Sep 13 min read

Cowboys Struggle in Sawvel’s Debut, Lose 48-7 to Sun Devils

By Jeff Bugher

9/1/2024

Running back DJ Jones. Photo by Ian Cadena, PokesNews.com Staff

The Jay Sawvel era started off with a stunning loss 48 to 7 loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, Arizona, Saturday night. The Cowboys had seven penalties, resulting in 65 penalty yards. Sawvel took responsibility and was candid about the team’s performance, stating, "We played poorly, we coached poorly... we took a gut punch the second play of the game, and we didn't really recover and respond the way that we needed to respond." Sawvel’s frustration continued, "We did not execute very well in any phase of it… then once we got into that mode, we just weren't able to dig ourselves out." Sawvel continued, "We've got to get a lot better, obviously, as a football team."

We asked Sawvel what he said to his team in the locker room after the loss; Sawvel told his team:

"They’re going to say…we're a bad football team, we’ve got bad coaches, we’ve a got bad quarterback, we’ve got bad whatever,” Sawvel stated. “The reality is... we gotta stick together...understand that the capacity is in that locker room to be a good football team... but we’ve got to play a lot better and own things a lot better."

We also asked Sawvell about the game's positives. Sawvel's response was, "Well, that's a tough question... (Jack) Culbreath punted the ball pretty good…that's about it." The frustration was clear, "At every phase of it, the wheels came off, and we just we weren't able to get it back on, and that's frustrating," Sawvel said. A reporter asked Sawvel about his quarterback, and he reminded the media that there are 11 guys on the field, and it isn’t about just one player (verbatim). Quarterback Evan Svoboda spoke about the need to “flush” this game and move on to the next game. The 24-hour rule appears to exist still.

We asked defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole about his message to the fans, and he responded with determination:

“I'm embarrassed. You can be as mad as you want, but we're definitely going to respond to this one.”

Undoubtedly, the Cowboy's coaching staff and players will turn this around.

Game Summary

First Quarter

On the second play of the quarter, Wyoming quarterback Evan Svoboda's pass was intercepted for a 29-yard pick-six by ASU linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu. On Wyoming’s next possession, the team was hampered by penalties. This time, Svoboda had another pass picked off by ASU linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, which brought the ball to Wyoming’s 42-yard line; ASU was able to make a 29-yard field goal on the drive. Wyoming struggled on offense, failing to make any gains, eventually punting the ball back to Arizona State. The Sun Devils capitalized on a couple of penalties and showed a balanced offensive tack as they drove down the field to score another touchdown on an 8-yard run by Decarlos Brooks as the end of the second quarter wound down with Arizona State leading 17-0 over Wyoming.

Second Quarter

Wyoming began the second quarter on their 25-yard line, but they could not make much progress, Arizona State forced a punt. The Sun Devils capitalized on a short field and drove down to the Wyoming 3-yard line. ASU running back Cam Skattebo punched it in for a touchdown on the next play. Wyoming’s offensive struggles continued with a quick three-and-out on their next possession. ASU added a field goal on their next possession. Wyoming continued not to gain any traction as the quarter closed, with Wyoming trailing ASU 27-0 at the end of the second half.

Third Quarter

Arizona State continued their offensive momentum into the third quarter. ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt made several key passes, including a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chamon Metayer. Wyoming continued to struggle offensively, with only a few yards on their next drive. The Sun Devils capitalized on a fumble from Wyoming quarterback Evan Svoboda, resulting in a scoop-and-score by ASU defensive lineman Justin Wodtly. Levitt also connected a 68-yard touchdown pass to running back Kyson Brown. Wyoming struggled to make some passes, but the team could not convert on any key downs.

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter saw ASU chewing up the clock via the ground game. Wyoming’s defense held the Devils to a 43-yard field goal attempt, which was missed. Second-string quarterback Kaden Anderson saw action in the waning moments of the game. Anderson connected with freshman wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. on a 3-yard touchdown pass with two seconds left, averting a shutout. When the clock struck zero, the score was ASU 48, and Wyoming 7.