What Is 2019 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2019 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by head coach Craig Bohl, who was in his sixth year at the helm. The Cowboys played their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, a high-altitude venue known for its challenging conditions for visiting teams.

Wyoming finished the regular season with an 8–4 record and earned a spot in the Arizona Bowl, where they faced the Georgia State Panthers. The team showcased a strong defensive performance throughout the year, anchored by a disciplined unit that ranked among the conference leaders in several statistical categories. Their bowl victory capped a successful season marked by resilience and consistent play.

• Record and Bowl Result: The Cowboys finished the season 8–5 overall after winning the 2019 Arizona Bowl with a decisive 38–17 victory over Georgia State on December 31, 2019.
• Head Coach: Craig Bohl led the team in his sixth season, maintaining a steady program culture focused on physical play and disciplined execution on both sides of the ball.
• Home Stadium: War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming, served as the team’s home field, with a seating capacity of 29,181 and an elevation of over 7,200 feet above sea level.
• Conference Performance: In Mountain West Conference play, Wyoming posted a 5–3 record, finishing third in the Mountain Division behind Utah State and Boise State.
• Key Players: Quarterback Sean Chambers started several games, while running back Xazavian Valladay rushed for 1,005 yards, becoming the first Cowboy to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since 2017.

How It Works

The 2019 season operated under standard NCAA Division I FBS rules, with Wyoming following a 12-game regular season schedule followed by a bowl game. The team’s structure, game planning, and player development were guided by head coach Craig Bohl’s system, emphasizing defense, special teams, and ball control.

• Season Structure: The team played a 12-game regular season schedule, including eight conference games and four non-conference matchups, culminating in a bowl appearance.
• Coaching System: Craig Bohl’s leadership emphasized physical defense and time of possession, with a pro-style offensive approach adapted to player strengths.
• Player Rotation: Due to injuries at quarterback, Sean Chambers and Levi Williams split time, showcasing Wyoming’s reliance on dual-threat capabilities.
• Defensive Strategy: The Cowboys’ defense ranked among the top in the Mountain West, allowing just 20.5 points per game on average during the regular season.
• Special Teams: Kicker Cooper Rothe converted 19 of 24 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games throughout the season.
• Bowl Eligibility: With six wins required for bowl eligibility, Wyoming surpassed the threshold and secured a spot in the Arizona Bowl after a 5–3 conference record.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Wyoming Cowboys’ performance against key Mountain West rivals and national averages:

The data shows Wyoming’s performance was solid within the conference, particularly on defense, though their offense lagged behind powerhouses like Boise State. Their bowl win distinguished them from similarly ranked teams like Utah State and San Diego State, highlighting a successful end to the season.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was significant for the Wyoming program as it demonstrated consistency under Craig Bohl and laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the Mountain West. The team’s bowl victory and development of young talent signaled long-term potential despite modest national rankings.

• Program Stability: Craig Bohl’s continued leadership provided continuity, a rarity in modern college football, helping maintain recruiting and development standards.
• Player Development: Xazavian Valladay’s 1,000-yard season marked a milestone, showing Wyoming’s ability to develop running backs despite offensive limitations.
• Bowl Success: Winning the Arizona Bowl improved Wyoming’s bowl record under Bohl and boosted morale heading into the next recruiting cycle.
• Defensive Identity: The team’s top-50 national ranking in total defense reinforced Wyoming’s identity as a tough, physical program.
• Recruiting Impact: A winning season and bowl appearance enhanced Wyoming’s appeal to high school prospects in key regions.
• Conference Standing: A third-place finish in the Mountain Division kept Wyoming competitive in a conference often dominated by Boise State and Fresno State.

Overall, the 2019 season underscored Wyoming’s role as a resilient mid-major program capable of achieving success through disciplined coaching and player development.