Anyone on the UW campus could tell you that this is not the way the season was supposed to go. Fresh off the heels of a 9-4 record and Arizona Bowl victory, Pokes fans eagerly expected Sawvel to pick up right where Bohl left off. Unfortunately, it’s been a surprisingly bad season, with the Pokes losing eight games so far along with handing The Boot back to CSU.
This Saturday, the Boise State Broncos make a trip to Laramie as the #12 ranked team in the country, while also holding the #4 seed in the inaugural college football 12-team playoff. Additionally, the Boise State backfield is commanded by the dynamic RB Ashton Jeanty, a strong contender for the Heisman trophy. After everything Pokes fans have been through, it’s easy to see the negatives in this matchup.
While it is admittedly the biggest mismatch of the season, I would argue it should be the game that fills the seats of War Memorial the most. As sports editor Mason Riding pointed out earlier this week, the lone time the Pokes beat Boise State was a 2016 upset of the then ranked #13 Broncos. Sure, the Josh Allen led Pokes were a completely different team back then, and were fighting for a conference title, but every once and awhile, something special happens when teams travel to Laramie.
Ashton Jeanty is closing in on passing the 2000 yard mark this season, a monumental mark for any running back, and a must for a Heisman hopeful. Jeanty is just a mere 107 yards short, and will surely reach this number at War Memorial. Even if he doesn’t win the prestigious end of year award, his name will without a doubt be called on NFL draft night next April.
As football fans, I don’t think we can lose this Saturday. Either we pull off one of the biggest upsets in college football this year, or we see an NFL caliber player only further boost his impressive resume in a campaign for the Heisman. The Cowboys have nothing to lose at this point, so let’s pack the War, buckle up for some good football, and cherish the last Pokes game in Laramie this fall.
