The Wyoming Cowboys held their annual spring football game on April 27, with the offense defeating the defense 37-21 at War Memorial Stadium. Head coach Jay Sawvel gave the defense a 21-point lead before kickoff and challenged the offense to come back over nearly 90 plays.
The event offered fans a preview of changes under new offensive coordinator Christian Taylor. Quarterbacks Tyler Hughes and Mason Drube led an offensive effort that overcame the early deficit by halftime. Hughes connected with wide receiver Jackson Holman for a long touchdown pass and added another score through the air to Nico Hamilton, as well as a notable run. “It’s only April,” Sawvel said after the public showcase.
Holman spoke about expectations for improvement: “Twenty-eight points minimum per game is my goal. I feel like we should be able to put that up to complement the defense.” He also said, “I’m hoping for 28 points a game and just not being stagnant, not going three-and-outs every drive, having to punt, putting our defense in bad situations. I want to play complementary football and just go win games.”
Hughes described his experience during the scrimmage: “It felt great. We didn’t do too much (Saturday), it was just about executing and just being fundamentally sound, lining up and playing ball,” he said. “I think we did a really good job as an offense. Guys came focused and ready to go.” Sawvel noted improvements in offensive diversity under Taylor: “We have a diversity in our run game that we have not had… we’re utilizing everybody on the field… Every skill player on the field is a threat to touch the ball on every play.” He added that this approach will present more challenges for opposing defenses than previous seasons.
The team limited its playbook during this open practice ahead of its season opener against Colorado State on September 5. Several players were held out or limited due to injury precautions.
Safety Brooklyn Cheek expressed confidence in defensive progress despite missing several key players: “We were a little short on defensive tackles and stuff. When we get them back, I think our defense is going to be unstoppable. I think we’re going to be better than last year.” As both sides continue preparations through summer workouts, coaches hope improved balance will translate into success next season.
