September 26, 2023 |
Photo – WY Cowboys vs NM Lobos – Bigfoot99 file photo
Wyoming, coming off a dramatic, come-from-behind 22-19 win over Appalachian State Saturday night at the War, opens Mountain West play against New Mexico at the War this weekend.
The Lobos broke a seven-game streak of road losses with a 34-31 overtime win over the University of Massachusetts.
Wyoming Head Coach Craig Bohl had one specific Lobos on his mind yesterday when he talked to reporters about this week’s conference opener: Quarterback Dylan Hopkins, who threw for 247 yards and a touchdown.
New Mexico running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is also threat. Merritt rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown against UMass. The Lobos come into Laramie holding a 2-and-2 record on the month-old season. The Cowboys are 3-and-1. Their one loss came to top-ten ranked Texas.
Wyoming’s passing game was anemic Saturday against App State. Andrew Peasley went 5-of-15 with one pick. He was sacked three times. Peasley threw for only 31 yards, nearly half of that coming on a 13-yard gainer to Wyatt Wieland.
Despite the lackluster night on offense, Wyoming found a way to win with timely turnovers and clutch plays. Coach Bohl spoke yesterday about the improvements that need to be made this week as the Cowboys start the conference schedule.
Coach Bohl also highlighted his team’s positives, which included a 158-yard night from transfer-running back Harrison Waylee in his second outing as a Cowboy.
The belief in winning is an attitude that Cowboys on both sides of the ball bring to the game. On Saturday night against App State, with the Cowboys down 19-14 at the 2:02 mark in the fourth, UW cornerback Jakorey Hawkins recovered a field goal attempt blocked by defensive end Dvonne Harris and returned it 62 yards to give the Cowboys the 20-19 win. Hawkins said he may have ran faster when he was at Ole Miss, but his sprint to the end zone gave the Cowboys the win.
The quick thinking and fast legs of Hawkins gave Wyoming the lead. The defense held on for the win. Coach Bohl said after the game that the Cowboys need to build on the gutsy resolve that pulled out the dramatic come-from-behind win.
Wyoming is a two-touchdown favorite going into Saturday’s conference opener against New Mexico.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium.
