2006 Week 14

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Wyoming quarterback Kenneth Wingate played only one series in the second half, but it proved to be one series too many, as he suffered a season-ending broken wrist after an awkward fall on what appeared to be a late hit by the defense, though no penalty flag was thrown.

Head coach Joe Glenn was understandably upset after the game, despite holding on to win the game. "I wish I knew what that official was looking at on that play. It was so clearly a late hit, I can't imagine why the flag wasn't thrown. To make things worse, it came from the blind side, so Ken had no chance of bracing himself for the impact. The officials need to make that call."

After Wingate left the game, the Cowboys struggled on offense, and were shut out the remainder of the game. Wingate's replacement, Ryan Cochran completed just three of his seven passes, for 42 yards. Fortunately for Wyoming, Wingate had been on fire while in the game, and the defense stepped up to also shut out the Rebels, giving Wyoming a 35 - 14 victory to end the regular season.

In his one half or work, Wingate went an almost perfect 11 of 12, for 299 yards and an incredible four touchdowns. His quarterback rating was an NCAA record 411.0.

As always, the defense was led by linebackers David Boyer and Earl Walton, and free safety Scott Potts, who combined for 15 tackles. Walton also forced a fumble, which was recovered by fellow linebacker OJ Landrum.

After the game, Wingate spoke to reporters about his injury, and his confidence in Cochran.

"Obviously, I'm frustrated. This is the second time this year I've missed time with an injury, and its worse to have to miss the bowl game. But at the same time, its all part of the game, and I also realize I'm lucky not to have been more seriously injured. It just gives me that much more incentive to work hard this winter and spring and come back even stronger next year. Plus, Ryan is a great quarterback, and he is very capable of leading this team."

Glenn echoed Wingate's sentiment. "As a coaching staff, we have an entire month to prepare for our bowl game, and Ryan has just as long to practice as the starting quarterback. I am supremely confident not only in our ability to implement a game plan that will give this team the best possible chance against whomever our opponent is, but in Ryan's ability to carry out that plan."

The Cowboys finish the regular season 10 - 2, tied for first in the Mountain West conference with rival Colorado State at 6 - 1. Because the Rams beat Wyoming during the regular season, they receive the conference bid to play in the Liberty Bowl. The Cowboys will return to Las Vegas on December 25th to face the 5th place team from the PAC-10. Their likely opponent is the University of Oregon, though an official announcement will be made sometime next week.