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Wyoming wins 29-7 over New Mexico State
Cowboys rush for 313 yards
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Wyoming defense completely shuts down Aggies offense
The Wyoming Cowboys inability to run the ball led to a mostly ineffective offense in 2017. The 2018 squad came to run, run, and run a little more.
After starting the game with three running plays and a punt, Wyoming began to effectively move the ball using the running and passing game.
Quarterback Tyler Vander Waal completed four passes in the second drive and running back Nico Evans finished off the drive with a 24-yard rushing touchdown.
On New Mexico State’s next possession, Wyoming’s defensive line forced a safety to put the score at 9-0. The Aggies had no answer for the Cowboys running game after falling behind. Wyoming’s offense tacked on 2 field goals while NMSU waited until the last minute of the half to get their 1st first down. Wyoming entered the half up 15-0.
The second half the same as the first, the Cowboys racked up rushing yards on a tired NMSU defense while the Aggies offense continued to go 3 and out. Wyoming got the lead up to 29 before NMSU put together a drive in the final minutes of the game that included their first trip into Wyoming territory and their first points.
Senior running back Nico Evans led the Pokes with 190 yards on 24 carries. On both of Evans touchdowns, he ran through multiple defenders to score.
Tyler Vander Waal finished the game 13 for 22 with 137 yards. He started the game with eight consecutive completions but only attempted six passes in the second half. He was good enough to move the ball when needed and had no turnovers.
The Wyoming defense was exceptional on the night. They held the Aggies to 135 total yards, -9 rushing yards, and seven first downs. Sidney Malauulu and Youhanna Ghaifan provided an intense rush up the middle that often forced Aggies QB Matt Romero out of the pocket where the edge rushers made easy work of him. Former starting RB and current DE Trey Woods even got a sack on the night.
Wyoming returns to Laramie for their home opener against the Washington State Cougars next Saturday.
