DENTON, TEXAS (Sept. 21, 2024) – The Wyoming Cowboys (0-4 overall) could not slow down the Mean Green offense in a 44-17 loss to North Texas (3-1 overall) in the non-conference finale inside DATCU Stadium in Denton, Texas on Saturday evening. The Pokes held the Mean Green to 4-of-14 on third down, but North Texas went a perfect 4-of-4 on fourth down for the contest.
“I thought the start we had was pretty good offensively on the opening drive, but defensively we have done some good things on third down, but we can’t get off the field on fourth down. We had to get off the field and we are taxed a little bit. We have to redefine ourselves.”
North Texas, one of the nation’s top offensive units recorded 534 yards of total offense with 318 yards passing and 216 yards on the ground. The Cowboys were held to 140 yards of total offense and were held in check in the second half. UW passed for 175 yards and rushed for 65 yards.
Running back Sam Scott recorded a career-high 52 yards receiving with one score and added 39 yards on the ground. Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg finished the night with a season-high five catches and 56 yards. Wide receiver Tyler King added a 100-yard kickoff return in the second quarter for the first for the cowboys since the 2021 season.
The Wyoming defense was led by linebacker Shae Suiaunoa and Connor Shay, as the duo combined for 17 tackles. Suiaunoa added nine to lead the team with Shay adding eight.
The Cowboys open Mountain West play next Saturday hosting Air Force in War Memorial Stadium for Homecoming. The contest is slated for a 6 p.m. start.
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and North Texas met for the first time on Saturday.
•The Pokes have played games in the State of Texas in back-to-back seasons after playing against the Texas Longhorns last season in Austin.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg recorded a 31-yard reception on the opening drive. It was his first reception of the season.
•Gyllenborg finished the game with five catches for 56 yards. He tied a career-high with his five catches.
•Running back Sam Scott recorded 39 yards on the ground and added 52 yards receiving for a career-high.
•He recorded his first touchdown reception of his career on a 41-yard strike from Evan Svoboda.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Nickel Malique Singleton made his first career start on Saturday.
•Singleton added a career-high four tackles in the contest.
•Cornerback Keany Parks added a career-high four tackles.
•Linebacker Connor Shay added a career-high eight tackles.
•Linebacker Shae Suiaunoa added nine tackles to lead the Cowboys
SPECIAL NOTES
• Kicker John Hoyland connected on a field goal from 30-yards in the first quarter. It marked his 61st of his career, as he adds to his school record.
•Returner Tyler King recorded a 100 yard kick return in the second quarter. It was the first returned kick for a touchdown by the Cowboys since Cam stone had a 99 yard return against Utah State on Nov. 20, 2021.
