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Wyoming Faces Tough Test Against Air Force's Powerful Ground Game
LARAMIE, Wyo. (Oct. 21, 2026) - Wyoming has found rhythm over the past two weeks, but the Cowboys face a tough challenge Friday night when Air Force visits War Memorial Stadium.
The Falcons enter the 7 p.m. Mountain West matchup with a 5-1 record and four straight wins. Wyoming has won two straight and sits at 4-3 overall. Both teams are 3-1 in conference play.
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Air Force is averaging 343 rushing yards per game behind an experienced offensive line and a ground attack that keeps producing despite losing starting quarterback Liam Szarka to a season-ending injury against Navy.
In an interview with Pokes News, Air Force player advisor Rick Baum pointed to the offensive line and fullbacks as the foundation of the Falcons' success.
"Everything that happens at the Air Force Academy happens in two spots. It happens on the very experienced and senior 300-plus-pound average offensive line, and it happens at the fullback position," Baum said.
While the fullback is being phased out, Air Force is embracing the traditionalism.
Sophomore quarterback Evan Medders has stepped right into the QB role. In his first two starts, Medders has rushed for 266 yards and five touchdowns, including 152 yards and three scores against UNLV last Saturday.
Air Force rushed for 439 yards in a 28-7 win over Northern Illinois on Oct. 10, attempting just one pass.
"All I can say about that is in recent years, it's been a throw-by-necessity deal," Baum said. "I could see them throwing if they were behind, of course. But they want to run the ball."
The Falcons have plenty of weapons in the backfield. Senior fullback Owen Allen rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Northern Illinois before adding 96 yards and another score against UNLV. Running back Rocco Conti contributed 103 yards and a touchdown against UNLV, while Gage LaDue added 60 yards on eight carries.
Baum said wide receiver Matt Long could become a major contributor on Friday night.
"This kid, mark my words, is going to be a star," Baum said.
Long rushed for 76 yards against Northern Illinois and caught a touchdown pass from Medders earlier this season against North Dakota State.
Stopping the run will obviously be Wyoming's top priority on Friday. The Cowboys surrendered 339 rushing yards in their brutal 24-10 loss to Central Michigan earlier this season.
Baum said Air Force's defense has made significant progress after struggling with inexperience and youth in 2025.
"This defense is the product of the struggles of last year," Baum said.
Senior linebacker Blake Fletcher has emerged as the Falcons' defensive leader. Fletcher returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown against North Dakota State.
"He's a tackling machine," Baum said.
Air Force is allowing just 19.7 points and 123.3 rushing yards per game.
The Cowboys are coming off their best offensive performance of the season, a 41-23 victory over Northern Illinois last Saturday in Laramie. William and Mary transfer quarterback Tyler Hughes completed 16 of 19 passes for 196 yards while rushing for 183 yards and four touchdowns. Wyoming finished with 510 yards of total offense. It was a field day, to say the least.
The victory followed a 16-13 overtime win at San Jose State, snapping Wyoming's eight-game road losing streak.
Wyoming is averaging 185.4 rushing yards per game, setting up an interesting matchup against an Air Force defense allowing just 123.3. The Cowboys will need another strong performance from Hughes, the running backs, and their offensive line to keep pace with the Falcons.
Special teams could also be important. Air Force kicker Carter Cremascoli connected on a 52-yard field goal against Duquesne, while Wyoming's Erik Sandvik has made all nine of his field-goal attempts this season. Kickers have been a key part of this series throughout its history.
Both teams heavily rely on their running games. The winner will be the team that controls the line of scrimmage and makes the fewest mistakes.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on The CW.
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