Pokes Report: Wyoming Hosts Undefeated UNLV in Mountain West Opener
Saturday night inside War Memorial Stadium, the Wyoming Cowboys open Mountain West Conference play against one of the league’s hottest teams, the UNLV Rebels. The Rebels arrive in Laramie at 4-0, off to their best start in decades, but there’s one major hurdle staring them in the face: they haven’t won in Laramie since October 11, 2003.
That day, UNLV left town with a 47-22 victory over the Cowboys — a game played more than 20 years ago, when none of today’s players were even in grade school. Since then, War Memorial has been a nightmare for the Rebels, who’ve dropped every trip to Wyoming dating back to that 2003 meeting.
Rebels on a Roll
UNLV comes in averaging nearly 37 points per game and over 450 yards of total offense. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been sharp, completing more than 70 percent of his passes for 940 yards and eight touchdowns. Running back Jai’Den Thomas already has close to 400 rushing yards, while wideout Jaden Bradley has been Colandrea’s go-to receiver with 355 yards.
The Rebels also had a bye week to rest and reset before heading to Laramie. But momentum and numbers are one thing — conquering War Memorial Stadium is another. The last time they played here, Wyoming rolled to a 53-17 win in 2019.
Cowboys Looking to Defend the Home Turf
Wyoming enters the matchup at 2-2, fresh off non-conference play. The Cowboys’ defense has been their calling card, allowing fewer than 19 points per contest so far. At home, the Pokes are always a different team — fueled by the crowd and the energy of War Memorial.
The challenge will be slowing down UNLV’s high-powered attack while finding consistency on offense. Look for Wyoming to try to control the tempo with the run game, keep Colandrea on the sideline, and let their defense dictate the flow.
History Leans Brown & Gold
The Cowboys lead the all-time series and hold a dominant edge in Laramie. That 2003 Rebel victory remains the lone bright spot for UNLV in a long stretch of struggles at War Memorial. Wyoming has reminded them every visit since that winning in Laramie is no small task.
What to Watch Saturday
Turnovers: Can Wyoming’s defense rattle Colandrea into mistakes?
Big Plays: Will the Cowboys’ offense hit on enough explosive moments to keep pace?
History vs. Momentum: UNLV hasn’t won in Laramie since 2003 — will that streak live on?
Kickoff is set for 5:02 p.m. MT.
For Cowboy fans, the message is clear: it’s time to protect the house, defend the tradition, and remind the Rebels that Laramie has long been their stumbling block.
Go Pokes
.