The Wyoming Cowboys came up with a victory over New Mexico this weekend, winning 35-26. After a close first-half, the Pokes had several huge plays that allowed them to pull away in the final two quarters.
Wyoming’s homecoming matchup against New Mexico kicked off from Laramie this Saturday at around 2 p.m. The Lobos started with the ball, and wasted no time getting to work. Starting on their own 25-yard line, New Mexico used a fast paced offense to pick up yards on short passes and runs. After 8 plays, Dylan Hopkins found Jeremiah Hixon for a 19-yard touchdown reception. The Lobos lined up an extra point to make it 7, but DeVonne Harris had other plans. Harris blocked another kick for the Pokes, and Jakorey Hawkins took it to the endzone for two points. This made it two consecutive blocked kicks that ended in a score for the Cowboys, going back to last week’s game against App. St.
Wyoming went on to hold the Lobos on their next offensive drive, thanks to a sack by free safety Wyett Ekeler. After a punt, Andrew Peasley found Treyton Welch on the two yard line, and Peasley scampered in on the next play to make it 9-6.
New Mexico fired back with a field goal to start the 2nd quarter, and it was all tied up. Peasley struggled in the second quarter, and failed to make a completion the entire period. Nevertheless, the Pokes were able to add another field goal before half. The Lobos had a similar idea, driving to the Wyoming 37-yard line as time was running down. Wyett Ekeler put a stop to the scoring drive however, after a second sack that knocked the ball from the quarterback’s hands and was recovered. Up 12-9, Wyoming headed into the locker room.
Before the 3rd quarter, Wyoming was 0-4 on third down conversions, with their first one coming on the opening drive of the second half. Peasley was able to find his rhythm on this drive, and had 4 completions to set up a second John Hoyland field goal. After the kick, the score line stood 15-9 Pokes.
On the ensuing drive, Wrook Brown came up with his 3rd interception of the season in New Mexico territory. The next play, Harrison Waylee evaded the Lobos defenders for a 46-yard rushing touchdown and stretched the Pokes lead to 13-points.
The Cowboys defense was on top of it when it came to stopping Lobos running back Jacory Croskey-Merrit, but QB Dylan Hopkins was able to scramble for 48-yards on a broken play the next Lobos drive. This helped add another New Mexico field goal to make it 22-12.
In the last play of the quarter, Ayir Asante turned a short pass into a 66-yard touchdown. The speedy receiver weaved across the field, nearly lost his balance, broke several tackles, and used his blockers to punch it into the endzone.
In the fourth quarter, New Mexico starting QB Dylan Hopkins was taken out of the game, but it was unclear if it was injury related or not. Freshman Devon Dampier stepped in to fill the absence, and delivered a scoring strike to Jeremiah Hixon with 13 minutes left in the game. The Wyoming lead was cut to 10.
Harrison Waylee continued putting together massive runs, breaking away for a huge 66-yard rush in the fourth quarter. With that run, Waylee accumulated over 100-yards on the ground for the third straight game. Since his return from injury 3 weeks ago, the Pokes rushing attack has undoubtedly been its offensive strength.
With time running down, both offenses slowed their pace. Wyoming added a field goal and New Mexico scored 7 more, making it a one score game. Despite their best efforts however, the Lobos were not able to recover their onside kick, and a 38-yard field goal put it away for the Pokes. The final score was 35-26 in favor of the Cowboys.
Andrew Peasley had a solid performance at QB, going 16-25 with 194 yards and a touchdown. It was Harrison Waylee that was the star of the game however, finishing with 191 yards and a touchdown. John Hoyland was perfect kicking the ball, going 4-4 on the day and helping the Pokes come up with the victory. Defensively, Wyett Ekeler pressured the QB all day, getting two sacks and forcing a fumble right before half. Wrook Brown got another interception, and Easton Gibbs led the team with 8 tackles.
With one conference win now under their belt, the Cowboys continue their home stand against 25th ranked Fresno State next week. The win over New Mexico will be just the confidence booster that the team needs before the matchup, which could prove to be important for conference title implications.
