Despite injury, inconsistency Peasley tabbed starter in Albuquerque

LARAMIE -- In case you were wondering, Andrew Peasley will be the Cowboys starting quarterback when the team travels to Albuquerque to take on New Mexico Saturday night. according to head coach Craig Bohl.

Why is that even a question?

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The junior was forced out of action on the team's first offensive snap of the game in a 33-16 home loss to San Jose State after re-aggravating a hip injury he sustained a week prior.

Jayden Clemons stepped under center for three plays before the Utah State transfer trotted back to the huddle.

Peasley went on to complete just 6-of-20 throws for 85 yards. He tossed a pair of touchdowns -- A 38-yard strike to Wyatt Weiland and another to tight end Parker Christensen from 13 yards out -- but a deflected interception on the opening possession of the second half helped the Spartans build an insurmountable 26-10 lead.

Peasley wasn't made available to the media after Saturday night's setback. Bohl sent him right to the trainer's room.

"I was concerned because he was diagnosed with a hip pointer," Bohl said. "There's different degrees, but he was able to maintain that."

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While the passing numbers weren't pretty -- Bohl added the UW signal caller was forced to throw a number of passes away because of sustained pressure from SJSU's front seven -- Peasley did show off his wheels in the running game.

Not only did the Oregon product lead the team in rushing with 74 yards on seven attempts, he also gave the Cowboys a spark with a 61-yard run in the third quarter. That was the longest rush from scrimmage for the team this season.

"We were in the midst of some really choppy water and he made a big, big run and showed his speed," Bohl said. "He does have excellent speed, but we're trying to limit the number of hits he takes. I mean, he turned the field over. I think we scored right after that so that gives you an idea of his athleticism and then also his competitiveness."

Bohl was asked about utilizing Peasley more in the running game after the loss in Provo. Bohl quipped that he's not "235 pounds."

Peasley is currently the Cowboys second-leading rusher with 228 yards on 38 carries.

Bohl said he thought about reinserting Clemons into the lineup last Saturday but ultimately decided against it. Does he have faith the Utah transfer can get the job done if need be?

"I applaud him because he's come in, he's worked hard and he's earned a scholarship. He's our No. 2 guy. I thought he threw a nice ball to Josh Cobbs," Bohl said of a 25-yard strike on that initial drive. "There's some other things when he did play that he's got to work on. And those are things that maybe to an average fan, or members of the media, may not see ...

"Jayden did some good things, but Andrew will be our quarterback going into this game. We're going to continue to look at Jayden."

Though he has shown flashes under center, Peasley has completed single-digit passes in two of Wyoming's first six outings. He connected on just 5-of-20 throws in the season opener at Illinois. He racked up just 30 yards through the air in that 38-6 loss. He also threw a pick.

Peasley bounced back during the Pokes' three-game winning streak, completing 57-of-80 attempts for 460 yards and three touchdowns. Since, he's hit on just 20 of his 47 tries for 239 yards. He has tossed four touchdowns, though, in consecutive losses.

Wyoming currently ranks ninth in the Mountain West in the passing game category, averaging 142.7 yards per game through the air. Peasley is completing just under 55% of his throws.

New Mexico, the Cowboys' next opponent, allows 242.4 passing yards per outing.

Wyoming and New Mexico will meet for the 75th time in the series history Saturday night in Albuquerque. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Mountain Time and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.