2006 Week 17

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Everything about the Las Vegas Bowl, at least this year, was big. Big game in a big city, big plays on both sides of the ball, and a big win for the Wyoming Cowboys, who came back from a 17 - 34 deficit to score 21 points in the fourth quarter, edging the Oregon Ducks 38 - 34 in front of over 39,000 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Cowboys got big performances from the usual suspects, receiver Andre Kirkpatrick, who had 187 yards and three touchdowns on ten receptions, and middle linebacker David Boyer, who finished with eight tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. The Cowboys also got a much-needed 119 yards on the ground from running back Johnny Connor.

Most importantly, however, they got an incredible game from redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Cochran, who played in place of the injured Kenneth Wingate. Cochran completed just over half his passes, but was spectacular with the long ball, gaining 364 yards on 19 completions, with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

"I told you a month ago that this kid would be fine," head coach Joe Glenn told reporters. "Obviously, he was better than fine today; Ryan did a great job proving he is capable of competing at this level."

Tied 14 - 14 after one quarter, Oregon outscored the Cowboys 17 - 3 in the second and third periods to take a 31 - 17 lead heading into the fourth. Aided by consecutive defensive stops, the Cowboys came storming back to score three unanswered touchdowns, and time expired before he Ducks had a chance to score again.

"This is a great win for this program," Glenn exulted after the game. "As good as Louisville is, to beat a power program like Oregon, even in an off year, is a testament to how far this program has come in just a few short years. It should do wonders for our recruiting efforts."

The win gives the Cowboys a school record 11 wins on the season, and momentum heading into the off-season. If there were any doubts about the sustainability of what Glenn has built at Wyoming, they were answered emphatically with this win.