What Is 2016 Wyoming Cowboys football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7–6 record under head coach Craig Bohl. They played their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie and earned a berth in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where they defeated Central Michigan 37–16.

Key Facts

The 2016 Wyoming Cowboys finished the season with a 7–6 overall record and 4–4 in Mountain West Conference play.
Head coach Craig Bohl was in his third season leading the team.
They played home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming, which has a capacity of 29,181.
The Cowboys defeated Central Michigan 37–16 in the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 17, 2016.
Quarterback Josh Allen started 11 games and threw for 1,818 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Overview

The 2016 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the Mountain Division, the team was led by head coach Craig Bohl, who was in his third year at the helm. The Cowboys played their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, a venue known for its high altitude and challenging conditions for visiting teams.

Wyoming finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, making them bowl-eligible for the first time since 2011. They earned a spot in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where they delivered a dominant performance to cap the year. The team showed significant improvement from previous seasons, particularly on defense, and laid the foundation for future success under Bohl’s leadership.

Josh Allen started 11 games at quarterback, throwing for 1,818 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing for 523 yards and 9 scores, establishing himself as a future NFL prospect.
The Cowboys’ defense ranked among the top 25 nationally in total defense, allowing just 317.5 yards per game, a major factor in their improved record.
They opened the season with a 28–23 win over Northern Illinois on September 1, 2016, marking a strong start to the campaign.
Wyoming’s conference record was 4–4 in the Mountain Division, finishing fourth in the division standings behind San Diego State, Boise State, and Fresno State.
The team’s victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 17, 2016, with a 37–16 win over Central Michigan, improved their final record to 7–6.

Season Performance

The 2016 season marked a turning point for Wyoming football, as the Cowboys returned to postseason play after a five-year drought. Under Craig Bohl’s direction, the team emphasized discipline, defense, and physical play, traits that became hallmarks of the program’s resurgence. Several key players emerged, setting the stage for stronger seasons in the years to come.

Record: The team finished with a 7–6 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in Mountain West Conference games, showing balanced performance across non-conference and league play.
Head Coach:Craig Bohl led the team in his third season, improving his overall record at Wyoming and earning praise for program rebuilding.
Home Stadium:War Memorial Stadium, with a capacity of 29,181, provided a significant home-field advantage due to its 7,220-foot elevation.
Bowl Game: Wyoming won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 17, 2016, defeating Central Michigan 37–16 in Boise, Idaho.
Quarterback Development:Josh Allen gained national attention, improving his draft stock with strong performances despite limited receiving support.
Defensive Strength: The Cowboys allowed only 24.8 points per game, a marked improvement from previous seasons, and forced 19 total turnovers.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 Wyoming Cowboys compared to previous recent seasons in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Head Coach
2016	7–6	4–4	W 37–16 vs. CMU (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)	Craig Bohl
2015	2–10	1–7	No bowl	Craig Bohl
2014	4–8	3–5	No bowl	Craig Bohl
2013	8–5	5–2	W 35–7 vs. Temple (New Mexico Bowl)	Dave Christensen
2012	8–5	5–2	W 35–34 vs. Temple (New Mexico Bowl)	Dave Christensen

The 2016 season represented a clear step forward from the difficult 2015 campaign, in which the Cowboys won only two games. While not matching the win totals of 2012 and 2013, the 2016 team reestablished bowl eligibility and showed promise for future competitiveness in the Mountain West. The development of Josh Allen and the defensive improvements were particularly encouraging signs for fans and coaches alike.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was pivotal for Wyoming football, signaling the beginning of a sustained revival under Craig Bohl. It restored fan confidence, improved recruiting, and elevated the program’s national profile, especially through the emergence of Josh Allen as a top NFL prospect.

The bowl victory marked Wyoming’s first postseason win since 2013, ending a three-year drought and boosting morale across the program.
Josh Allen’s performance drew NFL scouts, and he was eventually selected 10th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
The team’s improved defense laid the foundation for future success, with Wyoming ranking higher in defensive efficiency in subsequent seasons.
Returning to a bowl game boosted attendance and fundraising for the athletic department, demonstrating tangible financial benefits.
The season helped stabilize Bohl’s tenure, proving progress was possible despite earlier losing records.
Wyoming’s success in 2016 contributed to greater regional media coverage and enhanced visibility for the Mountain West Conference.

Overall, the 2016 Wyoming Cowboys season was a turning point that bridged a period of rebuilding with the promise of sustained competitiveness, both on the field and in program development.