Wyoming vs. Nevada: Cowboys Seek to Keep Bowl Hopes Alive
The Wyoming Cowboys will host the Nevada Wolf Pack this Saturday in a crucial Mountain West Conference showdown at Laramie. With their backs against the wall, the Cowboys (4-6, 2-4 MW) need to win their final two games to reach bowl eligibility, making this matchup against the Wolf Pack (2-8) a must-win affair. This contest represents a pivotal moment for Wyoming, which is looking to break a frustrating two-game losing streak and recapture their early-season momentum.
Wyoming enters this game reeling from a disappointing 24-3 defeat at Fresno State last week, where a rainy contest exposed significant offensive struggles. While Samuel Harris provided a bright spot with 102 rushing yards on 12 carries, quarterback Kaden Anderson’s performance proved troublesome enough to warrant a benching after completing just 6 of 23 passes for 64 yards and throwing an interception. The Cowboys’ offense sputtered throughout the game, managing only nine first downs and 184 total yards—numbers that will need significant improvement if they hope to defeat Nevada. The performance highlighted ongoing offensive consistency issues that have plagued Wyoming throughout their season of ups and downs.
Nevada, despite their 2-8 record, comes into Laramie with renewed confidence after snapping a seven-game losing streak with an emphatic 55-10 victory over San Jose State. The Wolf Pack dominated from the opening kickoff, building a commanding 31-0 halftime lead and never looking back. Running back Caleb Ramseur starred with 128 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, while quarterbacks Chubba Purdy and Dominic Kelly also contributed rushing scores. Through the air, Carter Jones delivered an efficient performance, completing 16 of 19 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Perhaps most impressively, Nevada’s defense showed significant playmaking ability with four interceptions, including two by Murvin Kenion III. The comprehensive victory demonstrated the Wolf Pack’s potential when firing on all cylinders.
The history between these two programs favors Wyoming, with the Cowboys holding a 6-4 advantage in the all-time series. Their last meeting resulted in a dominant 42-6 Wyoming victory in Reno on November 25, 2023, suggesting the Cowboys have had Nevada’s number in recent matchups. However, the Wolf Pack haven’t visited Laramie since 2019, making this something of a fresh experience for many players on both sides. Wyoming’s home-field advantage at 7,220 feet above sea level—the highest elevation in Division I football—provides a unique challenge for visiting teams unaccustomed to the thin mountain air. The Cowboys will undoubtedly look to leverage this advantage as they fight to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
For Wyoming, this game represents more than just another conference matchup—it’s about salvaging a season that began with higher expectations. Head coach Jay Sawvel must find ways to reinvigorate an offense that has struggled with consistency, particularly in the passing game. The decision on whether to return to Kaden Anderson at quarterback or stick with his replacement will be closely watched, as will the Cowboys’ ability to establish a balanced attack that complements Harris’s ground game. Defensively, Wyoming faces the challenge of containing a Nevada offense that showed explosive potential last week, putting pressure on the Cowboys to create turnovers and limit big plays if they hope to secure a victory.
Nevada enters this contest with little pressure but plenty of motivation to build on their impressive performance against San Jose State. First-year head coach Jeff Choate has endured growing pains with his program but could use a strong finish to establish momentum heading into the offseason. The Wolf Pack’s balanced offensive performance last week—combined with an opportunistic defense—provides a blueprint for potential success in Laramie. If Carter Jones can replicate his efficient passing, Ramseur continues his strong rushing, and the defense generates turnovers, Nevada has a legitimate chance to play spoiler to Wyoming’s bowl aspirations. Fans can catch all the action on Altitude Sports Network at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, November 22, with streaming available through Fubo for those unable to watch on television.
