Arizona State Outclasses Cowboys in 48-7 Opening-Night Rout

* A University of Wyoming press release contributed to this report

TEMPE, Ariz., --  A pair of early turnovers were too much for the Cowboys to overcome in a 48-7 loss to Big-12 foe Arizona State in the 2024 season opener inside Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on Saturday evening.

It was the first meeting between the two schools since 1977.

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Arizona State recorded 499 yards of total offense in the contest and held Wyoming to only 118 yards of total offense. ASU passed for 258 yards and recorded 27 first downs in the game and did not record a turnover in the contest.

Wyoming quarterback Evan Svoboda tossed an interception into the arms of ASU linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu on the second play from scrimmage. The redshirt junior returned it 29 yards for a touchdown.

"We took a gut punch on the second play of the game, and we didn't really recover and respond the way that we needed to respond," said Jay Sawvel, who was making his Wyoming coaching debut Saturday night in Tempe.

Svoboda, who was playing less than 10 miles from his hometown of Mesa, connected on just 6-of-15 passes for 42 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Kaden Anderson in the fourth quarter.

Wyoming’s offense was paced by 43 yards by DJ Jones at running back. Sam Scott added 26 yards on the ground. Chris Durr Jr. added a team-high three catches and a touchdown from Anderson. Tight end Nick Miles, who got the start in favor of an injured John Michael Gyllenborg (ankle), added a career-high two catches.

The Cowboy defense was led by safeties Isaac White and Wyett Ekeler each added nine tackles. Wyoming's defense gave up 499 yards of total offense, including 241 on the ground.

Sun Devil quarterback Sam Leavitt added 258 yards passing with two scores in his first-career collegiate start. He also added 47 yards on the ground.

The Cowboys will open the home portion of the schedule next Saturday hosting Idaho inside War Memorial Stadium for a 1:30 p.m. start on truTV. It will be a Gold Out as fans are encouraged to wear gold to the game.

Team Notes

• The Cowboys opened the Jay Sawvel era of Cowboy Football on Saturday at Arizona State.

• Head coach Jay Sawvel is a native of Barnesville, Ohio a town of 4,000 people. The town also produced former Arizona State head coach Larry Marmie, who helped Sawvel earn his first job at Eastern Kentucky University.

• As the Wyoming Cowboys opened their 128th season of college football, the Pokes record in season openers stands at: 80-46-2. The Cowboys are 20-28-1 in road games to begin the season.

• The Cowboys in Season-Opening Games on the Road (49 Games) 20-28-1

• UW vs. Non-Conference Opponents in Season Openers 66-29-1

• UW’s record vs. Non-Conference Opponents on the Road in Season Openers 15-18-0

• The Cowboys and Sun Devils met for the 16th time on Saturday. It was the first meeting since Nov. 5, 1977.

• The Cowboys are 6-9 against the Sun Devils all-time and are 2-8 in Tempe.

Offensive Notes

• Quarterback Evan Svoboda made his second career start. He also earned a start on the road at top-25 Texas last season.

• Running back DJ Jones made his first career start in the Brown and Gold.

• Jones rushed for 43 yards on 17 carries

• Wide receiver Chris Durr recorded a catch in the first half. It was the first of his career. He also caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter for the first of his career. He led the team with three catches for 16 yards.

• Tight end Nick Miles recorded a career-high two catches on the night

Defensive Notes

• Defensive end Braden Siders recorded a sack in the second quarter for the 11th of his career.

• Defensive end Tyce Westland recorded a sack, his first of the season and the first for UW this season in the first quarter. It was the first solo sack of his career.

• Safety Issac White recorded nine tackles along with his tandem partner Wyett Ekeler also added nine tackles.

• Cornerback Tyrecus Davis added six tackles.

• Linebacker Conner Shay recorded a career-high eight tackles.

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