Freshman running back Brian Hill turned in a record-breaking performance as the Cowboys snapped their four-game losing streak with a resounding win over Fresno State Saturday night 45-17 in Fresno Calif.
“It’s a big, big win,” head coach Craig Bohl said in a video interview with Robert Gagliardi after the game. “I can’t say enough about the effort of our players and our coaches.”
“It was our best game in all three phases,” Bohl said in his weekly press conference.
Hill set Mountain West and Wyoming records with 387 total yards of offense. He had 282 yards on the ground and 106 receiving.
“Brian is an exceptional player,” Bohl said. “When he had the opportunity to make the big play he did.”
“Definitely the best game I ever played,” Hill added.
Wyoming’s offense and defense turned in complete performances. Offensively they churned out nearly 700 yards of total offense in a very balanced attack. Wyoming gained 374 yards rushing and 320 receiving. They also thrived on third down going 10-for-15.
On the defensive side of the ball Wyoming was decimated by injuries and was missing five starters. A lot of new faces like freshman walk-on Seth Edeen were seen. The defense during the losing streak has been plagued by big passing plays and missed tackles. On Saturday night Wyoming held the Bulldogs to just 316 total yards. They consistently pressured the quarterback and recorded their first interception of the year as redshirt junior cornerback Tyran Finely had two picks.
“We are going through a lot of adversity,” Bohl said. “I bet the guys checking the depth chart probably saw a couple names they haven’t seen in a while. That is what is so encouraging is these guys coming out there and playing meaningful reps.”
The unsung hero of the game was the play of the offensive line. The entire line has been healthy now for the past month and they were able to open up some big holes for Hill and they gave redshirt senior quarterback Colby Kirkegaard good protection.
“The O-line did great,” said Hill. “They won the battle out front every time.”
“Our offensive line did a nice job,” Bohl added. “That’s a real big key to Brian’s success. It has been good to have the same group for the past couple of weeks.”
Kirkegaard finished 19-for-28 for 320 yards and two touchdowns.
“Saturday was by far his best game,” Bohl said.
Joshua Tapscott, who was at the start of the year was fourth on the depth chart, backed up Hill’s performance with 10 carries of his own for 72 yards and two touchdowns.
Kirkegaard spread the ball around to eight different receivers. Senior Jalen Claiborne had six catches for 62 yards. Sophomore tight end Jacob Hollister had 2 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Jake Maulhardt also had two receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown. Senior Dominic Rufran extended his nation long streak to 46 games with a reception as he had one for 17 yards.
Fresno State jumped out to the early lead 7-0 after a long punt return started the Bulldog drive inside the Wyoming 10-yard line. Wyoming answered with 21 unanswered points highlighted by a two long runs of 32 yards and 66 yards by Hill.
Wyoming broke open the game in the fourth quarter on a 66-yard touchdown pass to sophomore tight end Jacob Hollister to make the score 35-10.
Fresno State, prior to the Wyoming game, was 15-1 at home under head coach Tim DeRuyter and undefeated in November.
Wyoming’s bowl hopes got a shot of life after this win. The Cowboys now sit at (4-5, 2-3 Mountain West) and if they win two of their final three versus Utah State, Boise State or New Mexico they will become bowl eligible.
“It’s a short week so we will have some adjusting to do,” said Bohl. “We hope our fans come out. It should be a festive atmosphere.”
