The San Jose State football team secured a 33-16 victory in its Mountain West Conference opener against the Wyoming Cowboys at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo.
Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro had a big game, going 21 of 37 for a total of 314 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Cordeiro also picked up 24 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.
When asked about the Spartan's offense, Cordeiro said, “I feel like every week we’re getting better and better. I’m getting more comfortable with the offensive plays.”
Wide receiver Elijah Cooks was Cordeiro’s primary target through the air, racking in 8 of his 11 targets for 177 total yards.
“Having a quarterback who can do all the things he does, it makes our offense 10 times better,” Cooks said. “He’s a true leader out on the field.”
Cordeiro and Cooks made a 52-yard pass connection in the second quarter after the Spartans defense stuffed Wyoming on a crucial 4th and 1 in the previous possession.
The pass set up an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Skylar Loving-Black, the first one of his career.
Kairee Robinson continued his success on the ground, rushing for 102 yards on 20 attempts, the second highest yard total in his collegiate career while recording a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans were just as dominant.
Midway through the first quarter, the Spartans forced a safety after tackling Wyoming running back Titus Swen in the Wyoming endzone.
Defensive linemen Noah Wright and linebacker Bryun Parham assisted on a tackle that would force the safety, making the score an unusual 3-2.
To start the second half of the game, defensive lineman Cade Hall secured his first career interception off a deflected pass.
Linebacker Kyle Harmon led the team in total tackles with 11, 4 of which were solo tackles.
While the Spartans were defending their 26-10 lead in the third quarter, Wright sustained what appeared to be a serious head injury that required a stretcher to carry him into an ambulance.
Hall and Harmon led the way for the defense, only giving up 253 total yards to the Cowboys.
“They’re the ones out there between the white lines, they have to be the positive voice, they have to be the ones saying ‘yes we can,’ ” head coach Brent Brennen said.
