What Is 2015 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2015 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Craig Bohl in his second year, the team competed in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference.

Despite high hopes for improvement, the Cowboys struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 2–10 overall record and 1–7 in conference play. Their two wins came against Northern Colorado and Texas State, both non-conference opponents.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 2–10 overall record, marking one of the more challenging seasons in recent program history.
• Conference performance: In Mountain West play, Wyoming went 1–7, placing last in the Mountain Division and failing to qualify for a bowl game.
• Home games: All home games were played at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming, which has a capacity of 29,181 and is one of the highest-elevation stadiums in the FBS.
• Scoring: The Cowboys scored 222 total points across 12 games, averaging 18.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally in scoring offense.
• Defensive struggles: Wyoming allowed an average of 30.8 points per game, giving up 370 total points, highlighting significant defensive inconsistencies.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2015 season was defined by missed opportunities and tough losses, particularly in conference matchups. Wyoming showed flashes of potential but failed to sustain momentum over a full season.

• Opening game: The Cowboys opened the season with a 35–19 loss to Northern Illinois, setting a tone of offensive inefficiency and defensive vulnerability.
• First win: Wyoming earned its first victory on September 12 with a 48–10 win over Northern Colorado, a non-Division I opponent.
• Close losses: The team suffered five losses by 10 points or fewer, including narrow defeats to Boise State (21–28) and Colorado State (17–24).
• Quarterback play: Senior quarterback Camire McQuay started most games, throwing for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns, but with 10 interceptions.
• Rushing attack: Running back Brian Hill emerged as a bright spot, rushing for 1,367 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning All-Mountain West honorable mention.
• Final game: The season ended with a 58–24 loss to Fresno State, one of the most lopsided defeats of the Bohl era.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Wyoming Cowboys compared to the previous and following seasons in key statistical categories:

The 2015 season stands out as a low point between improving campaigns. While 2014 was also subpar, the sharp decline in both scoring and defense in 2015 highlighted transitional growing pains under Bohl. The rebound in 2016, including a bowl appearance, showed the program’s upward trajectory after this difficult year.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season, though disappointing, played a crucial role in shaping the future success of Wyoming football. It underscored the need for roster development and strategic adjustments under Craig Bohl’s leadership.

• Foundation for improvement: The struggles of 2015 led to increased focus on recruiting and player development, setting the stage for a turnaround in 2016.
• Emergence of Brian Hill: Running back Brian Hill’s breakout season signaled the potential for a strong ground game in future years.
• Coaching evaluation: The season prompted internal reviews, leading to refinements in offensive play-calling and defensive schemes.
• Fan engagement: Despite poor results, average home attendance remained around 24,000, showing continued fan support in Laramie.
• Program resilience: The ability to rebound strongly in 2016 demonstrated the team’s resilience and Bohl’s long-term vision.
• Historical context: The 2–10 record tied for the worst in school history since 1997, making it a benchmark for future improvement.

While the 2015 season was forgettable on the scoreboard, it served as a pivotal learning experience that contributed to Wyoming’s return to competitiveness in the following years.