Wyoming Falls to 0-2 After Missed Opportunities in Loss to Idaho

By Sam Burkett

9/7/2024

Jordan Bertagnole, UW vs Idaho 09-07-2024. Photo by Troy Babbitt, UW Athletics

Wyoming is now 0-2 on the young season.

The Cowboys lost to Idaho on Saturday in their home opener, 17-13, at War Memorial Stadium. The game was played in front of a sellout crowd, marking the first time Wyoming sold out a game since the Nebraska game in 2011. 

Evan Svoboda is still trying to find his rhythm. He completed only ten passes for 124 yards and was sacked four times.

Wyoming played a good first quarter. On their opening drive, the Cowboys marched down the field, yet failed to reach the end zone. However, place-kicker John Hoyland kicked a field goal, giving the Pokes a 3-0 lead over the Vandals. Hoyland's field goal tied Cooper Rothe’s school record with 59 field goals in his career. Evan Svoboda would connect with Devin Boddie on a 29-yard touchdown pass and the Cowboys led 10-7 after one quarter.

The Vandals would score 10 points the second quarter and led 17-10 at halftime.

The Cowboys came close to tying the football game late in the third quarter. Trailing 17-10, it appeared that Evan Svoboda would tie the game on a three-yard rushing touchdown. Officials reversed the game and ruled Svoboda down at the 1-yard line. 

A false start penalty would kill the drive as the Cowboys would have to settle for a 22-yard field goal from John Hoyland to cut the deficit to four with 14:57 to go in the game. The field goal would put Hoyland above Rothe with his 60th career field goal in his career.

The Wyoming defense did its part to stay in the game. The Cowboys held Idaho scoreless in the second half and outgained the Vandals 270-225 in total offense. Idaho only had 80 yards of total offense in the second half. 

The Cowboy defense would stop the Vandals on downs with 12:46 to go in the game and would get the ball at their own 39-yard line. They would later start drives at the 50 and at the Idaho 48-yard line. Sacks and penalties would prevent the Pokes from getting on the board. This marked Wyoming’s first loss at home since 2022, as they went 7-0 inside War Memorial Stadium in 2023.

With the win, Idaho improved to 1-1 on the season after falling short against Oregon last week. 

The Cowboys hope to get their first win of the 2024 season next week as the Cowboys will host longtime conference rival BYU next Saturday. The game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. and will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.