[jwplayer kea6nOR0-sNi3MVSU]
Wyoming vs Missouri: Cowboys Offense Struggles In 40-13 Loss
Missouri offense gains 601 yards. Cowboys only rush for 88 yards
Contact/Follow @jessetachiquin & @MWCwire
Is it time for Wyoming fans to panic?
Wyoming’s third game of the season looked very similar to the Cowboys home opener last weekend. A defense that was expected to be one of the best in the country put on a strong performance against a Power 5 opponent in the first half before finally breaking down after halftime while an offense that has been mediocre was ineffective.
1st Half
The Cowboys got the ball to start and began their first possession with a pass that resulted in an 11-yard completion to TE Josh Harshman. Two plays later, the Pokes fumbled and Mizzou recovered on Wyoming’s 45-yard line. The Cowboys defense held the Tigers to a field goal attempt which they missed. In the first half, the best drive Wyoming was able to put together was a 6 play 31-yard drive that ended in a punt. In fact, every Wyoming drive in the first half ended in a punt.
As bad as the Cowboys offense was, the defense looked decent through much of the first half. Wyoming gave up some yards but they held the Tigers in check when they got into scoring positions. Midway through the second quarter, the Cowboys downed a Tim Zaleski punt at Missouri’s 3-yard line. After a pair of short gains, the defense put the Tigers in a 3rd and long from their own 7.
Mizzou quarterback Drew Lock hit WR Emanuel Hall down the left sideline for 36 yards and a first down. The Tigers would finish the 97-yard drive with their first touchdown and take a 10-0 lead. Wyoming would punt after a short series and Mizzou scored a backbreaking touchdown just before the half to go in with a 16-0 lead.
2nd Half
After a strong finish to the first half, Lock came out of halftime on fire. The future first rounder led a 90 yard TD drive to put the Tigers up 23-0. Missouri would go on to score on their next 3 possessions and end with a 40-13 win. Lock finished 33-45 with 395 yards and four TD’s.
Freshman Jevon Bigelow led the Cowboys in rushing with 56 yards on 18 carries and a TD while Vander Waal provided 160 passing yards. On defense, S Andrew Wingard led Wyoming with 12 tackles with LB Cassh Maluia adding 7 tackles including 2 tackles for loss.
What’s next for the Cowboys?
Wyoming returns home for a game against Wofford on Saturday followed with a week off before beginning conference play on Sept. 29 against Boise State.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1360]