Final: Boise State 24, Wyoming 14

ESPN.com

For reference, a ‘*’ denotes EXTREME sarcasm.

In front of a crowd of 35,565, The Cowboys got out to a hot start. The Wyoming offense drove down the field, and after getting held up in the redzone for a few plays, scored on a quarterback keeper from apparent demi-god*, Josh Allen.

7-0, Cowboys

The Broncos were squandering some great defensive play late in the first quarter with penalties but then, early in the second, DeAndre Pierce snagged a pass attempt from the alleged greatest quarterback of all time* and returned it 46 yards. The Broncos would convert on a 23 yard field goal from Hoggarth 8 plays later.

7-3, Cowboys

After the quick early exchange of points, the Broncos and Cowboys settled in and settled for several sloppy exchanges of possession. The Bronco offense was really struggling to move the ball consistently. Thankfully, the Bronco defense was more than holding their own against the second coming of Ben Roethlesiberger*.

HALFTIME SHOW

The Broncos received the ball to start the half, and after a nearly TEN MINUTE (!!) drive, 71 yards, and a perplexing rotation at QB, Montell Cozart finally took it into the end zone from 4 yards out to put the Broncos on top. Finally. Mercifully.

10-7, Broncos

The Cowboys answered back on the ensuing drive after Josh Allen scrambled to his right for what seemed like 3 days and found a wide open Austin Fort in the end zone. He gets a break from sarcasm for that touchdown pass. It was a legit, NFL-esque play. Wyoming’s coach, Bohl, was pleased. Also...don’t you DARE try to say he isn’t a dead ringer for Donald Pleasance.

14-10, Cowboys

The Broncos answered back almost immediately. The drive culminated in an overhand lateral from Rypien to Cozart that he took into the end zone to put the Broncos on top again. The play technically didn’t count as a ‘pass’ for Rypien, but a rush by Cozart. As a result, Cozart had the first 2-rushing-TD game by a Boise State QB since Grant Hedrick in the 2014 Mountain West championship game.

It was weird, but it was points. So...we’ll take it.

17-14, Broncos

After forcing a quick 3-and-out, the Broncos resumed possession and within less than 2 minutes, they were on the board again on a 24 yard connection from Cozart to Wilson. The score was perfect, and you can watch it here:

...but let’s not let it overshadow this absolutely FILTHY hurdle from Alexander Mattison on the drive.

24-14, Broncos

That would end up being the final score as an interception by Avery Williams ended any hope of a Cowboy comeback on their final possession. Victory formation, and the game was over.

The win avenges the loss in Laramie last year when Wyoming spoiled #13 Boise State’s then-perfect season. The Safety Dance of 2016 can now be put to bed though, as the 2017 Wyoming Cowboys have been put in the ground.

It was a weird game offensively. This two-QB, ball control style will take some getting used to, but it’s hard not to love what this defense can do when they continue to get extra rest time. The pass rush continues to be just a flesh-eating terror and the defensive backs are picking off passes with regularity. Should be an interesting season down the stretch.

The Broncos remain undefeated in conference play and will be back in action next week at Utah State.

Go Broncos!