• Contest will be televised on The CW
Jay Sawvel Weekly Press Conference
The Cowboys head to the Palouse for the first time since 2015 to close the season against Washington State on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. MT. It is the first meeting between the schools since 2019. It will be the first time since 2001 that the Cowboys will close the season against a non-conference opponent Wyoming played at Kansas that season.
The contest will be televised on The CW with Ted Robinson classing the action and Ryan Leaf analyzing and Nigel Burton on the sidelines. The game will be broadcast live on radio over the 26 affiliate stations of the Cowboy Sports Network, as Keith Kelly will be on the call alongside Kevin McKinney.
Third-Down Defense: The Cowboy third-down defense this season has been outstanding. The Pokes hold opponents to 27 percent on the season to rank third in the nation and first in the Mountain West. Against Boise State, the Cowboys held Boise State to 1-of-10 on third down, as the Broncos came in ranking in the top-three in the nation averaging 53 percent on third down. For the season, Wyoming has held opponents to four or less in every game but one this season. If you take out the season opener (ASU 8/15) the Cowboys are holding opponent to 20 percent on third-down.
Getting Defensive: The Wyoming defensive was on point against one of the nation’s top outfits in Boise State. Wyoming held Boise State to 140 yards below their season average of total offense. Wyoming held Boise State to 1-of-10 on third down and the Broncos were held to 26 points below their season average. It was a season-low in scoring for the Broncos and the fewest points they have scored since scoring 16 on Sept. 9,2023 against Central Florida.
Hoyland from Deep: Wyoming kicker John Hoyland showed off his leg against Boise State. He was 2-of-3 on field goals including a season-long 54 yarder. He had a 49-yard kick last week at Colorado State. He is now 12-of-16 this season in field goals and is 11-of-12 inside the 50-yard line.
Stevenson Shows Out: Wide receiver Justin Stevenson had a career game against Boise State. He had a career-high four catches for a career-high 82 yards. He also added his third touchdown of the season. He added a career-long 63-yard reception to set up a field goal for the Pokes in the fourth quarter. He has 15 receptions for 191 yards this season.
Getting to the Quarterback: A pair of Cowboy veteran recorded a pair of sacks against Boise State. Linebacker Shae Suiaunoa recorded his first of the season on a third-down and DeVonne Harris recorded the second of the season and 14th of his career that would help the Cowboys hold Boise State to a field goal to close the first half.
Shay Closing Out Career Strong: Linebacker Connor Shay is finishing his career strong with the Cowboys. He has led Wyoming in tackles in back-to-back games. He has 18 in the last two games with a career-high 12 against Colorado State and six against Boise State.
Sargent and Chunk Plays: Wide Receiver Jaylen Sargent has been the king of the chunk plays through the air for the Cowboys this season. He had a 31-yard reception and a 41-yard reception against Boise State. Over his last three games, Sargent has six catches of 30-yards or more yards.
Harrison Since Return: Cowboy running back Harrison Waylee has now appeared in three games for the Poke since his return from injury. He has recorded 254 rushing yards on 51 carries for five yards per rush and adds 84.7 yards per game.
Ferrell Closing Out Strong: Running back Jamri Ferrell is closing his career strong for the Pokes. Over his last three games, Ferrell has recorded 201 yards on 37 carries for 5.4 per rush.
Chunk Plays for the Pokes: The Cowboys were on point holding onto the ball, moving the chains against Boise State. Wyoming had eight chunk plays with four catches of 15 or more yards and four rushes of 10 or more yards in the contest. Those chunk plays combined for 213 yards of the total offense output of 319 yards against the No. 12 Broncos.
Holding onto the Ball: Wyoming held a 34:04-25:56 in time of possession against Boise State. It was the fourth time in the last five games with over 34 minutes of possession. Wyoming had a season-high 37 minute of possession against New Mexico. For the season Wyoming has the advantage on the season holding onto the ball 30:34 to 29:26.
Playing Discipline Football: The Cowboys head into the contest at Washington State averaging 5.5 penalties per game to rank third in the Mountain West this season. Wyoming has had five or fewer penalties in five games this season.
A Note on Third Quarter Defense: The Cowboy defense has been solid in the third quarter during conference play. In fact, Wyoming allowed only 20 points in the quarter in seven conference games. That number is 2.8 point allowed in the quarter this season.
Tough Schedule: The Cowboys have played a tough schedule this season. In fact, Wyoming has played three opponents that are in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff in Arizona State, BYU and Boise State. Colorado State and Washington State have also been in the polls or received votes this season. When Wyoming faces Washington State it will mark the eighth team that is Bowl Eligible that the Brown and Gold has played this season,
Former Cowboy Coaches on Other Sideline: Familiar faces will be across the field when the Cowboys take on Washington State. Former Cowboy defensive coordinator Jake Dickert was with Wyoming from 2017 to 2019 coaching safeties his first two seasons and served as defensive coordinator in 2019. Pete Kalgis was an assistant coach for Wyoming. He spent 13 seasons at Wyoming. During his time in Laramie, Kaligis served multiple roles, beginning with offensive line coach (2009), adding running backs and assistant head coach duties in 2012, offensive coordinator/running backs/assistant head coach in 2013, then transitioned to the other side of the ball in 2014, spending six years working with defensive tackles, then added defensive run game coordinator duties for his final two seasons. Other staff members include former Director of Operations Brent Vernon and Justin Mesa along with former strength coach Ben Iannacchione. On the flip side, Wyoming defensive tackle coach Jeff Phelps spent time at Washington State with Wyoming native Mike Leach.
About Washington State
The Cougars (8-3) were No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings two weeks ago before losing 38-35 at New Mexico and 41-38 at Oregon State. Washington State is 5-0 at home this season.
John Mateer has completed 64% of his passes for 2,957 yards with 28 touchdowns (tied for fifth in the FBS) and six touchdowns. The dyanamic dual-threat sophomore also leads the team with 770 rushing yards and has run for 14 touchdowns, which is a single-season program record for a quarterback.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams has 56 receptions for 967 yards to lead the passing game. His 12 touchdown catches are second in the FBS behind San Jose State standout Nick Nash’s 14. Running back Wayshawn Parker, a freshman, has added 690 rushing yards and four touchdowns to the Cougars’ potent attack.
Defensively, Washington State is allowing 29.3 points (98th) and 437.1 yards (118th) per game. Linebacker Taariq Al-Uqdah has 68 tackles and defensive back Ethan O’Connor has four interceptions to lead the team.
