Wyoming and BYU have a long historic rivalry dating back to 1922. The two teams had played together in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the Skyline Conference, the Western Athletic Conference and in the Mountain West Conference over a total of 73 years and 77 games.
One of the most recent games was in 1996 when the two teams played in the WAC Championship game. BYU, ranked 6th, beat Wyoming, ranked 20th, 28-25 in overtime to win the WAC. But what came next fueled this rivalry even more. The Cougars got a invitation to the Cotton Bowl. Wyoming didn't get an invitation. It was once said, by former BYU coach LaVell Edwards after a loss in a Wyoming snowstorm in 1981, "I would rather lose and live in Provo than win and live in Laramie."
However, the two teams have not played each other since 2010 when BYU left the MWC to become an independent team. This would be the first time the two teams would play in 6 years.
December 21, 2016, Wyoming v. Bringam Young University, 6:00pm, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Ca. ESPN.
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl!!!
After arriving in San Diego on Saturday, the cheer team has an amazing opportunity to experience the city. I, personally, was beyond excited for the activities on our itinerary, having lived in San Diego from 2005-2008. Sunday we spent the day on Coronado Island. Monday we went to the San Diego Zoo and then went downtown to the Battle of the Bands with Western Thunder Marching Band and the BYU spirit team and band. Tuesday we made an appearance at the team luncheon on the USS Midway and at the UW Alumni dinner.
Wednesday finally rolled around. Game Day!!! I was a beautiful morning. The sun was out and the temperature was warm. We got ready and departed for the Stadium. Upon our early arrival, we went over the days schedule. We joined the band in the parking lot, took tons of photos, and headed to the Cowboy Joe Club Wyoming tailgate. After a quick performance and some fan interaction, we headed to the Bowl tailgate for a performance, and then the Poinsettia Bowl DexCom winter fest for one more preformance. We returned to the bus, gathered our bags, and stopped at the CJC UW tailgate one last time. We were then escorted into the stadium through the exterior tunnel. As we entered the stadium, it was kinda sureal. Having performed on this exact field 9 years ago in an SDSU dance camp, I knew what the stadium looked like, but to be on this NFL field again cheering on my Cowboys was completely difference. We ate a quick snack and began warming up. After warming up one timeout, big clouds began to roll into the valley where the stadium is located.
As kickoff approached, it started to rain. And it never rains in San Diego. The game began and the rain came down harder. Completely unprepared for rain, we were soon soaked. But none the less we were still going to cheer on our Cowboys.
The first quarter got off to a slow start. After multiple back and forth possessions, with 1:25 left in the first quarter, Wyoming was up to punt the ball. It was snapped but Wood missed the ball as its slippery surface slipped through his hands. This resulted in a turn over on downs and BYU taking possession on the 4 yard line. BYU took advantage and scored a Cougar touchdown. Wyoming 0. BYU 7. The second quarter began, but looked a lot like the first. After multiple back and forth possessions no one had scored. With just over 3 minutes left in the half, BYU kicked a field goal. Wyoming 0. BYU 10. At this point the cheer team now had rain ponchos. The half was now over.
The teams would enter the locker rooms. The UW cheerleaders were escorted upstairs to the San Diego Bowl Games hospitality room to warm up and dry off. As half time came to a close, we returned to the field. The rain had slowed down, but had not stopped.
Upon returning to the field the Cowboys slowly but surely marched the ball down the field. And from the five yard line, the ball was handed off to Hill who ran for the first Wyoming touchdown of the game. Wyoming 7. BYU 10. BYU took possession and moved into the red zone. With 2:50 left in the third quarter, BYU's quarterback threw the ball to the end zone. With 3 BYU players and 4 Wyoming players in the area, Wyoming's Lucas Wacha tipped the ball, Wyoming's Antonio Hull tipped the ball, BYU finally ended the play, catching the ball and scoring a touchdown. Wyoming 7. BYU 17.
The fourth quarter began. As BYU moved the ball down the field, they gave the ball to their running back. He ran 30 yards into the end zone for another touchdown. Wyoming 7. BYU 24. Wyoming took possession and responded with a march down the field. Allen threw the ball from the 9 yard line to the back of the end zone. Gentry was there to catch the ball. Wyoming touchdown. Wyoming 14. BYU 24. 7:35 left in the game. The rain had finally stopped and the we were able to take our rain ponchos off. The Cowboys got the ball again and continued to move down the field. With just over 2 minutes left in the game, Allen threw the ball 30 yards toward the end zone. Gentry was there to receive. Gentry in the end zone. Touchdown Cowboys. Wyoming 21. BYU 24. BYU would get the ball, but the Cowboy defense would hold the Cougars. With a sack on third down the Cougars were on 4th and 16. BYU kicked the ball, and with 1:44 left in the game, the Cowboys got the ball on the 50 yard line. Wyoming would have one last chance. A great screen play to Hill would move the ball to the 32 yard line. Allen would get the ball. Allen threw the ball to the 10 yard line. Interception. Wyoming had lost the ball. The fans all gasped. BYU would get into victory formation. The ball game would end. Wyoming 21. BYU 24.
After an amazing run, the Cowboy's season would come to a close. It was a great season and a phenomenal experience. I can't wait to see what next season has in store. But for now, we focus on Basketball.
Ashley
No comments:
Post a Comment