Cowboy football fans need not be reminded of the power of New Mexico’s offense.
Last year’s matchup in Albuquerque featured one of the poorest defensive showings in Wyoming football history and resulted in a 35-56 loss. New Mexico showcased their rushing strength in a game that saw three Lobos run for triple digits and 690 total team offensive yards.
The win helped pave their way to a win in the New Mexico Bowl against the University of Texas at San Antonio.
“It was an abysmal defensive performance,” Head Coach, Craig Bohl said.
However, Wyoming’s defense has experienced significant improvement since last season. The Cowboys will rely on Andrew Wingard, Carl Granderson and company to reverse the trend of three straight losses to New Mexico.
The Lobos, who are 1-2 in conference play and 3-4 overall, are coming off two straight losses to quality football teams at Fresno State and at home to Colorado State.
New Mexico’s unconventional, run-heavy offense is anchored this year by running backs Tyrone Owens and Richard McQuarley. Owens, a redshirt junior, is fresh off a big game against CSU in which he rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown.
The Lobos rotate between three quarterbacks, namely Lamar Jordan and Tekava Tuioti, all of whom are capable of running for big gains.
The Cowboys return to Laramie for homecoming after two road games and a bye week. The Pokes, 2-1 in the Mountain West and 4-3 overall, look to rebound after a tough road loss to perennial conference powerhouse Boise State.
Wyoming struggled in Boise. Quarterback Josh Allen was held to 131 passing yards on 12 of 27 passing with two interceptions and was sacked four times. Allen also led the Cowboys with 62 rushing yards.
The Lobos are coming to Laramie with two key offensive pieces from last year’s game. Jordan, now a senior, torched the Pokes last season.
The quarterback ran for 176 yards while completing four of only five passing attempts for 122 yards. New Mexico is also returning McQuarley, who gave the Cowboys fits last season. McQuarley racked up 121 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Despite New Mexico’s past success against Wyoming, they will have their work cut out for them with the Pokes’ rejuvenated defense and ever dangerous offensive weapons such as Allen and wide receiver Austin Conway.
War Memorial Stadium is sure to be buzzing for homecoming weekend. Joe Verschueren is the Associate Athletic Director and head of Ticketing and Sales here at UW.
“Attendance for this weekend’s football game currently looks good. At this point, we’re tracking similar to the home opener against Gardner-Webb,” Verschueren said. “As always, we’re hopeful for a great student turnout. Homecoming is a big weekend at UW and this is an important conference game against New Mexico. Should be a great day to be at War Memorial!”
Homecoming combined with Halloween weekend will undoubtedly result in an exciting game environment. The University of Wyoming Police are ramping up their efforts to ensure the game can be enjoyed by all.
“Law enforcement staffing for the UW vs New Mexico game will be consistent with previous games, but there is additional DUI and under aged drinking enforcement efforts the night before the game through Halloween,” Chief of Police Mike Samp said.
Fans are sure to catch an exciting matchup Saturday at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys seek to slow the Lobos explosive offense and to break out of their own offensive woes this season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 and the game will be televised on ESPN.
