Cowboys Suffer Hail of a Letdown in 31-17 Loss to Unbeaten UNLV

LARAMIE -- The Wyoming Cowboys could not overcome a pair of special teams miscues in a 31-17 loss to UNLV in the Mountain West opener on Saturday evening inside War Memorial Stadium.

The contest featured a hail-covered turf, as UNLV was fueled by a pair of blocked punts for touchdowns in the first half.

"There's a hurting locker room in there right now. I hurt for them," Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel said postgame. "There was a very strong intent, very strong preparation and a very strong focus on playing well in this game and winning this game. And, you know, we didn't get that done. That starts with special teams, and to be in a situation where we were at with that, you know, obviously there's a lot there that needs to get fixed."

Get our free mobile app

The Cowboys recorded 356 yards of total offense with 254 yards passing and 102 yards on the ground. Wyoming held UNLV to only 254 yards total with 167 yards heading into the fourth quarter. UW allowed only 102 yards through the air.

Wyoming’s offense was paced by running back Sam Scott with 49 yards rushing and added a pair of catches for 45 yards. Freshman wide receiver Deion DeBlanc added 26 yards rushing with a score and a reception. Quarterback Kaden Anderson added 254 yards passing going 25-of-46, as he found 13 different receivers.

The UW defense was led by safety Jones Thomas adding eight tackles tying a career-high along with a tackle for loss. Fellow safety Andrew Johnson added six tackles and a tackle for loss. Linebacker Evan Eller added six tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.

On the first play from scrimmage the Cowboys forced a fumble on a flea flicker and Eller jumped on the ball deep inside UNLV territory, as linebacker Brayden Johnson forced the fumble. The Pokes would then connect on a 36-yard field goal from Erik Sandvik for an early 3-0 lead.

The Rebels responded right back with a six play, 67-yard drive that ended in a Keyvone Lee score from six yards for a 7-3 contest. The Rebels would then block a Cowboy punt and return it for a score for a 14-3 lead. UNLV then added a 36-yard field goal on a nine-play drive for a 17-3 lead in the opening frame.

UNLV added another blocked punt for a touchdown in the closing moments of the second half to build a 24-3 lead into the break.

The Pokes opened the second half with a score on a 12-yard rush from DeBlanc. The drive lasted five plays and went 75-yards. The scoring drive was highlighted by a 36-yard reception off a screen pass by Scott.

The Rebels used a ten-play drive lasting over five minutes to take a 31-10 lead in the fourth quarter. The Pokes added a score on tight end Justin Erb’s first career touchdown reception and the Pokes would get the onside kick, but UW fell in the end 31-17.

The Rebels were led by Jai’Den Thomas with 94 yards rushing along with a touchdown reception. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw for 102 yards with a touchdown pass.

The Cowboys return to action next week hosting San Jose State in a 5 p.m. start inside War Memorial Stadium.