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PROVO — A lot of BYU fans weren’t happy with their matchup with Wyoming in the Poinsettia Bowl later this month.
As a Star Valley native, I disagree. This game has potential for a classic.
Here are five reasons why you should make the trip to San Diego for the Dec. 21 contest.
It’s better than a punch in the face
Even one against a kangaroo.
Men in barrels? Wyoming’s got it
There have been several enthusiastic Pokes fans who have braved the elements of Laramie, Wyoming, wearing nothing but a cowboy hat and a barrel. Perhaps the most famous is Cowboy Ken, who has been doing it since 1995.
A historic rivalry
The series between the Cougars and Cowboys goes back to 1922. That’s 77 meetings in nearly a century.
In 1981, BYU legend LaVell Edwards, “I’d rather lose and live in Provo than win and live in Laramie,” fanning the flames of a hyped relationship.
The rivalry hit its peak on the football field in the 1996 Western Athletic Conference championship game in Las Vegas. Ethan Pochman’s 32-yard field goal gave BYU a 28-25 win in overtime, and the Cougars went to the Cotton Bowl. Despite its top-25 ranking, Wyoming didn’t go to a bowl game.
The hatred for BYU is still alive and well in Laramie. The last two times these teams the Pokes beat the Cougars, fans tore down the goal posts.
Wyoming is really good
The Mountain West runners-up beat Boise State and San Diego State, and finished atop the Mountain division before falling to the Aztecs in the championship game. They have a 3,000-yard passer in Josh Allen, a 1,700-yard rusher in Brian Hill, and a 1,200-yard receiver in Tanner Gentry.
The Pokes average 37 points per game and know how to dance — safely, of course.
San Diego; ‘nuff said
If you need no other reason to go, San Diego is beautiful around Christmastime. Who wouldn’t want to vacate the cold of winter in Utah and Wyoming in favor of Southern California? Where would you rather be?
