Boise State’s head coach, Spencer Danielson, is urging his team to take full advantage of their remaining opportunities in the season as they approach their final two games. He highlights the importance of not underestimating an opponent like the Wyoming Cowboys, who, despite having only two victories this season, pose a significant challenge.
“November is a month where every team brings their best, regardless of their record,” stated Danielson. “This is the month of competition, and we have great respect for Wyoming and their coach, Jay Sawvel. We’ve faced tough challenges before, and we’re prepared for another one.” The Broncos, boasting a record of 9-1 and standing at the top of the Mountain West with a 6-0 slate, recognize the stakes involved as they currently sit as the fourth seed in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings.
“The current focus for us is paramount,” Danielson emphasized. “Our players are aware that winning this game will pave the way for us to host the Mountain West championship on our own turf.” Historically, Boise State has performed well against Wyoming, owning a 17-1 all-time record against them, including an impressive 8-1 record when playing in Laramie, having won their last seven encounters.
Wyoming is coming off a challenging 24-10 defeat at Colorado State, which followed a thrilling win over New Mexico. Coach Danielson predicts a strong emphasis on the Cowboys’ running game, which has struggled this season, ranking 89th nationally. However, the return of running back Harrison Waylee is a boost, as he demonstrated his capabilities with impressive performances since his return from injury.
“They have some key players back who are healthy now,” Danielson noted. “Their running back is among the best we’ve faced – his return has made a significant difference.” He stressed the importance of preparation and the mindset of seizing opportunities, advising his team not to let regret loom over them for missed chances.
In contrast, Boise State boasts one of the nation’s most potent offenses, currently ranked fourth with an average of 492.2 yards per game. The team has exceeded 500 yards of total offense four times this season, matching their total from the past two years combined.
For junior running back Ashton Jeanty, who is in contention for the Heisman Trophy, facing Wyoming presents a chance to conquer past challenges. Jeanty leads the nation in multiple key categories, including rushing yards and touchdowns. However, he has yet to surpass the 100-yard milestone against Wyoming, having rushed for 91 yards last year and only 53 yards this year.
On the other side, Wyoming’s wide receiver Jaylen Sargent is experiencing a surge in performance, with a combined 231 receiving yards in his recent outings. He could pose a threat to Boise State’s struggling pass defense, which currently ranks 131st in the country, permitting nearly 300 passing yards per game.
Despite their low ranking in scoring offense, Wyoming proves to be dangerous in the red zone. The Cowboys rank 14th nationally in red-zone efficiency, converting at a rate of 92.3%, which will challenge Boise State’s defense, currently positioned 26th in the nation for red-zone defense.
Boise State’s defensive front has been extremely effective, ranking 13th overall in total pressures with 196. Team leader Ahmed Hassanein has garnered praise for his aggressive play, ranking eighth in the country for individual pressures. Notably, the Broncos have accumulated an impressive 41 sacks this season, placing them second nationally.
As the Broncos prepare to face the Cowboys, Danielson’s message is clear: they must fully embrace the moment and approach the game with intensity and focus to ensure success as they aim for a championship berth.