LARAMIE, Wyo. — Wyoming football coach Joe Glenn knows where Utah State's offensive bread is buttered.
During the week leading up to Wyoming's season-opener with Utah State, Glenn made it very clear that if his team wanted to be successful, it would have to stop the trio of Kevin Robinson, Tony Pennyman and Leon Jackson III.
The Aggies made the Cowboys' job of defending them rather easy in the 38-7 loss Saturday.
Pennyman, who entered the game with a streak of at least four catches in 10 straight games, was held to two catches for 13 yards. Robinson finished with three catches for 41 yards (33 of those came on one play in the final quarter), extending his streak to 18 games with at least two receptions.
In the first half alone, Robinson and Pennyman touched the ball three times — and only one of those came on offense with a Pennyman catch for six yards.
Glenn was surprised that Wyoming was able to hold down Pennyman and Robinson.
"Absolutely," Glenn said. "Those guys had 106 catches between the two of them last year. We have young corners and they did a great job and held up good."
Jackson, whom Glenn called a throwback because of his ability to run, pass and punt, completed 10-of-22 passes for 74 yards with one interception. It was his first interception in 64 attempts dating back to last season.
The 10 completions were the fewest by the Aggies since 1999, when they had 10 against Idaho.
Jackson was sacked just one time. He also rushed for eight yards.
TAYLOR SIDELINED: Defensive end Ryan Taylor separated his shoulder on the opening kickoff and missed the remainder of the game. He played in 10 games last year but missed all but three the year before with an injured elbow.
TAYLOR II: Antonio Taylor's 45-yard interception return for a touchdown was the first interception for a score since Toriano Taulogo returned one against New Mexico State in 2004.
COWBOY KICKING: Glenn raved about kickers Aric Goodman and Jake Scott. Both made three lengthy field goals in the Cowboys' final scrimmage, making it difficult for Glenn to make a decision on the starter. Goodman eventually earned the job but went just 1-of-3 in field-goal attempts Saturday.
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS: The Cowboys averaged 37.7 percent in third-down conversions a year ago. On Saturday, they were 7-of-13, while the Aggies were an abysmal 1-of-12.
MAKING THE STOPS: Devon Hall led the Aggies with eight tackles, while Jake Hutton added seven and Ben Calderwood six. Chris James and Paul Igboeli added fumble recoveries.
GIVING IT THE BOOT: The Aggies punted 10 times (eight by Jackson) for an average of 35.3 yards. The Aggies punted 10 times in 1994 in their loss to Middle Tennessee.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com