LARAMIE — The Wyoming Cowboys (3-1) host the New Mexico Lobos (2-2) in the Mountain West Conference opener on Saturday at 2 p.m. inside War Memorial Stadium. Saturday’s contest will also be homecoming, as it marks the 98th in school history.

The contest will be streamed on the MW Network and be available on Stadium and can be heard on the 26 affiliates of the Cowboy Sports Network with Keith Kelley on the call and Kevin McKinney on color with Erick Pauley on the sidelines.

Wyoming completed its 2023 non-conference schedule with a 3-1 record. The Cowboys’ victories came against then No. 24 ranked Texas Tech (35-33 in double overtime) in the ‘23 season opener, over Portland State (31-17) and against Appalachian State (22-19) in a dramatic comeback win last week. The Pokes’ only loss this season came on the road at then No. 4 ranked Texas (31-10). Wyoming entered the fourth quarter against Texas with the game tied at 10-10. 

The Lobos began the season on the road at Texas A&M, where University of New Mexico (UNM) lost 52-10. New Mexico recorded a 56-10 win over Tennessee Tech in Albuquerque in week two before losing at home to rival New Mexico State by a score of 27-17.

A week ago, UNM traveled to Amherst, Massachusetts, to play FBS Independent UMass where the Lobos won by a score of 34-31. 

Wyoming and New Mexico to play for the 76th time Saturday

This week’s meeting between the Wyoming Cowboys and New Mexico Lobos will be the 76th in history between the old rivals.  The Cowboys lead the overall series with 40 wins to 35 wins for UNM.

Wyoming hosts 98th homecoming game this week

This week’s game versus New Mexico will mark the 98th homecoming game in University of Wyoming history, and the 73rd homecoming game to be played in War Memorial Stadium. UW’s overall record in homecoming games is 48-46-3 (.505) and UW’s homecoming record in War Memorial is 43-27-2 (.603).

The block that won the game

The Cowboys had their backs against the wall in the closing minutes against App State. The Mountaineers attempted a field goal to take an eight-point lead. The defense forced pressure up the middle on the FG attempt as defensive end DeVonne Harris blocked the kick and UW cornerback Jakorey Hawkins picked up the blocked kick and returned it 62 yards for an amazing touchdown to give Wyoming a 20-19 lead. It was the first blocked kick returned for a touchdown in school history. 

The block against App State marked Wyoming’s second of the season after tallying one against Texas Tech. Wyoming is tied for the national lead in blocked field goals this season with two.