The Wyoming Cowboys gave the No. 2 Oregon Ducks a scare in the first quarter before Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota took over during the second frame. Oregon entered halftime with a 27-7 lead.
But an opponent can never underestimate a team lead by Craig Bohl.
During Bohl’s final four seasons at FCS-power North Dakota State, the Bison beat Kansas, Minnesota, Colorado State and Kansas State. Bohl is looking for his first marquee win as the head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys, and he preferred it came at the expense of the No. 2 Oregon Ducks.
The Ducks had their hands full with the visiting Cowboys during the opening frame. Wyoming took an early 7-0 lead on an 18-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Gentry from quarterback Colby Kirkegaard.Oregon shut out in the 1st quarter by Wyoming. The last 4 times the Ducks were shut out in 1st quarter (since 2011 season) they lost.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 13, 2014
Mariota responded during the first play of the second quarter. The quarterback bolted 15 yards to find pay dirt.
It was Mariota’s next touchdown run, though, which ignited the Ducks’ offense. With Oregon leading 13-7, Mariota rolled to his right and took off toward the end zone before he showed Oregon fans his best impersonation of Superman. The lead was extended to 27-7 before the half when Mariota found Devon Allen in the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown connection. Mariota finished the half with 149 passing yards and 58 rushing yards.
Wyoming simply doesn’t have the athletes on either side of the ball to keep up with the Ducks. The Cowboys executed their game plan in the first half. Bohl’s team held the ball for over 20 minutes. But they only managed one score. Wyoming will have to play mistake-free football and slow Oregon’s offense in the second half to have a chance against Mariota and his Ducks.