November 1, 2021 |
The Cowboys are still looking for their first conference win, but they know can score. Wyoming reached the end zone three times and Xazavian Valladay rushed for a season-high 172 yards in Saturday’s 27-21 conference loss to San Jose State.
Quarterback Levi Williams went the distance under center, putting his team in a spot for a win with their final drive and more than two minutes on the clock. Wyoming’s final drive was denied, though, by an immovable Spartan defense.
San Jose State got off to a 10-0 lead, but the scoring drought finally ended for Wyoming. The Cowboy offense put points on the board with their first touchdowns in 11 quarters on a dynamic pass play from Williams to Issaiah Nejor.
The Cowboy offense held their own against the Spartans. in many ways. Wyoming outgained San Jose State 400-388. The Pokes put up more rushing yards: 271 versus 238. The Spartans edged Wyoming on passing yards, but not by much: 150 to 129 yards. Wyoming held the advantage on time of possession by five minutes. It wasn’t quite enough for the “W.”
Wyoming Head Coach Craig Bohl said he was disappointed in the loss but was pleased with the offensive production that gave the Cowboys a shot at a win on their final possession.
Turovers were one o the difference makers. Williams threw two interceptions. San Jose State committed no turnovers. Here’s how San Jose State Head Coach Brent Brennan saw the game from his side of the field. Brennan highlighted the turnovers.
After the 4-0 start, the Cowboys have now gone 0-4. The sting of it all could be healed this Saturday at War Memorial Stadium when Wyoming Faces arch-rival CSU in the 113th edition of Border War.
The Rams come into Laramie holding the boot, but on a two game losing streak. Boise State Beat CSU 29-18 on Saturday in Fort Collins. While Wyoming is 4-4 on the season, CSU is 3-5. They do enjoy a 2-2 record in conference play. Of course, records don’t matter in the Border War. It’s all about pride and tradition.
Checking the rest of the Mountain West, Boise State, after beating CSU, is now 2-2 in conference play, good enough for third place in the Mountain Division.
Air Force enjoyed a bye-week. The Falcons remain second place in the Mountain Division with a 3-2 conference record.
Upstart Utah State remains in first place with a 51-31 win over Hawaii at Logan. The Aggies are 4-1 in Mountain West play. Their only loss was to Boise State, but they hold the wild card tie-break with the win over Air Force.
The upset of the weekend was Fresno State knocking off San Diego State. The Azetecs undefeated season came to an end. Jake Haener and the Bulldogs, coming off the win over Wyoming, defeated #21 San Diego State 30-20
Haener completed 25 of 42 passes for his sixth 300-yard game this season. Fresno State now in first place in the Pacific Division.
Border War Saturday – Wyoming and CSU kicks off in Laramie at 1:30 at War Memorial Stadium. Bigfoot 99 will be on the air at high noon with the pregame show.
