October 9, 2023 |
Photo – Wyoming/Fresno State game – Courtesy gowyo.com
Mission accomplished. Wyoming offense scored all its points in the first half Saturday night and held on for a 24-19 win over 25th-ranked Fresno State at the War.
The Cowboy defense was buttoned down all night, holding the Bulldogs to three-and-O on each of their first two drives. John Hoyland put Wyoming on the scoreboard at the 6:59 mark of the first quarter with a field goal from near the 25 yard-line.
The Cowboys won the line of scrimmage. Quarterback Andrew Peasley drove Wyoming downfield with sharp passes to his tight ends. On the opening play of the 2nd quarter, Peasley found Wyatt Weiland in the end zone on a 14-yard slant.
Keith Kelly and Kevin McKinney had the call here on Bigfoot 99.
Peasley completed 70 percent of his passes, going 19 of 27 for 183 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 25 rushing yards for 208 yards of total offense. On the sideline after the win, Peasley who became a dad for the first time this summer, thanked Wyoming fans.
Tight end Treyton Welch led the Cowboys in receiving with six catches for 74 yards and 1 TD. Wide receiver Wyatt Wieland caught five passes for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back Harrison Waylee carried the ball 22 times for 83 yards.
Waylee left the game in the final minutes after being stopped on a key third-down play. Coach Craig Bohl said after the game that the early diagnosis did not indicate a long-term injury.
The Cowboy linebackers showed up strong. Shae Suiaunoa led the way 12 tackles and one sack. Easton Gibbs added eight tackles. Nose tackle Cole Godbout posted four tackles and the interception that sealed the win.
Godbough, the 290-pound super senior from Hudson, Wisconsin, continues to prove that he is one of the league’s top defensive linemen. Godbough’s clutch pick came with 46-seconds left in the game and cinched Wyoming’s second win this season over a top-25 team at the War.
After the game, Coach Bohl noted that his special teams will focus this week on the kind of on-side kick that gave Fresno a chance for a late come back, adding that he was pleased with the win.
Wyoming’s October gauntlet continues this week when the Cowboys travel to the Air Force Academy. The Falcons enjoyed a bye over the weekend. They’ll come into Saturday’s matchup with a 5-0 overall record and a 3-0 record in the Mountain West. Wyoming at Air Force kicks off at 5 on Saturday, pregame show at 3:30.
