One short week after upsetting Texas Tech, the Wyoming Cowboys took War Memorial Field again, hosting the FCS school, Portland State. This marked the first ever meeting of the two teams. Hailing from the Big Sky Conference, Portland State limped into Laramie after getting trounced 81-7 last weekend by the Oregon Ducks.
The opening drive hiccups continued for the Wyoming offense. Sam Scott conceded an early fumble, stunting a promising scoring opportunity for the Pokes in the red zone. The defense picked up right where they left off, however. Three short plays after the turnover, Wyett Eckler snagged an interception at the Portland 44-yard line and ran it for ten yards.
With excellent field positioning, Jamari Ferrell punched in the opening points with a 1-yard rush. On the very next Wyoming drive, QB Andrew Peasley unleashed a strike to Ayir Asante who took the ball 64-yards to the end zone. This was the longest throw of Peasley’s career, and it put his team up by two scores in the first quarter. Portland State responded with a drive of their own.
It took them 18-plays and over 9-minutes of game time, but QB Dante Chachere put Portland on the board with a two-yard run into the end zone. Another defensive takeaway, this time a fumble recovery by cornerback Tyrecus Davis, put the ball in the hands of Andrew Peasley once more.
Wyoming’s offensive leader took the Portland State defense deep, resulting in a 29-yard touchdown throw to a wide open Wyatt Wieland. With the half coming to a close, Portland was able to cash a late interception into 3-points, and the Pokes headed into the locker room up 21-10.
Portland State received the second half kickoff, but it was Wyoming kicker John Hoyland who opened up the scoring in the third quarter, with a 56-yard field goal. With the kick, he tied his career long, set just a week ago, and sits atop the NCAA leaderboard for longest field goal this season.
The Cowboy’s offense continued their second half scoring on their next drive, seeing Peasley throw a third touchdown to Ayir Asante, who picked up his second receiving touchdown. After another Wyoming defensive stand, the Pokes headed into the 4th quarter up 31-10.
Evan Svaboda stepped in at QB in the fourth, giving Andrew Peasley the rest of the afternoon off. Peasley finished the game with a career best three touchdowns, 201 passing yards, and one interception.
Another slow, 11-play drive by the Vikings resulted in seven, making it a two score game with 7:03 remaining. Portland State attempted an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff to try and get the ball back, but Wyoming securely gained possession. 14-points was as close as the Vikings got, although they threatened to score late in the 4th. Wyoming kneeled the ball to end the game and come up victorious, 31-17.
The Cowboys walk off the field with a 2-0 record, but an important game against Texas looms. The Pokes make their first road trip of the season down to Austin this next week, facing off against the Longhorns on Saturday.
