The Wyoming Cowboys are now 0-2 for the 2012 season following a 34-31 home loss to the Toledo Rockets (1-1) of the Mid-American Conference. There was just too much MACtion for the Cowboys to handle on Saturday afternoon.
Wyoming came out throwing on the first drive of the game. Quarterback Brett Smith (20-of-28, 339 yards) threw passes of 35 and 38 yards, the latter going to Dominic Rufran for a touchdown. Late in the first quarter, Smith found Jalen Claiborne for a 19-yard touchdown, which put the Cowboys in a 14-3 lead.
Toledo came charging back in the second quarter with Terrance Owens throwing two touchdown passes, including a 35-yard one to Bernard Reedy. Wyoming kicker Stewart Williams, though, closed out the half with two field goals -- the 42-yarder putting the Cowboys up at halftime, 20-17.
The second half quickly turned away from the Cowboys, as Owens and Reedy hooked up again for a second 35-yard touchdown. Jeremiah Dyer added a 30-yard field goal to increase the lead to 27-20. Williams cut it to a 27-23 deficit just seconds into the fourth quarter, but Owens found James Green for a four-yard touchdown pass to pick up a larger cushion, 34-23.
Wyoming's Chris McNeill had to replace Brett Smith, who was hit numerous times, and threw a late touchdown pass, but the Cowboys failed to get any farther than 34-31.
Wyoming will host the Cal Poly Mustangs next Saturday. Toledo hosts Bowling Green at the Glass Bowl in one week.
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