The Wyoming Cowboys came up with a win over 24th ranked Fresno State this Saturday. A strong first half helped the Pokes hang on in the final two quarters, winning 24-19.
The Wyoming defense started the game for the Pokes and held the impressive Fresno State passing game to a three and out on their opening drive. This set up an efficient drive for the Pokes, led by QB Andrew Peasley. The Cowboys put up 3 points on their first possession, and after another defensive stand, got the ball back.
On the next Wyoming drive, Peasley found Wyatt Wieland for a 14-yard score, and put the Cowboys up 10-0. However, QB Mikey Keene and the Fresno St. offense responded quickly, only taking 3 and a half minutes to drive 75 yards for a TD of their own; a pass to WR Jalen Moss.
For the rest of the half however, the Cowboys were perfect on both sides of the ball. Peasley found Wieland for a second time in the endzone, and Shae Suianona came up with a clutch 3rd down sack, forcing another Fresno punt.
After a third Peasley touchdown strike, this time to TE Treyton Welch, the Cowboys went up 24-7 with only 31 seconds left in the second quarter. Fresno St. kneeled to end the half, and the teams headed into the locker room for halftime.
Andrew Peasley was electric in the first half, going 16-20, throwing for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns, and even rushing for 31 yards. Fresno St. was only able to accumulate 107 yards, compared to the 249 first half yards of Wyoming. In their first four possessions, Wyoming scored four times.
Wyoming’s first punt of the evening didn’t come until their first possession of the second half. After Fresno St. gained possession, they took a long, 15 play drive, but the defense once again stood strong, and the Bulldogs only came up with a field goal.
Another Cowboys drive stalled, and Fresno St. found themselves with the ball, down 24-10 heading into the final period. Suianona and the defense remained focused and determined, and forced a Fresno fourth down.
Despite the deficit however, the Bulldogs trusted their defense, and punted the ball back to Peasley and the Pokes with 14 minutes remaining.
The move paid off, and Wyoming once again failed to score in the second half, punting the ball right back after a 3-and-out. Fresno St. adopted a fast pace offensive scheme on the ensuing possession, and drove to the Pokes 7-yard line.
On 3rd down in the red zone however, DE DeVonne Harris chased down the QB and came up with a clutch sack, forcing a 4th and 17 for the Bulldogs. QB Mikey Keene was injured on the play, and Fresno St. opted for another field goal, making the score 24-13 Cowboys.
The following kickoff, Fresno St. was able to pull off a sneaky direct onside kick and the Bulldogs got the ball back with 8:30 remaining. Logan Fife stepped in at QB, and despite the best efforts of the defense, found WR Mac Dalena for a touchdown. Hoping to bring it within 3 they went for a two point conversion, but fell short. With 5 minutes left, the Cowboys led 24-19.
On their fourth drive of the second half, the offense was able to regain their rhythm, relying on the ball carrying of Harrison Waylee and short play-action passes. This scheme helped drive the Pokes to the Fresno 30-yard line, but kicker John Hoyland had an uncharacteristic miss on the field goal attempt.
With 1:48 and no timeouts, Fresno began their fast-paced, last chance offense, needing a touchdown to stay in the game. Once again however, the defense came up big. Cole Godbout batted the second down pass of Fife out of the air, and intercepted the ball, sealing the upset.
The victory made it 5 wins on the season for the Cowboys, all coming at home. It also marks the second top-25 upset for the Pokes. The dramatic finish has been the third of the kind this season, with similar final second antics happening against Texas Tech and Appalachian State.
After the impressive first half, Andrew Peasley cooled down, and only threw for 39 more yards. Harrison Waylee posted 83 yards in the contest, but limped off the field after his final carry. No official report has been released about his injury at this time.
The Pokes travel to Air Force next week for another high powered Mountain West matchup. The rushing attack of the Falcons looms for the Pokes defense, but for now they are happy to walk off the field after another stout performance. The Cowboys hung on to earn their second conference win, and they look to continue their Mountain West championship bid next week.
