Broncos Battle Back to Top Cowboys

Quick Take

An even matchup that was a good low-scoring game. Boise State came through late while Wyoming did not as the Cowboys fell in overtime.

The Recap

Wyoming got the ball to start. The Cowboys managed a few first downs, but Boise State forced a punt. Once the Broncos had the ball, they quickly marched 92 yards down the field for a TD on a 5 yd pass to Akilian Butler.

Things would settle down for a bit as the teams exchanged 4 punts. After a good punt return by Austin Conway set Wyoming up with the ball at midfield, Wyoming would drive down the field 47 yards for a TD to tie the game on a 3 yd run from Tyler Vander Waal.

Wyoming would force a three-and-out on the next Broncos possession. Wyoming would march down the field again for a field goal to take the lead at the half.

To start the 2nd half, a couple of punts were exchanged. However, on the 3rd drive of the 2nd half, Boise State would march down the field for a game-tying field goal.

After a Wyoming punt, Boise State would fumble the ball on their own 36 yard line. Wyoming would capitalize again on the good field position, scoring a TD on a 21 yard run from Xazavian Valladay.

Again the game became a defensive struggle as the teams exchanged four consecutive punts. However, Boise State would put together a clutch drive midway through the 4th quarter, going 57 yards for a TD to tie the game on a 5 yd run from Khalil Shakir.

Wyoming responded with a solid drive, making it all the way to the Boise State 39. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, the Boise State defense came up with a big stop on 4th & 1 with 36 seconds left in the 4th quarter.

Now, the Cowboys were needing to keep Boise State from getting a winning score before regulation expired. On 3rd & 12 from the Boise State 48, Logan Wilson intercepted Chase Cord and took the ball back to the Boise State 44. Too far for a field goal, Tyler Vander Waal attempted an end zone heave with just 3 seconds remaining, but Boise State broke up the hail mary to force overtime.

In overtime, Boise State started with the ball, but Wyoming stopped Boise State at the 11. Eric Sachse would nail the 28 yard field goal to give Boise State the lead.

On Wyoming’s possession, they would three-and-out at the 21. Cooper Rothe would miss the 38 yard field goal.

Game over.

Wyoming 17, Boise State 20

Final Thoughts

Congrats to Boise State. This was a good game, and it could have gone differently if: (1) Wyoming converts on 4th & 1 late in the game, (2) the hail mary attempt had worked out, and (3) Rothe made the field goal in overtime to force a 2nd overtime. In any event, it was a good effort for a Cowboys team that was 2 touchdown underdogs on the road.

Beyond that, dreams of a MWC Championship game appearance for the Cowboys are in serious trouble. Boise State controls their own destiny to win the Mountain Division. At this point, Wyoming most likely is fighting for a bowl game and the quality of their bowl game. At 6-3, Wyoming could still have a very good season. Vander Waal did a good job, and the offense was solid while the defense played very well. If the Cowboys play like this the final three games of the season, Wyoming should be in all of their remaining games and could be sitting at 2nd in the Mountain Division, waiting/hoping for Boise State to stumble to possibly get back into the championship game picture.