Washington State struck first with a touchdown on their opening drive, grabbing an early 7-0 lead. The Cowboys responded midway through the second quarter with a 42-yard field goal by John Hoyland, but the Cougars took a 10-3 lead into halftime after a 32-yard field goal of their own.
The second half saw more of the same as both teams traded field goals, with Wyoming’s defense holding Washington State to just 28 yards in the third quarter. The Cowboys tied the game at 10-10 with 8:05 remaining in the fourth quarter on another Hoyland field goal.
With just over two minutes left, Washington State had a chance to take the lead but missed a field goal. Wyoming took over at their own 25-yard line and drove down the field with Svoboda completing three consecutive passes. On third-and-10 from the Cougars’ 23-yard line, Svoboda found Gyllenborg in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
Evan Svoboda was the star of the game for Wyoming, completing 17 of 27 passes for 199 yards and the game-winning touchdown. He also ran for 52 yards on 12 attempts, leading the Cowboys in rushing.
“Evan is a true leader,” said Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl. “He made some big plays when we needed them most.”
After allowing Washington State to score on their opening drive, Wyoming’s defense clamped down, allowing just 163 yards of total offense and six points over the final three quarters.
“Our defense played lights out today,” said defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel. “They made some huge stops when we needed them.”
The win over Washington State gives Wyoming six wins on the season, making them bowl eligible for the first time since 2019.
“This is a big moment for our program,” said Bohl. “We’ve worked hard all year, and we’re proud to have earned a bowl berth.”
Washington State’s loss was their fourth in a row and dropped them to 5-7 on the season. The Cougars have struggled offensively all year, averaging just 19.9 points per game, which ranks 124th in the FBS.
“We’re not playing well enough,” said Washington State head coach Nick Rolovich. “We need to find a way to get better.”
Wyoming will close out their regular season at home against New Mexico next Saturday. Washington State will travel to Pullman to face rival Washington in the Apple Cup.
