Wyoming Football: 3 takeaways from the win over New Mexico State

The Wyoming defense is going to be an asset in 2018

Last year’s defense was formidable for Wyoming, ranking among the top 25 units in the country. The Cowboys gave up fewer than 18 points per game, ranking in the top 10 in the FBS. And they were the best ballhawks in the nation, snagging 38 turnovers over the course of the year to feature as the top team in turnover margin across the land.

Craig Bohl’s team didn’t manage to generate any turnovers against the Aggies, but they did everything else necessary to keep the hosts off the scoreboard. The Cowboys dropped at least three possible interceptions of New Mexico State’s quarterbacks, and those are bound to turn into picks over the coming weeks.

The Pokes even generated an early safety, putting themselves up 9-0 in the first quarter to get the game started on a high note. In total, Wyoming gave up just 135 total yards on 49 plays. The longest play of the night was a 31-yard touchdown reception by Drew Dan that came in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. Dan also connected with quarterback Matt Romero two plays earlier for a 29-yard gain, as the Cowboys blew their opportunity at a shutout.

But it was ultimately a garbage-time score by a team that was already soundly beaten. Wyoming showed they are ready to live up to the high rankings from last season’s team, and that they should be a formidable test for Washington State and Missouri as they try to stay relevant in the Group of Five race.