Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
at Wyoming
Wildcats Drop Heartbreaker 35-32 at Wyoming
9/4/2011 6:00:00 AM | Football
LARAMIE, Wyo. - Weber State came so close to pulling off a season-opening upset at Wyoming, but in the end, the Cowboys scored a late touchdown to seal a 35-32 win over the Wildcats Saturday night at War Memorial Stadium.
The Cowboys converted a fourth and 11 with 33 seconds left and then scored a nine-yard touchdown with 22 seconds left to go ahead. The Wildcats missed a 53-yard field goal as time expired.
The Wildcats dominated the stats sheet for the game. WSU had 541 yards of total offense, compared to 463 for the Cowboys. The 'Cats also had seven more first downs and outrushed Wyoming 227-169.
The 'Cats had several bright spots on offense. Junior quarterback Mike Hoke, making his first collegiate start, threw finished the game 19-28 passing for 314 yards and two touchdowns.
The Wildcats started the game off with an interception by Pete Rolf which set up a two-yard Tanner Hinds touchdown run to give the 'Cats the early 7-0 lead.
Wyoming came back with back-to-back scores and led 14-7 at the end of the first half. Weber State made a field goal before the Cowboys took their largest lead of the game 21-10 with 9:03 to play in the half.
After another field goal from Shaun McClain Hoke found Xavian Johnson for a 35-yard touchdown pass and the 'Cats trailed 21-19 at halftime.
Wyoming pulled ahead 28-19 early in the third quarter but then Weber State took over. Josh Booker had a 12-yard touchdown rush with 9:44 to play in the third quarter and the 'Cats were within two points at 28-26 at the end of three quarters.
Hoke found Johnson again for a 49-yard touchdown pass that game Weber State a 32-28 lead with 12:44 to play. That would remain the score until the Cowboys scored in the final seconds.
Xavian Johnson, playing in his first collegiate game, finished the game with seven catches for 118 yards and the two touchdowns.
Shaydon Kehano had two catches for 85 yards, including a 50-yard reception in the second half.
On the ground Booker rushed for a career-best 117 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries.
In addition to his passing attack, Hoke carried the ball 13 times for 82 yards.
On the defensive side Willie Okwuonu had a career-high ten total tackles, including two for losses. Anthony Morales had eight tackles and Malone Fiso had six and a half a sack. Caldwell Taylor also picked up a sack for the Wildcats.
Weber State (0-1) will take on Utah State next Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in Logan. The Aggies also lost a heartbreaker today, falling 42-38 at Auburn.
