The Wyoming Cowboys suffered a disappointing 24-10 loss to the Colorado State Rams in the 116th Border War, relinquishing the coveted Bronze Boot for the first time since 2020.
The defeat, marked by inefficiencies on both sides of the ball, left players and coaches reflecting on missed opportunities and lackluster execution. Here are three key takeaways from the Cowboys’ performance:
1. Offensive Struggles Start at Quarterback
Redshirt freshman quarterback Kaden Anderson faced a challenging night, completing just 13 of 30 passes for 120 yards and no touchdowns. Despite entering the game with momentum from a standout performance against New Mexico two weeks prior, Anderson and the passing offense faltered against Colorado State.
The absence of tight end John Michael Gyllenborg was noticeable, but the Cowboys had enough offensive weapons on the field to make an impact. Drops by receivers — at least seven — further hindered Anderson’s rhythm, and Wyoming’s reliance on a ground game that averaged only 2.0 yards per carry (excluding one 62-yard rush) left the offense one-dimensional.
“I don’t think I played to my ability. I’ll take this loss,” Anderson admitted postgame.
2. Outmatched in the Trenches
The battle at the line of scrimmage heavily favored Colorado State, which outgained Wyoming on the ground 271-117 yards. The Rams’ running backs found success exploiting the edges of Wyoming’s defense, while the Cowboys’ offensive line struggled to create space for their own rushers.
The Rams’ defensive line movements disrupted Wyoming’s staple plays, limiting running backs Harrison Waylee and Sam Scott to minimal gains. Offensive lineman Jack Walsh acknowledged the struggles up front.
“We just didn’t adjust very well… those line movements really disrupted what we do best,” Walsh said.
Defensively, Wyoming’s line stiffened in the second half, holding CSU scoreless on six of its last seven drives, but the early dominance by the Rams in the trenches set the tone for the game.
3. Missed Opportunities Compound Issues
Missed tackles, drops, and odd play-calling decisions plagued Wyoming throughout the game. The Cowboys’ receivers dropped critical passes that could have extended drives or shifted momentum.
“A lot of it looks better when you’re not dropping balls… we weren’t effective in a lot of stuff offensively,” Head coach Jay Sawvel pointed to the error.
Special teams and defensive lapses also hurt Wyoming. A 14-yard punt in the first quarter gave Colorado State prime field position, and the Rams capitalized on several defensive breakdowns, including a 53-yard touchdown pass that widened the gap in the third quarter.
Looking Ahead
The loss drops Wyoming to 2-8 on the season and ends their three-year hold on the Bronze Boot. With a tough matchup against Mountain West leader Boise State looming next week, the Cowboys must regroup quickly to avoid further disappointment in their final home game.
With input from Bigfoot99, Casper Star-Tribune, and Rocket Miner.com.
