Cowboys Storm Back Against Lobos, Winning 27-14

By Kaycee Clark-Mellott

Special to the Wyoming Truth

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–The Wyoming Cowboys recovered after trailing by 14 points in the first half to defeat the New Mexico Lobos, 27-14. Clamping down defensively, the Pokes held the Lobos scoreless for the final three quarters.

New Mexico jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter courtesy of a Miles Kendrick two-yard rushing touchdown and an eight-yard rushing touchdown from Justin Holaday.

By the end of the first quarter, the Cowboys had only mustered 27 rushing yards and no passing yardage. However, in the second quarter, the Cowboy offense came to life as quarterback Andrew Peasley found tight end Treyton Welch down the middle of the field for a 47-yard touchdown, closing the gap to 14-7. 

Coming out in the second half, Wyoming marched 75 yards down the field and, with Peasley getting pushed around in the pocket, delivered a 29-yard strike in the endzone to Welch again. That tied the game 14-14. 

Wyoming held the Lobos on their next drive but also went three-and-out. As Wyoming punted to New Mexico, the returner muffed the punt and Wyoming recovered the ball on New Mexico’s 13-yard line. 

Wyoming took advantage of the field position and added to their lead with a field goal, inching ahead 17-14.

Two drives later, New Mexico surged down to Wyoming’s five-yard line but, on fourth down, as it attempted a field goal, Pokes nose tackled. Gavin Meyer got his hand on the ball, blocking the kick.

Wyoming drove down the field early in the fourth to score another field goal, making it 20-14.

With time running out, New Mexico began to put together some plays and move down the field; with 1:21 left in the game, Kendrick dropped back to pass and threw it to a receiver on a curl route. Wyoming defensive back Cameron Stone jumped the route, evaded several defenders and found his way into the endzone for a 38-yard touchdown return. That extended their lead 27-14.

In the final moments of the game, New Mexico’s Holaday heaved a desperation throw down the field into coverage. But defensive back Jakorey Hawkins sealed the win for the Cowboys with an interception.

From a statistical perspective, the game looked like it was a tight matchup with New Mexico outgaining Wyoming in yardage, 314 to 309. However, New Mexico only mustered 99 total yards of offense in the second half.

Wyoming’s Peasley threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns with 87 of those yards finding Welch. On the ground, Wyoming’s Dawaiian McNeely totaled 62 yards rushing, while Titus Swen added 50 rushing and 43 receiving.

The Cowboys’ Meyer tallied six total tackles, two sacks and the blocked field goal.

The Wyoming Cowboys have a long-awaited bye week next week and will resume action on Oct. 22 for their homecoming game against Utah State. Kickoff time has yet to be announced.