Despite a second half blizzard and CSU leading most of the game Wyoming Cowboys are able to keep the Bronze Boot in Laramie.
UW student Jessica Dawkins said, “It was raining the moment we got there, kept raining and then turned to a full-on blizzard.”
The weather played a significant factor in the three point victory. CSU lined up for a field goal in the second half, but the CSU holder mishandled the hold and prevented CSU from scoring.
Wyoming’s kicker, Cooper Rothe, was able to make all three of his field goals during the game along with an extra point to give Wyoming the lead.
“The team that executes, and the special teams that execute and are able to deliver and are able to block those things out and have the mental intensity and execute is huge,” Head Coach, Craig Bohl
Wyoming not only fought the weather, but they had to fight from behind most of the game. CSU would gain three points from their opening drive and were able to keep the lead most of the game.
Wyoming never let CSU out stride them too far and heading into the fourth quarter, Wyoming only trailed by one point. CSU would get a field goal and be up by four points, but Wyoming kept fighting.
The Cowboys staged a game winning drive that was highlighted by a spectacular diving catch by senior fullback and captain Drew Van Maanen.
“Drew had that diving catch and it inspired everybody,” starting quarterback, Josh Allen said.
Wyoming continued to drive the ball down the field and scored on a three yard rush by running back, Kellen Overstreet, with 4:31 left in the game. This was Wyoming’s first lead of the game and they maintained their three point lead throughout, thanks to a defensive stop, to hold on for the victory.
Following the game, Wyoming players picked up the Bronze Boot and showed it off to the whole stadium and went to mid field to celebrate with the rest of the team and the Wyoming student section that rushed the field.
The Bronze boot, for Wyoming, is not just another traveling trophy, but a sense of pride and bragging right for the two schools.
“It represents the best school in the area,” said Dawkins.
Wyoming now maintains all three of their traveling trophies for another year, but thanks to this win the Cowboys have chance to play for another trophy.
Wyoming is now bowl eligible for the second year in a row and can possibly win a bowl game trophy. Another trophy that is still a possibility is the conference championship trophy.
Wyoming now secures second place in the division but will need help if they hope to get back to the title game. Boise State is still undefeated in conference play, and unless Boise loses a few games at the end of the season, Wyoming will stay in second place.
