Rants & Raves: Nevada Edition

LARAMIE -- With arguably the most dynamic player in program history looking on, Wyoming's offense was once again a no show Saturday afternoon, sleepwalking through a third consecutive loss, this time in front of a capacity crowd inside War Memorial Stadium.

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Only one time during the Josh Allen era did the Cowboys fail to reach double digits on the scoreboard.

Fresno State claimed a 13-7 victory in Laramie back in 2017. The future first-round selection of the Buffalo Bills was in street clothes that day, dealing with a shoulder injury.

It's happened to this current version four times already this year, including three straight after this 13-7 setback to a Nevada team that had just two wins entering this game.

"We didn't establish anything, offensively, really, all game, which was frustrating," Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel said from behind the podium. "You have a couple running backs get hurt, and it didn't help the cause a little bit with running the ball."

Yes, Terron Kellman was sidelined in this one. Rookie Samuel "Tote" Harris also left the game in the first half, capping his day on crutches with a wrap on his right leg.

Still, the holes simply weren't there.

Nevada, just like San Diego State and Fresno State, dared the Cowboys to beat them through the air, stacking the box with more players than could be blocked.

Kaden Anderson and Co., again, couldn't do it.

The sophomore signal caller completed 22-of-39 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown. That was a 5-yard strike to tight end Evan Svoboda late in the third quarter, cutting the visitors' lead to just three.

Nine different receivers hauled in a pass, but the damage was limited. Michael Fitzgerald led the way with 53 yards, 20 of which came on one catch. Chris Durr snagged six balls for just 34.

Why can't this offense get going?

"I'm at a loss of understanding that because I see so many guys, across the board, give so much effort week in and week out, every practice," senior Sam Scott said. "Like, there's so much care and want to, especially from the senior class. It's just, honestly, I don't know how to answer that. It's just, it's frustrating."

Wyoming finished with 220 total yards, with only 68 coming via the running game.

There's only pride to play for now with postseason hopes dashed. The Cowboys will be home for the holidays for a second consecutive season. Twenty-four seniors played their final game in the Gem City today, too.

There's bound to be plenty of offseason storylines ahead. And if a majority of the commenters get their way, that will start with a new head coach at the helm. Here's this week's rants and raves:

FIRST HALF:

SECOND HALF:

- University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players