The Pokes are set to play their final home game this Saturday in a matchup against Hawaii. The Cowboys are still undefeated at home this season, and will look to continue the streak. Hawaii is 4-7 with a 2-4 conference record, but they will come into Laramie off a win against Air Force last week, an unexpected victory over the Mountain West(MW) leaders.
Wyoming ranks last in the conference in yards per game offensively this season, averaging slightly above 300 per game, compared with Hawaii’s nearly 340 yards per game. Hawaii’s passing attack is their offensive strength, and they are second in the MW in passing yards.
Despite this difference however, Wyoming puts up about 23 points per game and Hawaii scores 22 points per game. While it’s a small difference, Wyoming’s offense appears to be more efficient when it comes to scoring.
This is thanks to the efforts of the offensive line and running back Harrison Waylee. While he has struggled with various injuries this season, missing three games over the Pokes 10 contests, Waylee has still been able to be productive on the ground, running for 715 yards on 122 carries.
Defensively, Easton Gibbs has set himself apart as the Cowboys’ number one tackler, and will close in on 100 for the season this Saturday, along with having three turnovers and 1.5 sacks. Additionally, Shae Suiaunoa and Wyett Ekeler have 78 and 66 tackles respectively, with two sacks apiece.
The defense will be sure to keep their eyes on the duo of QB Brayden Schager and WR Steven McBride who lead the strong passing attack for the Rainbow Warriors. Winning their last two games, Hawaii has some offensive momentum that will need to be quelled by the Wyoming defense.
Saturday also marks an exciting milestone for Pokes fans, as they could break the single season attendance record of nearly 150,000 set back in 1990. Wyoming will come into the game about 6000 behind the record, and it should easily be topped even with a modest turnout of fans ahead of Thanksgiving week.
Despite the disappointment of dropping from MW title contention, Wyoming will make a push for their 7th win on the season and further cement themselves as one of the top teams in the conference. The game kicks off at noon on Saturday Nov. 18, and will be streamed on Spectrum Sports.
