What Is 2018 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2018 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by fifth-year head coach Craig Bohl and played its home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming.

The Cowboys finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, making them eligible for postseason play. Despite missing star quarterback Josh Allen, who entered the 2018 NFL Draft, the team relied on a balanced offense and a disciplined defense to remain competitive throughout the year.

• Record: The team ended the season with a 6–6 overall record and a 3–5 mark in Mountain West Conference play.
• New Mexico Bowl: Wyoming earned a bid to the 2018 New Mexico Bowl, played on December 15, 2018, in Albuquerque.
• Opponent: The Cowboys faced the Georgia State Panthers, a Sun Belt Conference team making its first-ever bowl appearance.
• Final Score: Wyoming lost 27–30 in triple overtime, marking their first bowl loss under head coach Craig Bohl.
• Stadium: War Memorial Stadium, with a capacity of 29,181, served as the home venue and featured high-altitude playing conditions.

How It Works

The 2018 season reflected Wyoming’s transition after losing key NFL-bound players, particularly quarterback Josh Allen. The team adapted with a run-heavy offensive scheme and a disciplined defensive approach under Craig Bohl’s leadership.

• Head Coach: Craig Bohl, in his fifth season, emphasized toughness and fundamentals, shaping Wyoming’s identity as a physical team.
• Quarterback Situation: Allen’s departure led to a rotation between senior Josh Allen’s successor and younger players like Austin Conway and Sean Chambers.
• Defensive Strength: The Cowboys' defense ranked among the top in the Mountain West, allowing just 20.8 points per game on average.
• Rushing Attack: Wyoming relied heavily on the run, averaging 186.2 rushing yards per game to control the clock and field position.
• Special Teams: Placekicker Cooper Rothe played a key role, converting 18 of 24 field goal attempts during the season.
• Recruiting: The 2018 recruiting class included 19 signees, focusing on in-state talent and junior college transfers to fill key gaps.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 Wyoming Cowboys compared to key conference and national benchmarks:

The data shows Wyoming was slightly below national averages in scoring but excelled defensively, allowing fewer points than both the FBS and Mountain West averages. Their balanced rushing attack helped compensate for a less explosive passing game, reflecting their conservative, ground-oriented strategy.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a transitional year that highlighted Wyoming’s ability to remain competitive despite losing high-profile talent. It underscored the program’s resilience and coaching stability under Craig Bohl.

• Bowl Eligibility: Achieving a 6–6 record maintained Wyoming’s streak of consecutive bowl-eligible seasons, a program benchmark.
• Player Development: The season demonstrated Wyoming’s role in developing NFL-caliber players, even after Allen’s departure.
• Conference Standing: Finishing third in the Mountain Division kept Wyoming relevant in the Mountain West race.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive performances helped sustain recruiting efforts in a challenging geographic market.
• Program Stability: Consistent bowl appearances under Bohl enhanced the team’s national visibility and credibility.
• Future Outlook: The 2018 season laid groundwork for future success, emphasizing depth and adaptability.

While the New Mexico Bowl loss was disappointing, the 2018 campaign reinforced Wyoming’s reputation as a disciplined, hard-nosed football program capable of competing at a high level despite limited resources.