Wyoming Cowboys Win Bridger’s Battle Against Utah State for Second Straight Year

Led by Titus Swen’s three touchdowns, Wyoming takes down Utah State 28-14 in Homecoming game

Oct. 23, 2022

Wyoming running back Titus Swen carries a Utah State Aggie into the endzone Saturday, tying a career-high of three touchdowns in a game. Following the bye week, Swen appeared to be almost completely healed from the injury he sustained in the first game of the season. (Courtesy photo from University of Wyoming Athletics)

By Kaycee Clark

Special to the Wyoming Truth

LARAMIE, Wyo.—A late night at War Memorial Stadium saw the University of Wyoming Cowboys take down the Utah State Aggies 28-14. The Cowboys dominated throughout the entire game, outgaining the Aggies 529 to 217 yards.

The UW defense held Utah State to only 13 first downs, five of 15 on third downs, and only allowed the Aggies to have the ball for 24 minutes.

The game began with several punts, but with 5:02 left in the first quarter, Titus Swen broke off for a 30-yard rushing touchdown, hoisting the Cowboys into a 7-0 lead. Utah State only mustered 53 yards in the first quarter compared to UW’s 132 yards. 

Titus Swen rushed for 160 yards and scored three touchdowns Saturday in the Cowboys' 28-14 victory over Utah State Saturday. (Courtesy photo from University of Wyoming Athletics)

In the second quarter, the Pokes’ defense came alive, as DeVonne Harris led the quarter with a sack and a half while the team added another sack. The offense also continued its work, and Swen scored his second rushing touchdown of the day from five yards out, extending Wyoming’s lead to 14-0.

After forcing a punt following that score, Wyoming muffed the punt and an Aggie recovered the ball. This set up Utah State on Wyoming’s 17-yard line. Freshman quarterback Bishop Davenport rushed for five yards and scored a touchdown, making the score 14-7.

With 19 seconds left in the first half, Wyoming drove the ball 50 yards and kicker John Hoyland scored a 43-yard field goal as time expired, stretching the lead to two possessions, 17-7.

Out of halftime, Utah State figured out some of the team’s offensive struggles, as the Aggies quickly converted a first down. Davenport followed up with a deep shot that was intercepted by Wyett Ekeler. Hoyland attempted a 55-yard field goal following the turnover, but came up wide right.

Utah State brought it closer as Calvin Tyler Jr. scored a 31-yard rushing touchdown in the third, but Wyoming responded with a 51-yard field goal by Hoyland. Entering the fourth quarter, Wyoming led 20-14. 

UW dominated the final quarter, possessing the ball for 10 minutes. With  4:11 left in the game, Swen scored a six-yard touchdown—his third of the day. The Cowboys went for two, expanding their lead to 14. UW won the game 28-14.

Swen rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns, and D.Q. James added 120 yards. UW rushed for a total of 330 yards.

The defense also had one of its best showings of the year, with the interception by Ekeler, three sacks from Harris, six sacks from the team and nine tackles from Easton Gibbs and Jordan Bertagnole.

Quarterback Andrew Peasley had a solid day on the field against his former team, finishing with 199 passing yards and 37 rushing. Wyatt Wieland had 94 passing yards.

Wyoming’s record stands at  5-3 as the team travels to Honolulu next weekend to take on the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. Another win would make the Pokes eligible for a postseason bowl game.

UW at Hawaii will kick off at 10 p.m. MDT on Oct. 29. The game will be broadcast on Spectrum Sports Hawaii Pay-Per-View and on the Cowboys Sports Network, including its 25 affiliate stations.

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