Cowboys Run Over Spartans

Some Wyoming Trivia

Prior to this game, San Jose State was the only team in the Mountain West that Wyoming had never beaten in conference play. Likewise, they were the only team in the Mountain West that Craig Bohl had yet to beat since becoming head coach at Wyoming. Wyoming was 0-3 versus San Jose State since the Spartans had joined the conference. Craig Bohl was 0-2, including a surprising loss to the Spartans last season. That Spartans monkey is finally off the Cowboys back.

The Recap

Wyoming took the opening kickoff, and marched down the field for a field goal. From that point on, Wyoming held the lead in this game.

San Jose State would three-and-out with a punt on their first possession. Wyoming would drive down the field again, but would miss the field goal this time. San Jose State followed up with another punt on a three-and-out. On Wyoming’s third possession, they looked on the verge of a three-and-out themselves when this happened.

On the very next play, that mistake would cost the Spartans 7 points.

After another three-and-out and punt from San Jose State, Wyoming drove down the field again. This time, San Jose State forced a turnover deep in the redzone to prevent any points.

From that point on, the two teams exchanged punts before Wyoming went into the half up 10 to 0. At the half, San Jose State had only managed 2 first downs to that point of the game.

However, that changed coming out of the half. San Jose State took the kickoff and drove down the field to the Wyoming 9 yard line before settling for a field goal.

Wyoming quickly responded with a TD on their next drive.

After that, things settled down for a little bit again. San Jose State would punt. Wyoming saw a drive stall on downs at the San Jose State 37 after a failed 4th and 1 attempt. San Jose State would return the favor by turning the ball over on downs on their next possession after failing on 4th and 2 from the Wyoming 18.

However, Wyoming would lose the ball on their next drive, giving San Jose State great field position.

The Spartans capitalized by finally getting into the endzone.

After a missed extra point, the score was 17 - 9, Wyoming. With 8:48 left in the game, the Spartans had reason for renewed hope. However, the Spartans could not stop the Cowboys. Wyoming ran off 7:39 of the remaining clock while slowly moving the chains down the field without attempting a pass. That is, until this play iced the game.

Time ran out on the next San Jose State drive, and the game was over. San Jose State 9, Wyoming 24.

Thoughts

This might sound cocky, but Wyoming probably should have won this game by more than they did. Wyoming lost the turnover battle, 2 to 0. Those came on a couple of fumbles. If Wyoming cleans that up, Wyoming probably wins by a score of 31 to 3.

Beyond the turnovers, Wyoming absolutely imposed their will against San Jose State on the ground. Wyoming out-rushed San Jose State, 424 yards to 71 yards. For the third week in a row, Sean Chambers had 100 yards or more of rushing. This week, 129 yards and a TD. Likewise, Nico Evans was over 100 yards for the third week in a row. This week, 187 yards and a TD. This Cowboys offense has finally found an identity with Chambers at QB.

The defense played lights out and may have held San Jose State without a TD if not for a turnover by the Cowboys offense on the Wyoming side of the field.

Now entering a bye week, this Wyoming team is suddenly a solid football team again. If Wyoming rests up and continues to improve, Wyoming has a real shot at finishing 6-6. Remaining games after the bye include a home game against Air Force and a road game at New Mexico.