Cowboys defeat Lobos in Saturday afternoon shootout, 49-45

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (November 2, 2024) – The Wyoming Cowboys rushed for a season-high 604 yards, their most yards in a game since November 2021, in a 49-45 road win over New Mexico on Saturday afternoon at University Stadium in Albuquerque. Wyoming scored the final 14 points of the contest in the fourth quarter and thus secured victory.

The Cowboys rushed for 262 yards with 342 passing yards in the contest. The Lobos countered with 576 yards of total offense, including 164 yards through the air and 412 yards on the ground. The Pokes recorded 30 first downs in the first game that night, including 30 first downs since the Hawaii game in 2013.

The competition brought the return of the running back Harrison Waylee to the Cowboy offense. He added 170 yards for his fifth 100-yard game with the Brown and Gold. quarterback Kaden Anderson had a career day with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns. He was 20 of 29 passes. Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent recorded a career-high 186 yards rushing in the contest.

Wyoming kicker John Hoyland scored seven points in the game and is now Wyoming's all-time leader with 346 points. He surpassed Cooper Rothe's previous record of 342 points.

The Cowboys defense was controlled by safety Isaac White Recorded eight tackles. He made over 200 competitive tackles in his career. Linebackers Connor Shay added six tackles along with his fellow linebacker Shae Suiaunoa Add six tackles. nickel Wrook Brown He returned an interception for a score for his sixth career interception and third of the season. It was the first interception of his career and the first since Wyett Ekeler did this last season in the regular season finale against Nevada. Defensive end Tyce Westland added a sack and forced fumble.

The Lobos were led by quarterback Devon Dampier with 207 rushing yards and 164 passing yards. Running back Eli Sanders added 205 yards.

Wyoming has a bye week next weekend and returns to the border war with a trip to the state of Colorado on November 15th at 6 p.m

TEAM NOTES

•The Cowboys and Lobos met for the 77th time on Saturday.

•The Pokes have an all-time record of 42-35 against the Lobos in a series that dates back to 1930.

•The Cowboys are 21-18 against the Lobos in Albuquerque.

•The Lobos lead the Mountain West portion of the series 14-12.

•Wyoming recorded 334 yards in the first half, marking two consecutive halves with 300 or more yards. Wyoming had 314 yards in the second half against Utah State.

•The Cowboys scored 35 points in the first half, the most in a first frame since 35 against Hawaii last season.

•Wyoming recorded 604 yards of total offense, the most since 604 yards at Utah State on Nov. 20, 2021.

OFFENSIVE COMMENTS

•Running back Harrison Waylee appeared in his first game.

•In his return, he ran for 170 yards in his first 100-yard game since his 128-yard run against Colorado State last season. He rushed for more than 100 yards five times in his career with the Pokes.

•Waylee now has over 3,000 career rushing yards. He came into the game with 2,876 yards

•quarterback Kaden Anderson made his first career start.

•Anderson threw for a career-high 342 yards and touchdowns.

•Running back Jamari Ferrell recorded his first touchdown of the season and second of his career.

•Ferrell recorded a career-high 89 yards rushing in the contest.

•Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg recorded a touchdown reception in the first quarter for the fifth time in his career and second time this season.

•Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent recorded six catches and 186 yards, a career-best.

•Tight end Nick Miles managed a career-long 25-yard reception in the first half.

•Like receiver Justin Stevenson recorded three catches for 45 yards, a career high.

DEFENSE NOTES

•Security Isaac White recorded eight tackles in the game and now has 205 career tackles after entering the game with 197.

•Linebacker Connor Shay recorded six tackles.

•Nickel Wrook Brown recorded an interception for a touchdown. It was his first career touchdown. It was the Cowboys' first interception for a touchdown Wyett Ekeler rushed for 38 yards in the regular-season finale against Nevada last season.

•It was Brown's sixth career interception and third of the season. He had three for the Cowboys last season.

•Defensive end Tyce Westland recorded a forced fumble to help the Pokes win.

SPECIAL NOTES

•Cowboy Kicker John Hoyland scored seven points on the night and now has 346 in his career after scoring seven points on the night. He came into the game with 339, passing Cooper Rothe (342 points) to set the school record for career scoring.

•Cornerback Keany Parks recorded a 54-yard kick return in the first quarter, the longest return of his career.