Wyoming players exit the field after falling to Eastern Michigan 34-33

LARAMIE, Wy. — A 72 yard touchdown pass by quarterback Josh Jallen late in the 4th quarter gave Wyoming a 33-28 lead over Eastern Michigan with 38 seconds left in the game. However, it wasn’t enough to defeat Eagles. On their ensuing drive, Eastern Michigan’s quarterback delivered a 74 yard touchdown strike to seal the game for the Eagles, stunning once elated Wyoming players and fans.

Eastern Michigan struck first, capping a 12 play, 68 yard drive with a 22 yard touchdown pass. However, on the next play from scrimmage, Wyoming running back Ivory Winters ripped off a 75 yard touchdown run, evening the score at 7-7. Then, after forcing an Eastern Michigan three-and-out, Wyoming punt returner Drew Bishop ran the punt all the way back for a touchdown, putting Wyoming ahead 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

On the first play from scrimmage of the second quarter, the Wyoming defense was burned, giving up a 75 yard touchdown pass, which tied the score. The Wyoming offense responded, marching down the field on a 10 play, 75 yard drive, capped off by a 24 yard touchdown pass by Josh Jallen. A 34 yard field goal by Wyoming kicker Kareem Hunt later in the half gave Wyoming a 24-14 lead at the half.

A Kareem Hunt 35 yard field goal on Wyoming’s first drive of the third quarter gave the Cowboys their largest lead of the game at 27-14. However, Eastern Michigan took control of the game from that point forward. A 16 yard Eastern Michigan touchdown pass made the score 27-21.

The fourth quarter started uneventfully, and Wyoming seemed poised to control the game after receiving the ball on their own 35 with just under six minutes to play. However, the Cowboys were stuffed on 3 consecutive runs, losing 11 yards. Kareem Hunt punted the ball to the Eastern Michigan 36 with just over three minutes left in the game. Eastern Michigan marched down the field and scored on an 11 yard run with one minute remaining. The PAT was good, giving Eastern Michigan a 28-27 lead.

After a touchback and a three yard pass, Josh Jallen made what most spectators thought would be the play of the game. Pressured from his left side, Jallen scrambled to his right and found a wide open receiver streaking down the field towards the end zone. Jallen fired while being hit from behind, but managed to deliver the ball perfectly to his open receiver for a 72 yard touchdown. After a failed two-point conversion, Wyoming led Eastern Michigan 33-28 with 38 seconds remaining.

That lead didn’t last. Despite pinning the Eagles on their own 10, a blown coverage enabled the Eastern Michigan quarterback to deliver a 74 yard touchdown strike, shocking Wyoming coaches, players, and fans. A failed two-point conversion left Eastern Michigan with a one point lead, 34-33, with only 16 seconds remaining. After getting the ball back and a short pass, Wyoming attempted a hook-and-ladder play that failed miserably, and Eastern Michigan emerged victorious.

After the game, Wyoming head coach Pary Ginkle accidentally admitted to potentially paying recruits. The NFCAA is currently investigating these allegations. Ginkle later apologized for his “poorly timed joke”.

Wyoming falls to 0-3 after the loss. They take on Penn State next Week. Eastern Michigan improves to 1-2.