What's better than one rivalry? Two. And even better than that? Having one right after another. Last week the Cowboys beat Colorado State and claimed the Bronze Boot. This week it was time for another rivalry game. This match-up would mark the 55th meeting of the two teams. Although 200 miles away, the rivalry was no less. The Cowboys had won two years ago at home but lost last year while away. They entered this week 3-2, while the opposing team was 4-0. Excitement was high and my desire for us to win was even higher. It was Homecoming week!!!
October 8, 2016, Wyoming v. Air Force Academy, 1:30pm, War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wy. Root Sports.
Playing my hometown team is always interesting. Last year I traveled to the Air Force game in Colorado Springs. I was cheering for the away team in my hometown. Earlier in the week, I called my dad and he told me we better win. When I asked why, he informed me that the radio stations had been talking crap about Wyoming all week. In addition to that, last week the Falcons beat Navy, and being a Navy brat, you could say I was a little bitter.
Saturday started bright and early. We reported for the Homecoming parade at 8:15 on campus. We meet up with the junior cheerleaders who walked in the parade with us. After the parade, everyone headed to the field house to prepare for the game.
As we began to stretch the Air Force cheer and dance team arrived. We finished our warm-up and let Air Force take the mat. After everyone was done warming up, we did a combined team lib-line, took a group photo, and wished each other good luck. It was game time.
The War was packed with nearly 27,000 fans. The largest crowd since 2011. The game was sure to be exciting. The first quarter got off to a quick start. The Cowboys had a few amazing plays resulting in them moving down the field. The Cowboys got the first score of the game with a touchdown throw to the end zone. The score remained the same when the defense got a sack and then an interception.
The Cowboys entered the second quarter up 7-0 on Air Force. The Falcons moved the ball downfield, but the Wyoming defense held them to a field goal. 7-3. The Cowboys responded with yet another throw to the end zone. Touchdown. 14-3. And again the Falcons scored on a long field goal. 14-6 headed into half time.
The Cowboys came back after the half with a quick start. The Falcons received the ball, and our defense was ready. With only three minutes into the half, Wyoming forced a fumble, recovered and ran to the end zone. 21-6. The defense continued to hold the Falcons. The Wyoming offense was back on the field. Allen threw back to the line of scrimmage, which was then ran into the end zone. Touchdown. 28-6 But the Falcons quickly responded with a great throw that was ran to the end zone. 28-13. The third quarter ended in yet another Wyoming defense interception.
Only 15 minutes left in the amazing Homecoming game. Air Force was ready to fight. And fight they did. Air Force scored twice in the fourth quarter. 28-26. Air Force would go for a 2 point conversion on their second touchdown. But the Cowboy special team was ready. Denied. The score stands. With 3:31 left in the game, Air Force attempted an on-side kick. But the kick went straight to the Wyoming special teams. Cowboy ball on the 36 yard line. The Cowboys marched straight to the end zone. 35-26. All the Cowboys had to do was keep Air Force from scoring with two minutes left. And the defense made the play. Another interception. With just seconds left on the clock the entire stadium started chanting W-Y-O! W-Y-O! W-Y-O! The Cowboys got into victory formation. Final Score 35-26. The football and cheer team gathered in front of the student section for the singing of Ragtime Cowboy Joe.
The Wyoming Cowboys came away with an amazing homecoming win. Wyoming had swept the state of Colorado.
The Cowboys would enter their bye week at 4-2 overall, 2-0 in MW and undefeated at home.
Once a Cowboy, Always a Cowboy!
Ashley
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