LARAMIE, Wyo. (Nov. 24, 2024)- The number twelveth-ranked team in the country, Boise State, rolled into the high plains of Laramie, Wyoming, on Saturday. During warmups, Boise State’s mood was relaxed confidence, with players having fun with dances during progressions. Heisman Candidate Ashton Jeanty was in the same mood, fitting in with his teammates in the middle of the dancing, showing he is “one of the guys.” The mood on the Wyoming side during warmups was of focus and determination. Sure, a couple of the wide receivers were dancing, that happens at every game while they wait their turn. Senior night ceremonies preceded kickoff, with 17 seniors recognized during the ceremony. Head coach Jay Sawvel said some of the hugs were so intense that he felt his back crack.
Wyoming got the ball to start the game, and wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. wasted no time snagging a 20-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage. The Pokes rode the momentum, but Boise got away with two consecutive questionable defensive pass interference no-calls. The Cowboys moved the ball down the field but had to settle with a 54-yard field goal that split the uprights by kicker John Hoyland, who played in his final game at War Memorial Stadium.
Wyoming 3, Boise State 0 11:43 left in the first quarter.
Following his 53-yard field goal, kicker John Hoyland kicked the ball off and also made the tackle, saving a run-back for a touchdown. The Cowboy defense got a defensive delay of game penalty. Boise passed the ball for a nice gain. Shae Suiaunoa (also playing his final game at War Memorial Stadium) made a nice stop on Boise State running back and Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty. The Pokes defense kept rolling and held Boise to a 49-yard field goal attempt that was no good. That was likely the best drive of defense for Wyoming on the season. Wyoming got the ball back on downs, and drove the field but was unable to make a 53-yard field goal attempt that went to the right of the goal post. Boise took over on downs and wasted no time with Ashton Jeanty breaking free for a 61-yard run to the house.
Boise State 7, Wyoming 3 3:40 left in the first quarter.
The Cowboys drove down the field, but was unable to capitalize on anything, eventually giving Boise State the ball on downs following a failed fourth down attempt that was measured by the chains to confirm. Boise had some sparks of success, including a 24-yard rush by Jeanty, but they were forced to punt the ball to Wyoming. The Pokes started their drive at their own 32 yard-line. Anderson burst through with a QB keeper for a 24-yard gain. Jaylen Sargent made a massive catch in coverage for a 41-yard gain. Justin Stevenson made a 5-yard reception for a touchdown. The crowd is electric, and so is this offense.
Wyoming 10, Boise State 7 9:36 in the 2nd quarter.
The Cowboys made several key stops early, holding Boise to 0/2 on third downs, with Shae Suiaunoa delivering a crucial stop to force a punt. Starting on their own 7-yard line, Waylee’s runs secured a first down, but the Pokes later went three and out and punted. Shae Suiaunoa sacked the Boise Qab on third and nine, forcing another punt. The Cowboys next possession ended quickly with a punt after a short gain by Ferrell. Boise responded with two first-down passes, reaching Wyoming’s 5-yard line. Wyoming’s defense, highlighted by a sack from DeVonne Harris, held strong, forcing a field goal.
End of the half: Boise State 10, Wyoming 10
Sources reported that Cowboy starting quarterback Kaden Anderson was assisted to the locker room by trainers before the end of the second half. One report said his arm was in a bandage. A UW official later told the media that Anderson was in concussion protocol about two plays into Wyoming's first possession.
In the third quarter, the Pokes defense held the game together. Both teams had possessions and punts, but the plays were rather stale offensively.
At the end of the third quarter: Wyoming 10, Boise State 10
The Cowboys held Boise to another punt, but then things got interesting. Wyoming got the ball back, and Evan Svoboda threw a 63-yard pass to Justin Stevenson. However, Wyoming was unable to get the first down. Kicker John Hoyland made a 35-yard field goal to split the uprights.
Wyoming 13, Boise State 10 9:03 in the 4th.
Connor Shay made a nice pass disruption on the drive's first play. Jeanty had two very good runs. The ball moved from the 25-yard line to the Wyoming 40-yard line. Jeanty continued to run and stiff-arm Wyoming defenders. With the ball at the Wyoming 5-yard line. Boise State’s Dubar ran the ball in for the touchdown.
Boise State 17, Wyoming 13 with 5:02 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Evan Svoboda overthrew on his first pass of the drive, too much arm on that one. Running back Harrison Waylee gained 10 yards. Chris Durr caught the ball for a first down. That was another bad no-call on the defensive PI. Wyoming went for it on 4th down but Svoboda was swarmed for a sack. Boise took over on downs and proceeded to run the clock down as far as they could. The Cowboys got the ball back but couldn’t make anything happen—ball game.
Final Score: Boise State 17, Wyoming 13
In the season's final home game at War Memorial Stadium, the Cowboys held firm and put up a good fight in front of 18,094 fans against the No. 12 ranked team in the land. In the postgame press conference, Wyoming's Head Coach had many remarks: “We’ve got to do better and finish…We’re a better team than our record,” he continued. Worried about key players leaving? Sawvel doesn’t seem concerned as he said he’s talked to so many people, and they will be back for next season.
Sawvel continued to say that he loves the fans but that they will shoot daggers at him after the game (not literally).
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