Leading 20-0, Utah's defense set up another scoring drive before the half. On Wyoming's next possession, Derrick Shelby tipped a pass by Sween and defensive line mate Greg Newman picked it off it on the Ute 37.

Fifteen plays and just over six minutes later, Utah's lead swelled to 27 points. A 3-yard touchdown run by Matt Asiata concluded the drive with five seconds to go in the half.

The inclement weather that was forecasted arrived in the form of gusty winds that intensified midway through the second quarter and grew stronger during the break, dropping the windchill factor to 24 degrees during Wyoming's halftime festivities for homecoming.

After opening the third quarter with an exchange of punts, Utah braved the winds with a scoring drive consisting of two Brian Johnson passes — a 41-yard completion to Freddie Brown and a 13-yard scoring strike to Asiata.

Sakoda then added his fourth PAT to make it 34-0 with 10:36 left to play in the third quarter. The All-American later had trouble fielding a snap and had a career-low 9-yard punt in the breezy conditions. Utah averted trouble, though, when Smith intercepted Sween for the second time — this one in the end zone on fourth down.

He returned it 31 yards against the nation's most turnover plagued team.

The Cowboys, who have now turned the ball over 27 times this season, eventually had something to cheer about. Midway through the fourth quarter, reserve quarterback Chris Stutzriem teamed with wide receiver Greg Bolling on an 18-yard touchdown pass. It was Wyoming's first TD in conference play this season. The Cowboys had been outscored 125-3 over 15 1/2 quarters before the scoring strike.

Wyoming coach Joe Glenn said it is something his team (2-5, 0-4) can build upon.

Utah countered the touchdown with 3:19 left play when Tashaun Gipson of the Cowboys fumbled a punt return and R.J. Rice pounced on it in the end zone.

It closed out all scoring in the wild, windy contest.

"If you look at it, their special teams scored two touchdowns and we threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. That's 21 points," Glenn said. "I thought we did a pretty good job against their offense. You can't give up three touchdowns when the defense is not on the field."

The Utes, however, took a different perspective,

"Special teams were big today. They're big in every game," Key said. "We just pride ourselves on special teams and being good."

As for Utah's offense, Whittingham said the weather had a lot to do with the final numbers. The Utes wound up with 242 yards and 11 first downs. Wyoming finished with 252 and 14.

What really pleased Whittingham was a lack of penalties and turnovers. The Utes had only three penalties (none until late in the fourth quarter) and for the first time this season they didn't turn the ball over.

"We put a huge emphasis on ball security in the last two weeks," Johnson said. "And I think it's showing up now."

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com