University of Wyoming quarterback Sean Chambers, right, stiff arms a defender while scrambling upfield during the season opener against the University of Missouri on Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. The Pokes defeated Missouri 37-31 to start the season 1-0. Michael Cummo/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
University of Wyoming quarterback Sean Chambers, right, stiff arms a defender while scrambling upfield during the season opener against the University of Missouri on Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. The Pokes defeated Missouri 37-31 to start the season 1-0. Michael Cummo/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
LARAMIE -- What fans, players and coaches had to say during and after the University of Wyoming's 37-31 season-opening victory over Missouri in front of 26,037 at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium.
Things didn't get off to a good start for UW as Missouri scored touchdowns on its first two possessions and led 14-0 after the first quarter. UW went three-and-out on its first two possessions, and had only one first down in the opening quarter.
Play to win or play not to lose? Quite a contrast.
Then things started to pick up for the Cowboys as they scored 27 points in the second quarter. One of those touchdowns was a 75-yard run by redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Chambers.
Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr even chimed in after that.
"Sean Chambers is my hero," Orr said via Twitter.
UW led 27-17 at halftime, and former Cowboys defensive lineman Mike Purcell was quite pleased. Purcell also was pleased because he made the Denver Broncos' 53-man roster.
The Cowboys had some calls reversed after video replay in the game. One was a touchdown pass from Chambers to senior wide receiver Austin Conway in the third quarter. Conway was ruled down at the 1-yard line. UW ended up scoring later on a 1-yard touchdown run by graduate senior running back Trey Smith.
One former UW player wasn't happy about all the replay reversals for the Cowboys.
So the refs are single handily trying to give MIZZOU every opportunity to stay in this game? #GoPokes
Former UW safety Andrew Wingard made the Jacksonville Jaguars' 53-man roster. The Cowboys' second all-time leading tackler was proud of his former team, and should have been proud of his replacement -- senior Alijah Halliburton -- who had a game-high 17 tackles. That also was a career best.
This was, at very least, one of the biggest victories in the Craig Bohl era as coach at UW. He said after the game a win like this one helps define a program. He also said it was good to see his team beat a Power 5 team despite the Cowboys' shortcomings, such as 92 yards passing and going 4 of 13 on third down.
"What's great is we beat a SEC team, a good SEC team, and we didn't play our best football," Bohl said.
As you would expect, the mood and feeling in the Missouri locker room was quite different.
"Obviously very disappointed and devoted for all the people that have invested getting to this opportunity," Missouri coach Barry Odom said. "A credit to Wyoming and coach Bohl, who had a wonderful game plan. They capitalized on turnovers (three that resulted in 17 UW points). ... I hate this for my guys. The challenge of looking in the mirror and realizing the reality of what took place, making corrections, quit talking about it all starts with me."
Finally, Chambers posted this on his Twitter account after the game.
THANK YOU TO THE FANS WHO CAME OUT TONIGHT. GO POKES THIS ONES FOR YOU ðŸ¤
