ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 3, 2024) – In a fresh start, Wyoming pulled off a 49-45 victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday. The team displayed explosive offense and key defensive plays despite missing running back Sam Scott due to a lower-extremity injury.
The game’s back-and-forth began early, with New Mexico starting strong on their opening drive. After an efficient drive capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Davis, the Lobos tried for a two-point conversion but failed, taking an early 6-0 lead. Wyoming responded with a well-paced 75-yard drive of their own, capped by a rushing touchdown from Jamari Ferrell to take a 7-6 lead.
New Mexico quickly answered, utilizing a circus of missed tackles by Wyoming’s defense. New Mexico running back Eli Rush took advantage, breaking free for a 34-yard touchdown run. “We missed some big tackles that really hurt us early on,” Head Coach Jay Sawvel admitted after the game. Defensive struggles nearly cost Wyoming the game.
Wyoming's offensive, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Kaden Anderson with his first career start, was painted onto a canvas like the Mona Lisa. Anderson launched a 47-yard pass to wide receiver Jaylen Sargent, setting up a second touchdown by Ferrell and giving Wyoming a 14-13 edge late in the first quarter. Anderson’s performance in his first collegiate start earned praise from Sawvel, who said, “He did a really good job of keeping us in place and was accurate on some key throws.”
After another exchange of touchdowns, including a huge 68-yard catch by Sargent, Wyoming took a 28-21 lead. But New Mexico didn’t back down from the fight, with quarterback Devon Dampier rushing for an 18-yard touchdown along with a successful two-point conversion to tie the game at 28. Wyoming pulled ahead again with a short touchdown by running back Harrison Waylee just before halftime, but New Mexico quickly tied the score at 35 on a big 75-yard rush by Eli Sanders.
In the second half, New Mexico took the lead 38-35 on a field goal. Wyoming’s offense continued to persevere, with Waylee breaking free for a 17-yard rush. Ultimately, Wyoming's defense made a game-changing play as Wrook Brown intercepted a pass for a pick-six. Coach Sawvel reflected on Brown’s rollercoaster performance, noting, “Wrook had some tough stretches... but when it came time to attack, he attacked one, and it was a big play for us.”
With under five minutes left, Anderson found wide receiver Justin Stevenson in the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown to seal the lead. After that, Wyoming’s defense held strong, allowing the Cowboys to go into victory formation.
Reflecting on his first career start performance, Anderson acknowledged the unique experience of his first start, saying, “It was pretty special… I got a little fire in me for sure. I think that comes from my dad a little bit.” His competitive edge, paired with key advice from quarterback coach Jeff Christensen to “just let the game come to you,” proved invaluable.
Running back Harrison Waylee, in his first game back following an injury in fall camp, was modest about his performance. “If I’m being honest, I’d probably do like a D plus, C minus,” he said, crediting his teammate Jamari Ferrell’s continued improvement. “Jamari, I love that dude… He had some really great runs tonight.”
When the dust settled, redshirt freshman quarterback Kaden Anderson had 20 out of 29 completions for 342 total passing yards and three touchdowns in the air. Running back Harrison Waylee led the ground attack with 171 rushing yards on 27 attempts and one touchdown. Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent led the team in receiving yards with 186 yards, with six receptions and one touchdown.
Final Score: Wyoming 49, New Mexico 45
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