2003 Week 2

STILLWATER, Oklahoma - Few expected much of a contest here in Stillwater Saturday, most predicting that Oklahoma State would have its way with overmatched Wyoming. Given such low expectations, it is safe to say that today's 38 - 35 win came as somewhat of a surprise to many Cowboy faithful. Just ask Wyoming head coach Joe Glenn.

"I was as surprised as anyone," Glenn admitted after the game. "Not that we won, because I know these kids, and I know how much heart this team has. No, I was surprised that we gave up as many points as we did, and as quickly as we did, and still won. That shows just how resilient these kids are."

To say that Oklahoma State scored quickly is a massive understatement. The Cowboys in orange had the ball for a total of 8:29 the entire game, put up 35 points, and still had time to punt twice. Their five scoring drives took just over six minutes, total. Oklahoma State scored four points for every minute they had the ball.

"Our inability to stop the passing game wasn't for a lack of effort, that's for sure," Glenn explained. "We were running two deep nickel and dime coverage almost the whole game. We just don't have the speed or personnel in the secondary to match up with Rashaun and D'Juan (Woods, Oklahoma State's talented sibling wideouts)."

Wyoming doesn't have the personnel at the line of scrimmage, either. With almost no pressure, Oklahoma State quarterback Josh Fields had plenty of time to find one of the Woods brothers streaking past the coverage for a big gain. The Oklahoma State offensive line did not allow a sack, and gave Fields enough time to complete 14 passes for 410 yards, an average of almost 30 yards a completion.

Of course, as anyone who saw the game can attest, Wyoming was able to move the ball as well, though in substantially fewer yards at a time.

Senior running back Derek Armah was a workhorse, gaining 114 yards on just 18 carries, including two short touchdowns. Quarterback Casey Bramlet did the rest, completing more than 70% of his passes for the second week in a row, and throwing for more than 400 yards on 34 completions. His primary target was sophomore Jovon Bouknight, who collected Player of the Game honors with a 12 reception, 226 yard performance.

None of that would have mattered, of course, had Wyoming not been able to limit the scoring opportunities for Oklahoma State. As it turned out, the best defense was the consistent offense.

"We came into the game wanting to control the clock," Glenn said. "I'm an old school guy. I like to run the ball, and keep the defense honest with high percentage passes. We were able to do that today, and move down the field when it mattered most."

With the win, the Cowboys move to 2 - 0 on the season. Wyoming will be at home next Saturday, 9/13/03 to face the Kansas Jayhawks.