By Luke Fletcher ｜ Ft Collins, Colorado

Kickoff: 9 PM ET / 7 PM MT Location: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming Television: The CW Radio: SiriusXM 263 (App 973)

There are games that impact standings and others that shape the future of a football program. For Wyoming’s head coach Jay Sawvel, the upcoming match against Air Force is significant on both fronts. The Cowboys, currently sitting at 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the Mountain West, are on a two-game winning streak after beating San Jose State and Northern Illinois. However, earlier setbacks against Colorado State, Central Michigan, and North Dakota State have raised concerns about the team’s trajectory. A win against the 5-1 Air Force would not only boost Wyoming’s chances for a bowl game but also provide Sawvel a chance to reassure a frustrated fanbase that his program is indeed progressing.

A Chance to Change the Narrative in Laramie

The 2026 season kicked off with Wyoming fans feeling uncertain about whether Sawvel could bring back the toughness and consistency that defined Cowboys football during Craig Bohl’s tenure. The season opener was particularly rough, as the Cowboys suffered a painful 35-13 loss to rival Colorado State in the Border War, followed by a disappointing 24-10 defeat at Central Michigan and a humiliating 28-0 shutout against North Dakota State. For a fanbase that values hard-hitting football and a strong home-field advantage at War Memorial Stadium, these losses were tough to swallow.

Despite the rocky start, Wyoming has shown some resilience. They managed to pull off a gritty 16-13 overtime win against San Jose State and then returned home to secure a solid 41-23 victory over Northern Illinois, with quarterback Tyler Hughes igniting the offense and boosting morale ahead of their upcoming game. However, while defeating Northern Illinois was a step in the right direction, taking on a rising Air Force team with serious Mountain West championship ambitions presents a whole new challenge. For Sawvel, this game is a chance to make a statement; a win wouldn’t erase the earlier disappointments but would certainly ease the pain of those losses and demonstrate that Wyoming is on the upswing. Most importantly, it would give Cowboys fans a renewed sense of faith in Sawvel’s leadership.

Air Force Arrives as a Mountain West Contender

The Falcons head into Friday’s game with a solid 5-1 record, riding a four-game winning streak after their only loss to North Dakota State. Their recent performances highlight why they’re considered one of the toughest teams in the Mountain West, with victories over Nevada, Navy, Northern Illinois, and UNLV. In their game against UNLV, Air Force showcased their powerful ground game by racking up an impressive 430 rushing yards, which is a hallmark of their playing style.

Air Force doesn’t rely on a heavy passing game to secure wins; instead, they focus on controlling the clock and executing their ground attack, which often leads to defensive mistakes from their opponents. This creates a tricky situation for Wyoming, as their defenders are typically trained to chase the ball aggressively. However, against Air Force’s option offense, such undisciplined play can easily result in big gains. For Wyoming to succeed, their defensive line needs to dominate at the line of scrimmage, while their linebackers and secondary must stay disciplined throughout the game.

A Rivalry That Doesn’t Need a Trophy

While Wyoming’s Border War with Colorado State often steals the spotlight, the rivalry between the Cowboys and Air Force has emerged as one of the most intense matchups in the Mountain West. With a series record of 32–28–3 in favor of Air Force and a balanced 5–5 in their last ten encounters, the competition has been fierce. Wyoming has enjoyed a strong home advantage lately, winning five straight games at War Memorial Stadium. This rivalry dates back to 1957, starting with a 7-7 tie in Laramie, and has since been marked by tough defensive showdowns and thrilling finishes, even without an official trophy to symbolize it. For Wyoming, defeating Air Force is a point of pride, especially after their last meeting in Laramie in 2024, where they secured a 31-19 win. However, Air Force got their revenge last season with a close 24-21 victory, showcasing a powerful rushing attack. This Friday night presents the Cowboys with a perfect opportunity to even the score.

Three Keys to a Wyoming Victory

1. Make Air Force earn every yard. Wyoming cannot allow the Falcons to dictate the entire game through their option rushing attack. The Cowboys must force third-and-long situations, eliminate explosive runs, and make Air Force operate outside its preferred offensive rhythm.

2. Get Tyler Hughes and the offense going early. Wyoming’s offense has shown improvement, particularly in its 41-point performance against Northern Illinois. Hughes must continue that progress, but the Cowboys cannot afford to waste possessions against a team capable of controlling the clock for long stretches. Establishing the running game and finishing drives with touchdowns rather than field goals will be critical.

3. Protect War Memorial Stadium. Wyoming is 3-0 at home this season, and the Cowboys have historically made life difficult for Air Force in Laramie.The elevation, the cold October night, and a passionate Wyoming crowd could provide a meaningful advantage. The Cowboys must give their fans something to get excited about early. A fast start could make War Memorial Stadium an uncomfortable place for the visiting Falcons.

The Pressure Is on Jay Sawvel

Wyoming’s football program is still in the process of carving out its identity under Sawvel. While there have been some positive strides, the team has also faced setbacks that have tested the loyalty of its fans. This makes Friday night’s game feel particularly significant, as it’s not just another Mountain West matchup. Air Force is the kind of opponent Wyoming needs to conquer to prove it can hang with the stronger teams in the conference. The Falcons are known for their discipline and physicality, traits that Wyoming supporters hope to see mirrored in their own team. A win would give Sawvel a three-game winning streak, a solid 4-1 conference record, and a notable victory over a serious championship contender, shifting the narrative in Laramie. Instead of dwelling on past losses to Colorado State, Central Michigan, and North Dakota State, fans could start dreaming about bowl eligibility and a potential run in the Mountain West. Conversely, a loss, especially a bad one at home , would likely reignite earlier frustrations. While Sawvel doesn’t need to clinch a conference title this season to show progress, he does need wins that inspire confidence in the program’s future. Friday night could be his best chance to achieve that.

Prediction: Can the Cowboys Pull the Upset?

On paper, Air Force looks like the stronger team, showcasing more consistency throughout the season. Their rushing game is formidable, and their recent win against UNLV proves they can score against tough conference rivals. However, Wyoming has some advantages to consider. They remain undefeated at home, have secured two consecutive victories, and have a history of making it tough for Air Force in Laramie. There’s also an emotional aspect to this matchup. For Wyoming’s players and coaches, this game is likely a key date on their calendar, presenting a chance to shift their season’s momentum and regain the trust of their fans. Expect a gritty, low-scoring battle where factors like turnovers, field position, and success on third downs will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.

For Wyoming, an upset would be more than just another conference victory. It would be a statement that the Cowboys are still capable of defending their home turf, competing with the Mountain West’s best, and building something meaningful under Jay Sawvel. The sting of the Border War won’t disappear overnight. But beating Air Force on national television would be a pretty good place to start.

Prediction: Wyoming pulls off the Friday night upset: 24-21! The Cowboys find a way to slow the Falcons’ rushing attack just enough, Hughes delivers a few timely plays, and Wyoming’s defense makes one critical fourth-quarter stop. Go Pokes!