Spartans Host Cowboys: Can San Jose State Extend MWC Winning Streak Against Struggling Wyoming?
By the editorial staff | Mountain West Preview
The San Jose State Spartans (3-2) are poised to keep their winning momentum alive when they host the Wyoming Cowboys (2-3) this Friday night. For the Spartans, this Mountain West Conference tilt is about more than just a win; it’s a chance to remain unbeaten in conference play heading into the crucial stretch of the season. Wyoming, meanwhile, needs an immediate rebound after a disheartening defeat earlier this week.
Head to head, the narrative is particularly interesting. The Cowboys took an 8-7 lead in the all-time series with a dramatic fourth-quarter performance at home on Oct. 11, but San Jose State enters this matchup having won six of the last eight meetings. It promises to be a test of resilience for both programs.
How to Watch Wyoming vs. San Jose State
Follow every snap of the game with the details below. The Spartans are set to welcome the Cowboys to Spartan Stadium, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric for this conference clash.
- When: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
- Where: Spartan Stadium, San Jose, California
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Conference: Mountain West Conference
If you’re unable to catch the game on traditional cable, there are several ways to stream the action online. Many viewers prefer services that offer local sports packages and top national channels. With a subscription to a streaming service like Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, and Comedy Central.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Check local listings for exact kickoff times.
Spartans Offense Explodes Early in Opener
San Jose State comes into Friday’s contest looking sharp, having established a commanding rhythm in their Mountain West opener. The Spartans jumped out to a 14-0 halftime lead against Hawaii on Saturday, using their balanced attack to hang on for a 20-16 victory.
The quarterback play of Luke Weaver has been the catalyst. Weaver threw two touchdown passes in the first half—one each to Carson Clark and Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole—and finished with 246 yards on an efficient 19-of-28 passing performance. While the passing game grabbed the headlines, the ground attack provided the necessary balance. Jabari Bates grounded out 74 yards on 27 carries, giving the Spartans the physical presence needed to control the clock and protect a narrow lead.
On the other side of the ball, the defense was equally effective. Jeremiah Tuiileila recorded two of the team’s three sacks, applying consistent pressure against the Ranier offense. For a team aiming to stay unbeaten in conference play, that defensive intensity is exactly what they’ll need against a Wyoming squad that will be looking to answer immediately.
Cowboys Offense Struggles Against NDSU
Wyoming enters the game looking to wash away the frustration of a season-low offensive performance. On Saturday, the Cowboys’ offense never found its rhythm in a 28-0 shutout loss at North Dakota State. The stat line tells the story of a day that got away: Wyoming gained only 162 yards of total offense.
Quarterback Tyler Hughes struggled to a 5-of-14 afternoon, throwing an interception and accumulating just 52 yards through the air. In the trenches, Markell Holman led the ground attack with 41 yards on 10 attempts, a reflection of a game where the Cowboys’ line simply could not create any seams. The 28-0 loss dropped Wyoming to 1-1 in conference play, and the pressure will be on Hughes to get the offense moving early if they hope to match San Jose State’s intensity.
| Team | Record | Top QB Yards | Top Rusher Yards | Top Receiver Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose State | 3-2 | Luke Weaver (1,278) | Jabari Bates (478) | Carson Clark (314) |
| Wyoming | 2-3 | Tyler Hughes (708) | M. Holman / S. Harris (260 / 257) | — |
Rivalry History: Cowboys Stole the Lead Last Year
While San Jose State historically dominated this rivalry, the momentum shifted recently. The Cowboys took an 8-7 lead in their series last Oct. 11, defeating the Spartans 35-28 at home. That game was a fourth-quarter spectacle, with Wyoming scoring three touchdowns in the final period to secure a dominant victory.
Despite that loss, the Spartans remain formidable, having won six of their last eight meetings against the Cowboys. The narrative entering Friday is one of redemption for San Jose State and validation for Wyoming, who will be fighting to prove their recent shutout loss was an aberration rather than a trend.
“The Cowboys took an 8-7 lead in their series with the Spartans last Oct. 11, scoring three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 35-28 win at home, but San Jose State comes in with six wins in the last eight meetings.”
Key Players to Watch
The battle in the backfield and in the receiving corps will likely decide the outcome of this matchup. Here is a closer look at the players who could tip the scales:
San Jose State
- Luke Weaver (QB): 1,278 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 5 interceptions. Efficient and clutch in the first half.
- Jabari Bates (RB): 478 rushing yards. The workhorse of the Spartans’ ground game.
- Carson Clark (WR): 29 catches for 314 yards and four scores. Weaver’s go-to target in the red zone.
Wyoming
- Tyler Hughes (QB): 708 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 6 interceptions. Needs to protect the ball against SJSU’s pass rush.
- Markell Holman (RB): 260 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns. Led the Cowboys against NDSU.
- Samuel Harris (RB): 257 rushing yards. Provides depth to a committee that struggled to find open lanes last Saturday.
Streaming Options for Wyoming vs. San Jose State
If you don’t have a traditional cable subscription, don’t miss out on this great college football matchup. You can watch live on your phone, TV, or tablet. A service like Fubo allows you to carry a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free to catch the full game from tip-off to the final whistle.
This matchup has all the ingredients of a conference thriller: an undefeated team looking to stay hot, a struggling opponent seeking a turnaround, and a rivalry history filled with close calls. Whether you’re watching in person at Spartan Stadium or streaming from home, it’s an event that won’t disappoint.
Sports are unpredictable, but if you want to catch all the action without missing a second, make sure to tune in. Regional restrictions may apply, so check local listings before kickoff.
Sports, Mountain West Conference, College Football, San Jose State University, Wyoming, San Jose, Laramie, Football, Broadcasting, FuboTV, Sports Streaming
