The Wyoming Cowboys are set to wrap up their football season with a trip to the Palouse to face Washington State on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. MT.
This will mark the Cowboys’ first visit to Pullman, Washington, since 2015 and the first meeting between the two schools since 2019. It will also be the first time in nearly 25 years that Wyoming has ended its season against a non-conference opponent, as they closed the 2001 season with a game at Kansas.
The contest will be televised on The CW, with Ted Robinson providing play-by-play commentary, Ryan Leaf offering analysis, and Nigel Burton on the sidelines. The game will also be available on the Cowboy Sports Network, with Keith Kelly and Kevin McKinney calling the action live over 26 affiliate stations.
The Cowboys have showcased an impressive defensive performance throughout the season, especially in third-down defense, where they currently rank third nationally and first in the Mountain West, holding opponents to just 27 percent on third downs. In their recent game against Boise State, Wyoming’s defense was particularly dominant, limiting the Broncos to just 1-of-10 on third-down conversions and holding them 140 yards below their average offensive production.
Defensively, Wyoming has also been strong against the run and in pass coverage, with key players like linebacker Connor Shay leading the charge. Shay has posted back-to-back games with a team-high 18 tackles, including a career-high 12 against Colorado State.
Wyoming’s defense has been particularly effective in the third quarter during conference play, allowing just 20 points in seven games, which is an average of only 2.8 points per game in that period.
Offensively, wide receiver Justin Stevenson had a standout game against Boise State, recording a career-high four catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. His performance also included a 63-yard reception, which helped set up a field goal. Running backs Harrison Waylee and Jamri Ferrell have been crucial to Wyoming’s offensive attack. Waylee, in his third game back from injury, has posted 254 rushing yards, while Ferrell has been strong in recent games, recording 201 yards in his last three outings.
Kicker John Hoyland also deserves mention, as he continues to be reliable from long range, including a season-high 54-yard field goal against Boise State.
Washington State (8-3) enters the game after dropping two consecutive close contests on the road to New Mexico and Oregon State. Despite the setbacks, the Cougars remain a dangerous team, boasting an explosive offense that averages 454.5 yards per game and 38.8 points per game. Washington State’s dual-threat quarterback John Mateer has been a standout, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 770 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.
The Cowboys will face a formidable challenge in Pullman, but they are coming off a solid season with impressive wins and a strong defense that could give them a chance to close the year on a high note.
The Wyoming vs. Washington State game will take place at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, and will kick off at 4:30 p.m. MT. Fans can watch the game live on The CW or listen on the Cowboy Sports Network.
With input from Wyoming Athletics and 7220sports.