LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Graduate transfer Gardner Minshew threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns as Washington State gained a 41-19 season-opening win over Wyoming Saturday.
Minshew, who transferred from East Carolina, completed 38 of 57 attempts.
He had TD passes of 2 yards to James Williams, 6 yards to Max Borghi and 7 yards to Easop Winston. Minshew threw one interception.
Cougar coach Mike Leach had kept his starting quarterback a secret until the game started.
Williams rushed 16 times for 82 yards and one score for Washington State (1-0). He also caught 10 passes for 53 yards.
Wyoming (1-1) was led by Nico Evans, who ran for 89 yards and a touchdown.
The Cowboys offense was limited to 206 total yards, including just 67 passing yards.
Wyoming led 16-13 at the half but managed only a 30-yard field goal in the second half.
The Cowboys hurt themselves with penalties, committing 13 infractions for 109 yards.
THE TAKEWAY
Washington State: Entered the game having lost seven straight season-openers played on the road. The Cougars’ last season-opening win on the road was in 2004 when they beat New Mexico 21-17.
Wyoming: The Cowboys have lost 13 straight games against Power 5 conference opponents. Their last victory against a Power 5 team was in 2007 when they beat Tennessee 13-7.
