Laramie, Wyoming- The Wyoming Cowboys pulled off a much needed win over Air Force, bringing the Pokes to a 1-4 overal record and 1-0 in Mountain West Conference play. The game opened with Wyoming's defense setting the tone early. On Air Force's first possession, Connor Shae made a big stop on third down, forcing the Falcons into a 4th and 5 situation. Air Force attempted to go for it but failed to convert, giving Wyoming the ball at their own 46-yard line. This key defensive stand ignited a rare eruption from the Wyoming sideline.
Wyoming's offense responded with a solid drive. Running back Sam Scott broke loose for an 18-yard gain down to the Air Force 29-yard line. The Cowboys caught a break with an offside penalty against Air Force on 3rd and 2, but after a minimal gain, Wyoming faced 4th down. Opting not to kick, Wyoming called a timeout and dialed up a risky play. Quarterback Evan Svoboda made an impressive 12-yard run, taking it to the 8-yard line, and Scott punched it in for an 8-yard touchdown to put Wyoming ahead 7-0.
On Air Force's next possession, Shae Suiaunoa made a tackle for a loss, and Sebastian Harsh followed with another big stop, forcing a punt to Wyoming’s 20-yard line. However, Wyoming’s offense faltered, going three-and-out. Jack Cullbreath's booming 62-yard punt pinned Air Force deep.
With just over five minutes left in the first quarter, Wyoming suffered a blow as Isaac White went down with an apparent leg injury, but the defense held Air Force to a field goal, trimming Wyoming's lead to 7-3. We saw Isaac White in a boot as he walked of the field following the game.
Wyoming struggled to find momentum offensively. Despite a strong 20-yard pass to John Michael Gyllenborg, a drive stalled, and a poor punt gave Air Force excellent field position. A methodical Falcons drive, aided by a Wyoming penalty, led to an Air Force touchdown, giving them a 10-7 lead.
Wyoming responded late in the half, as a big 29-yard pass play to Will Pelissier set the Pokes up for a potential scoring opportunity, but a bad snap led to another disappointing punt. Air Force tacked on another field goal before halftime, making it 13-7 in favor of the Falcons.
The Cowboys started the second half with a bang. Chris Durr Jr. made a 32-yard catch to ignite the offense, and a follow-up 33-yard reception by Gyllenborg set Wyoming up at the goal line. After a controversial call ruled a Justin Stevenson catch just inches short of the goal line, Wyoming faced a pivotal 4th down. Quarterback Evan Svoboda bulldozed his way in for a 1-yard touchdown run, giving Wyoming a 14-13 lead early in the third quarter.
The momentum shifted even further in Wyoming’s favor. After forcing Air Force to punt, the Cowboys started their next drive at their own 6-yard line. Big plays from Sam Scott and Chris Durr Jr. moved the ball into Falcons territory. Svoboda continued his strong play, converting a key 22-yard run and setting up TK King's 13-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys extended their lead to 21-13 with 3:32 left in the third quarter.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter, Wyoming capitalized on a field goal by John Hoyland, stretching their lead to 24-13. Air Force countered with a 36-yard touchdown run, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, keeping Wyoming's lead at 24-19.
Wyoming closed the game with another touchdown, as Svoboda used his legs again, this time for a 17-yard score, sealing the 31-19 win. The Cowboys’ defense held firm in the closing minutes, denying Air Force any chance of a comeback.
With an attendance of 23,068, Wyoming celebrated a critical victory as they continue their season. Sam Scott led the ground attack, and Svoboda’s dual-threat ability shined in key moments, leaving the Cowboys with an impressive win to build on as they head into a bye week before taking on San Diego State at home.
The fans stormed the field as the clock struck zero.
Final score: Wyoming 31, Air Force 19.
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