Wyoming Looks to Bounce Back as UNC Visits War Memorial Stadium
LARAMIE, Wyo. - Wyoming’s first opportunity to respond to their Border War loss from last weekend will come Saturday when the University of Northern Colorado Bears visit War Memorial Stadium for the Cowboys’ home opener.
Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel said the game is another step toward reestablishing Laramie as one of Wyoming’s greatest advantages.
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“What we need to do in this program more than anything is we’ve got to establish ourselves as a tremendous home football team again,” Sawvel said Monday during his weekly press conference.
Wyoming enters the matchup 0-1 following a 35-13 loss at Colorado State. UNC is 0-2 after losing 30-29 to Weber State and 38-23 to South Dakota, an FCS playoff team last season.
Despite those losses, UNC is averaging 431 yards and 26 points per game. Not uncommon numbers in the FCS. The Bears have converted 53.1 percent of their third-down opportunities and possessed the ball for an average of 36 minutes and 54 seconds.
“I think the biggest alarming stat with them right now is they’re possessing the ball for 36 minutes a game,” Sawvel said. “One of the things that are going to be really critical for us is to not allow that to happen.”
Quarterback Kenny Lueth has completed 39 of 62 passes for 427 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has also rushed for 122 yards and two scores.
In addition to his production in the air, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback presents a physical running threat on designed plays, scrambles and bootlegs.
Running back Mathias Price has added 140 yards and a touchdown, while Trey Olsen leads UNC with 105 receiving yards and two scores.
Defensively, safety Franky Morales leads the Bears with 12 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups. Defensive lineman Dominic Butts has three tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.
Wyoming has played several competitive games against FCS opponents in recent seasons, beating Portland State 21-17 in 2023 and a stunning loss to Idaho 13-17 in 2024.
Sawvel, who spent seven years coaching at the FCS level, understands the motivation UNC will bring to Laramie.
“What happens is if you don’t bring your energy level and you don’t bring the appropriate fear that your opponent will make you look bad...we know they’re going to play well,” Sawvel said.
Wyoming received encouraging injury news following its opener. Running back Samuel “Tote” Harris practiced Sunday and is expected to play. Running back Markell Holman and defensive end Donnie Wingate should also be available, while offensive lineman Chandler Donaway’s status remains uncertain. Donaway was in street clothes last weekend at Canvas Stadium.
It’s no surprise - the Cowboys also expect to involve their tight ends more frequently after injuries limited the group’s preparation during fall camp.
“That room will get a huge emphasis for us throughout the course of the season,” Sawvel said. “I think we’ve got a couple really plus playmakers with Jake and Kyle.”
Wyoming’s focus Saturday will be on improvement, sustained execution and protecting its home field.
“I just want us to be the best version of ourselves,” Sawvel said. “I want us to have a great week of preparation. I want us to play hard and execute for 60 minutes.”
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