Penalties and red-zone turnovers undid Wyoming in a 20-3 loss versus Utah State on Friday night in Laramie.
A week after scoring a season-high 45 points the Cowboys only mustered three. A season-high 10 penalties for 95 yards and two costly red-zone interceptions thrown by redshirt senior quarterback Colby Kirkegaard halted long drives. The Cowboys also struggled, for the second consecutive week, in special teams, as they gave up a punt return for a touchdown.
“There were opportunities that were out there,” head coach Craig Bohl said. “Certainly we shot ourselves in the foot. We knew we were going to have to play well and we had several self-inflicted wounds in all three phases of the game.”
“We just made mistakes and they were costly,” Kirkegaard added.
Wyoming found themselves in an early hole as Utah State kicked a field goal on their opening possession. Immediately following the ensuing Cowboy three-and-out was an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown that gave the Aggies a 10-0 lead with nine minutes and 33 seconds to play in the first quarter. Utah State was not done scoring as they added another touchdown on a 66-yard jet sweep run by junior JoJo Natson to open up a 17-0 lead with 5:12 to play in the first quarter.
“As a defense we were definitely wide eyed,” junior defensive end Eddie Yarborough said. “But we able to weather the storm.”
Wyoming kicked a field goal to get on the board with 4:29 to play in the second quarter.
It remained 17-3 till 6:04 to play in the game when the Aggies kicked a field goal to open up a three score lead that sealed the game at 20-3.
“We adapted and made some nice adjustments at halftime,” Bohl said. “Our defensive guys came out and corrected the mistakes. We bounced back in fairly good fashion.”
“We were encouraged from how hard the (defensive) guys played and scrapped,” defensive coordinator Steve Stanard added.
Wyoming out-produced the Aggies on offense 363 to 356. The Cowboys had balance as they ran for 151 yards while throwing for 212.
Freshman running back Brian Hill recorded his third consecutive 100-yard game as he rushed for 122 yards on 25 carries. This marked the most rushing yards Utah State has given up to an opponent all year and the first time someone had run over the century mark since Oct. 3.
“He ran his tail off,” offensive coordinator Brent Vigen said. “He showed great variety running between the tackles and getting outside in the open space. It took two or three guys to take him down.”
Kirkegaard went 20-for-40 for 212 yards and two interceptions. He had not thrown a pick since Oct. 12 versus Hawaii.
“Little bit of a mixed bag for Colby,” Bohl said. “We had spots where we were moving the ball fairly well.”
Sophomore Jake Maulhardt led all receivers with six catches for 89 yards. Senior Jalen Claiborne had three catches for 50 yards and senior Dominic Rufran had three catches for 24 yards, which extended his nation long streak of consecutive games with a reception to 47.
“Jake has worked really hard on his craft,” Vigen said. He has been difficult to handle in man to man situations.”
Wyoming currently sits at (4-6, 2-4 Mountain West) and must win their remaining two games to become bowl eligible. Boise State (7-2, 4-1) is their first hurdle for the Pokes. The Broncos have won their past four games and have averaged just over 50 points per game during that stretch. Wyoming then closes on the road versus New Mexico (3-6, 1-4) who is 0-5 at home.
“We hope to find ourselves in a better spot at the end of November then where we are right now,” Vigen said.
Wyoming has a bye week followed by their final home game of the year on Nov. 22 versus Boise State.
