What Is 2017 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2017 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain Division in the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by head coach Craig Bohl in his fourth season.

The Cowboys posted an 8–6 overall record, including a 5–3 mark in conference play, marking their most wins since 2004. They capped the season with a decisive 37–14 victory over Central Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 22, 2017.

• Final record: The team finished with an 8–6 overall record, their best win total in over a decade, signaling a resurgence under Craig Bohl’s leadership.
• Conference performance: Wyoming went 5–3 in Mountain West play, placing second in the Mountain Division behind eventual champion Boise State.
• Bowl victory: The Cowboys won the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, defeating Central Michigan 37–14 in Boise, Idaho, marking their first bowl win since 2011.
• Quarterback development: Future first-round NFL Draft pick Josh Allen started 11 games, throwing for 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns despite missing time due to injury.
• National recognition: Wyoming earned votes in the AP Poll throughout the season and finished ranked at #24 in the final Coaches Poll, their first national ranking since 2004.

Season Performance

The 2017 season showcased Wyoming’s balanced attack and disciplined defense, both of which contributed to their successful campaign. Despite early struggles, the team found consistency as the season progressed.

• Home dominance: The Cowboys went 5–1 at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, including a 31–28 win over rival Colorado State in the Border War.
• Defensive strength: Wyoming ranked 25th nationally in total defense, allowing just 330.1 yards per game, led by standout performances from Carl Granderson and Chad Mumphrey.
• Special teams: Kicker Cooper Rothe converted 15 of 18 field goals, including a season-long 53-yarder, providing reliable scoring in close games.
• Running game: Trey Woods led the team with 581 rushing yards and five touchdowns, helping balance Josh Allen’s passing efforts.
• Turnover margin: The defense forced 22 turnovers, including 13 interceptions, with Marcus Epps recording four picks and two returned for touchdowns.
• Key injury: Josh Allen missed three full games due to a collarbone injury but returned to lead the team in the bowl game with two touchdown passes.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Wyoming Cowboys compare to recent seasons in key statistical categories:

The 2017 season marked the second consecutive year Wyoming finished 8–6, but it was the first time since 2004 that the program earned a national ranking. The team’s consistent defense and bowl wins signaled a turning point for the program under Craig Bohl.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was pivotal for Wyoming football, establishing a foundation for future success and national relevance. It highlighted the development of NFL talent and restored pride in the program.

• Josh Allen’s rise: Allen’s performance elevated his NFL Draft stock, leading to his selection 7th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2018.
• Recruiting boost: Success on the field helped Wyoming land higher-rated recruiting classes, including four-star prospect Xazavian Valladay in 2018.
• Program momentum: Back-to-back 8–6 seasons demonstrated consistency, a rarity for Wyoming in the 21st century.
• Defensive identity: The Cowboys built a reputation for tough defense, a hallmark that continued in subsequent seasons under defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton.
• Financial impact: Bowl revenue and increased ticket sales provided a boost to the athletic department’s budget.
• Alumni engagement: The team’s success re-engaged former players and fans, increasing donations and season ticket renewals.

The 2017 Wyoming Cowboys season remains a benchmark for modern program success, combining on-field achievement with long-term growth and national exposure.