San Diego State vs. Wyoming Recap: Cowboys upset Aztecs in thriller

The Wyoming Cowboys (8-3, 6-1) defeated the #24 ranked San Diego State Aztecs (9-2, 6-1) on Saturday afternoon 34-33 in Laramie, WY.

The Aztecs came out firing to start the game; 13 seconds to be exact. On the opening kick of the game, junior running-back Rashaad Penny had a 93-yard kick return to put the Aztecs ahead 7-0.

Just when the Cowboys started to gain momentum, QB Josh Allen was intercepted by SDSU safety Parker Baldwin at the start of the second quarter. The Aztecs lead all FBS teams in interceptions this season (20). San Diego State was forced to settle for a field goal that extended their lead to 10-3.

In the second quarter, Donnel Pumphrey ran for 17 yards and moved into third all time among NCAA rushing yard leaders, behind only Ricky Williams (6,279 yards) and Ron Dayne (6,397 yards). Pumphrey finished with a quiet 76 rushing yards and now has 6,127 career rushing yards.

Running-back Brian Hill ran for an 11-yard touchdown, and tied the game at 10-10. This was only the fifth rushing touchdown that the Aztecs’ defense had allowed all season. The Aztecs led 17-10 at halftime.

The Cowboys came out of the half aggressive on the offensive end. Specifically, Wyoming completed a lengthy 13 play, 70-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown by Brian Hill. The Aztecs returned the favor the very next play when redshirt freshman running-back Juwan Washington had a 92-yard kick return for a touchdown as the Aztecs led 24-17.

In the fourth quarter, Cowboys’ QB Josh Allen scrambled and completed an incredible 45-yard pass to Jake Maulhardt. Following a replay review, the referees upheld the call. On the next play, the Cowboys completed the drive with a 30-yard touchdown to even the game at 27-27 with 9:45 remaining.

Allen threw a 29-yard pass that put the Cowboys ahead 34-27 with 1:07 remaining. Despite starting the drive on their own one-yard line, the Aztecs never gave up. On a critical 3rd and 10 at the Wyoming 23, Christian Chapman heaved a prayer that was tipped and caught by Quest Truxton as time ran out. After a lengthy review, the referees reversed the call that resulted in an Aztecs’ touchdown and kept them alive.

Rocky Long made a bold decision to go for the 2-point-conversion as the Aztecs failed to convert and suffered a devastating loss following a remarkable comeback.

Player of the game:

Cowboy’s QB Josh Allen threw 16 of 31 for 282 yards and also ran for 56 yards. Allen led crucial drives down the stretch with two key touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.

Up next:

SDSU: The Aztecs will travel back home for senior night to face Colorado State next Saturday.

Wyoming: The Cowboys will play next Saturday on the road against the University of New Mexico.