What Is 1970 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 1970 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Cowboys posted a strong performance, culminating in a bowl victory and a top-20 national ranking.

Under the leadership of head coach Bob Devaney, the team achieved a 9-4 overall record, highlighted by a decisive win in the Sun Bowl. The season marked the end of an era as Devaney stepped down to become the university's athletic director, passing the program to assistant coach Fred Akers.

• Record: The Cowboys finished the 1970 season with a 9-4 overall record, including a 5-2 mark in the WAC.
• Sun Bowl Champions: They defeated the University of Richmond Spiders 34-17 in the 1970 Sun Bowl on December 19, 1970.
• Head Coach: Bob Devaney led the team for his final season, compiling a 6-4 record in 1970 before transitioning roles.
• Quarterback Performance: Randy Johnson threw for 1,837 yards and 13 touchdowns, anchoring the offense throughout the season.
• Home Stadium: The team played home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, which seated over 30,000 fans at the time.

Season Highlights & Key Performances

The 1970 campaign featured several memorable games and standout individual efforts that defined the Cowboys' successful season. From conference battles to the postseason, the team demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower.

• September 12 game: Wyoming defeated Colorado State 31-14, setting the tone early in the season with a dominant win.
• WAC competition: The Cowboys secured key conference wins over rivals like Utah and New Mexico to claim a top spot in the WAC standings.
• Defensive strength: The defense allowed just 17.2 points per game, ranking among the best in the conference.
• Running game: Fullback Jim Kiick contributed 684 rushing yards and seven touchdowns despite sharing carries.
• National recognition: The team reached as high as No. 17 in the AP Poll during mid-season rankings.
• Final game: The Sun Bowl victory on December 19, 1970, was Bob Devaney’s final game as head coach before his administrative promotion.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1970 season can be better understood by comparing it to the previous year’s performance and key statistical benchmarks. The table below outlines critical metrics across seasons.

While the 1970 team had one more loss than the previous year, they improved in scoring and secured a more prestigious bowl victory. The consistency in WAC performance showed program stability, and the offensive output increased under quarterback Randy Johnson’s development. The Sun Bowl win marked a redemption after a disappointing 1969 bowl loss.

Why It Matters

The 1970 Wyoming Cowboys season remains a significant chapter in the university's athletic history, symbolizing a successful transition period and a high point in program visibility. The team’s achievements had lasting impacts on recruiting, conference reputation, and fan engagement.

• Coaching legacy: Bob Devaney’s final season as head coach cemented his legacy before moving into administration.
• Player development: Quarterback Randy Johnson’s breakout year showcased Wyoming’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent.
• Bowl significance: The Sun Bowl victory was the program’s first bowl win since 1956, revitalizing national interest.
• Recruiting boost: Success in 1970 helped attract higher-profile recruits in subsequent years.
• Conference standing: The strong WAC performance kept Wyoming competitive in a growing conference.
• Historical milestone: The 1970 team remains one of only a few in school history to win a bowl game and finish ranked.

The 1970 season exemplified resilience and excellence, laying groundwork for future success and preserving a proud moment in Wyoming football history.