facts, what’s going on right now. You do have to have different types of plans, all three of those guys are different,” Stutzmann said. “When you talk about X (Xavier) and Tama, they’re completely different players.”

The Spartans’ defense will also need to be prepared for the Aggies’ rushing attack, as Utah State has totaled 1,177 rushing yards this season, nearly double San José State’s 605.

However, the Aggies have converted three of five fourth-down attempts this season, while the Spartans’ defense has struggled in those situations, allowing opponents to convert 13 of 17 tries.

SJSU defensive coordinator Derrick Odum emphasized the importance of staying calm and composed as the team heads into another road game.

“Take a deep breath, calm down, slow your heart rate, let’s go perform,” Odum said. “We have a lot of new guys out there, and they’re just learning. They’ve been in those spots a few times, just gotta get over the edge there. It’s constant learning.”

San José State will also see a familiar face, as Utah State’s offensive coordinator, Kevin McGiven, previously served as the Spartans’ offensive coordinator and pass game coordinator from 2018 to 2024.

Niumatalolo praised Utah State’s coaching staff and quarterback Barnes, noting that it will be a hard-fought road game.

“Obviously, he worked here last year, so we know what type of coach he is. He’s an elite football mind, so we know we’re going to have our hands full with their offense,” Niumatalolo said. “Their quarterback, Bryson Barnes, I’m looking forward to meeting that guy after the game. That guy is one of the toughest guys playing football right now.”

The game will also serve as a reunion, as Niumatalolo’s son, Ali’i Niumatalolo, is on Utah State’s coaching staff, serving as a senior analyst and tight ends coach.

Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall also brings extensive coaching experience, having served as a college football head coach since 2005 with stints at Brigham Young University, the University of Virginia, and the University of New Mexico before arriving at Utah State this year.

“I’m excited for him. He’s working for a great coach in Coach Bronco; he couldn’t be under a better coach to learn from in this profession, so I’m grateful that he’s under his guidance,” Niumatalolo said.

SJSU last faced Utah State in December 2023, earning a 42-21 victory.

Before that, however, it endured a 10-game losing streak dating back to 2009.

Despite that stretch, San José State still holds the edge in the all-time series, leading 21-20-1.

The Spartans will face the Aggies on Friday at 6 p.m. at Maverik Stadium, looking to end their road losing streak.