Under the Lights in Laramie: Wyoming vs. No. 20 Utah Preview
Saturday night in Laramie isn’t just another football game—it’s a chance for the Wyoming Cowboys to test themselves against one of the nation’s top programs. The No. 20 Utah Utes roll into War Memorial Stadium carrying history, rankings, and betting odds squarely in their favor. But as every fan knows, altitude and attitude can make the difference on the High Plains.
The Matchup
Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 13, 6:00 p.m. MDT
Location: Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY
History: Utah has won 10 of the last 11 meetings, including four straight. The last time these two squared off was 2010, a
30–6 Utes win in Laramie.
The Numbers
On paper, it looks lopsided. ESPN’s analytics give Utah a 92.8% chance to win, and oddsmakers have the Utes favored by more than three touchdowns. In their last two games, Utah beat UCLA on the road 43–10 and crushed Cal Poly 63–9. Their offensive line is loaded, their defense is stingy, and they’re already being penciled in as Pac-12 contenders.
Wyoming, meanwhile, is 2–0 with grit and defense leading the way. A season-opening shutout at Akron and a 31–7 win over Northern Iowa showed the Cowboys’ knack for creating turnovers and controlling momentum. Two interceptions, a blocked punt, and 13 explosive plays on offense are proof this team doesn’t shy away from the big moments.
Keys to the Game: Wyoming’s Path to an Upset
Win the Turnover Battle: The Cowboys’ defense has been opportunistic. Forcing mistakes will be critical to keep Utah’s offense off balance.
Control the Clock: Sustaining drives, pounding the ground game, and keeping Utah’s athletes on the sideline is Wyoming’s best formula.
Leverage the Altitude: Make the Utes feel 7,220 feet in the fourth quarter. The longer Wyoming hangs around, the louder War Memorial will get.
Why Wyoming Still Believes
Here’s where the numbers don’t tell the whole story:
Altitude matters. At 7,220 feet, War Memorial is the highest FBS stadium in the country. By the fourth quarter, that altitude—and 25,000 strong in brown and gold—can turn even the most polished team uncomfortable.
Opportunistic defense. Wyoming’s defense has already proven it can flip a game. If they can pressure Utah into mistakes, the Pokes can swing momentum in a hurry.
QB1 returns. Kaden Anderson is expected back at quarterback, giving Wyoming stability under center and more firepower to balance its ground-heavy attack.
The Fan’s Perspective
Utah has the pedigree, but they’ve never played this 2025 Cowboy team in Laramie. For Wyoming fans, this game is more than a nonconference matchup—it’s a chance to show the country what Cowboy Tough football looks like under the lights. The Utes may be ranked, but the Pokes have altitude, defense, and a home crowd ready to make things interesting.
Bottom Line
The experts see Utah as a runaway favorite, and history backs them up. But football isn’t played on paper, and magic tends to happen on chilly September nights in Laramie. If the Cowboys can control the tempo, capitalize on turnovers, and let the crowd do its part, don’t be surprised if this one is closer than the oddsmakers think.
Prediction: Utah is the safe bet—but Wyoming fans know better than to count the Pokes out at home.