Wyoming edges UTEP in El Paso

Wyoming defeated the UTEP Miners 27-15 on Saturday night in El Paso, securing the team's sixth consecutive victory. Landon Sims, starting in place of the injured Tyler Hughes, threw for 289 yards and one touchdown in his first career start. Samuel Harris rushed for 66 yards and a score while adding four receptions for 82 yards and another touchdown.

The Cowboys entered the game tied with No. 23 New Mexico atop the Mountain West Conference standings. New Mexico fell 21-17 to UNLV earlier in the day, leaving Wyoming in sole possession of the top spot at 7-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play. UTEP dropped to 1-9 overall and 0-6 in the conference, marking its eighth straight loss.

Raymond Moore III opened the scoring with an 80-yard rushing touchdown less than seven minutes after kickoff. UTEP responded with a 93-yard drive capped by a 3-yard pass from running back Markell Holman to Landon Pace. The throw gave the Miners a 7-6 lead and marked the first touchdown pass by a non-quarterback for Wyoming since Austin Conway threw to Josh Allen in 2016.

Wyoming regained the lead late in the first quarter. After a Miners three-and-out, punter Brady Braun muffed the snap on the following play. Sims then connected with Harris on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 1:26 remaining in the period. The lead held through the rest of the game as Kyle Frendt added four receptions for 113 yards for the Cowboys.

Moore finished the game 11-of-19 passing for 89 yards and 164 rushing yards on 20 carries. Wyoming will host New Mexico on Friday. UTEP travels to Air Force for its next matchup on the same day.