Cowboys can't keep up with North Texas; Wide receiver Tyler King steals 105-yard kick return touchdown

DENTON, Texas — Despite Wyoming's hard-fought first half of the season, it wasn't enough for the Cowboys to earn their first win of the year. A miraculous 105-yard kick return touchdown by Wyoming wide receiver Tyler King wasn't enough, and the game ended with a 17-44 victory for the Mean Green.

Starting quarterback Evan Svoboda was more efficient and threw better than was typical for the junior offensive leader in the first half. At halftime, the teams were nearly tied, with North Texas leading 17-24. The second quarter was especially nerve-wracking, as the two camps combined to score 17 points in the final minute and 17 seconds of the quarter.

The highlight of the first half was wide receiver Tyler King's 105-yard kick return touchdown. His dual sport background, having played both track and football, was on display as he darted from end zone to end zone with 1:03 left in the half. He was known as the fastest 2022 recruit in his state out of high school and tonight he showed his home state of Texas why he deserves that distinction.

That fighting spirit quickly disappeared from the locker room early in the third quarter, however. An errant snap and sack on Svoboda took the wind out of Wyoming's sails almost immediately. An airtight North Texas offense drove the Wyoming defense back into the end zone for a touchdown, then threw a 24-yard touchdown on the next possession.

Redshirt freshman Kaden Anderson replaced Svoboda on the field later in the game. Anderson didn't play a single minute during Wyoming's last game against BYU, but was responsible for Wyoming's only touchdown in the team's season opener against Arizona State. Tonight, he ran for a 20-yard touchdown.

Wyoming failed to score any more points after halftime, while the Mean Green took a 14-point and 3-point lead in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

Wyoming threw for a total of 175 yards, North Texas 318. The running yards – normally Wyoming's preferred method of getting the ball far forward – were also different for the two teams: North Texas ran for 216 yards, Wyoming only 65. North Texas was the better team tonight and set its new record with a score of 3-1.

Wyoming is now 0-4, further calling into question the Cowboys' new Jay Sawvel era. This is especially evident as Wyoming is about to enter conference play with zero wins. The Cowboys face the 1-2 Air Force Academy Falcons at home next Saturday.

For more information about the University of Wyoming Cowboys football team, including team rosters and schedule, visit the university's athletic website.

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