Pokes Survive Cougar Comeback Effort

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- Wyoming jumped out to a 13-point lead in the first half and held off a late comeback attempt by the Cougars, eeking out a 13-10 victory over BYU Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.

The Cougars forced Wyoming to punt with just under two minutes left in the game and took over at their own 10-yard line, trailing 13-10. BYU then drove down to the Wyoming 30-yard line after completing passes to Toby Christensen, Philip Niu and Jason Kukahiko. But Matt Berry, who made his first start in four games, had a tipped pass intercepted, ending the Cougars' comeback bid.

Coach Crowton said he was pleased with the adjustments his team made after halftime, and the resolve they showed even though they came up short.

"The guys showed a lot of heart," Crowton said. "They fought hard coming back. They didn't quit on us. And now we just have to go into next week and get a win. We've got to start winning again."

BYU's defense played a good game, holding the Mountain West Conference's leading passer, Casey Bramlet, to just 143 yards passing with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Coming into the game, Bramlet had thrown only two interceptions all season. John Denney led the Cougar defense, recording one sack and an interception.

Wyoming got on the board first, scoring on a 42-yard field goal by Deric Yaussi. BYU drove inside the Wyoming 20-yard line and attempted a field goal that would have tied the game, but Matt Payne missed the field goal attempt.

The Cowboys would add a field goal and a touchdown to take a 13-0 lead in the first half. The touchdown came on a 53-yard interception return of a John Beck pass by Tyler Gottschalk.

BYU would get on the board in the third quarter on a 44-yard field goal by Payne. On the drive, the Cougars drove to the Wyoming 14-yard line, but the drive stalled after Berry fumbled the ball, setting up a third and 18 from the Wyoming 25-yard line, which BYU didn't convert.

The Cougars pulled to within three points on a two-yard plunge by Fahu Tahi. BYU drove 66-yards on the drive, and Matt Berry completed 5 of 7 passes for 55 yards. Berry finished the game 22 for 37 for 220 yards and two interceptions.