What Is 2009 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2009 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Mountain West Conference (MWC), the Cowboys were led by second-year head coach Dave Christensen and played their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.

The team finished the season with a 7-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in conference play. They capped the year with a dramatic victory in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl, defeating the UCLA Bruins 21-20 in a tightly contested matchup.

• Record: The Cowboys finished the season with a 7-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in Mountain West Conference play.
• Bowl Game: They won the 2009 New Mexico Bowl on December 19, 2009, defeating UCLA 21-20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Head Coach:Dave Christensen was in his second season as head coach, guiding Wyoming to its first winning season since 2004.
• Stadium: All home games were played at War Memorial Stadium, which has a capacity of 30,181 and sits at over 7,200 feet above sea level.
• Key Player: Quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels started 10 games, throwing for 1,798 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Season Performance

The 2009 campaign saw Wyoming navigate a challenging non-conference schedule and competitive MWC play. The team showed resilience, particularly in close games, and improved from their 4-8 record in 2008.

• Offensive Output: The Cowboys averaged 22.8 points per game and 345.2 yards of total offense, relying on a balanced attack.
• Defensive Stats: Wyoming's defense allowed 24.5 points per game, with standout performances against Air Force and Colorado State.
• Key Win: A 17-14 victory over Colorado State in the regular-season finale kept bowl hopes alive.
• UCLA Matchup: In the New Mexico Bowl, Wyoming trailed late but scored a touchdown with under two minutes to secure the 21-20 win.
• Turnover Margin: The team finished with a +3 turnover margin, crucial in tight contests.
• Special Teams: Placekicker Ian Johnson made 12 of 16 field goals, including a 47-yarder in the bowl game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2009 Wyoming Cowboys compared to other Mountain West teams and their 2008 season:

The 2009 season marked a clear improvement over 2008, as Wyoming returned to bowl eligibility and secured a postseason victory. While not contending for the MWC title, the Cowboys demonstrated progress under Christensen’s leadership, particularly in close games and defensive consistency. Their performance compared favorably to peers like San Diego State, who had the same conference record but missed a bowl.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a turning point for Wyoming football, restoring momentum after several losing seasons. The bowl victory and winning record helped boost recruiting and fan engagement in a traditionally challenging athletic market.

• Program Momentum: The 7-6 record marked Wyoming’s first winning season since 2004, signaling a positive shift under Christensen.
• Bowl Eligibility: Returning to postseason play after a five-year absence revived interest in the program across the state.
• Recruiting Boost: Success on the field helped attract higher-rated recruits in the 2010 and 2011 classes.
• Player Development: Quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels emerged as a reliable starter, paving the way for future offensive growth.
• Coaching Stability: Christensen’s second season proved he could improve the team, leading to a contract extension.
• Regional Rivalry: The win over Colorado State preserved the “Bronze Boot” rivalry trophy for Wyoming.

Ultimately, the 2009 season laid the foundation for future competitiveness in the Mountain West Conference and reestablished Wyoming as a resilient FBS program.