The Wyoming Cowboys (8-4) and the Temple Owls (8-4) square off this Saturday in the 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl Game at University Stadium in Albuquerque, NM. The appearance marks the second New Mexico Bowl showing for the Cowboys in three season, having won the 2009 New Mexico Bowl game against Fresno State.
Wyoming finished their season strong, winning three of their final four games and collecting some Mountain West Conference awards along the way. Not only did QB Brett Smith win MW Freshman of the Year, but head coach Dave Christensen took home the Coach of the Year award, and seven different other athletes found their way to the All Mountain West Second Team.
The Owls certainly did not let Wyoming take all the press, however, earning All-American honorable mentions for running back Bernard Pierce and punter Brandon McManus. Pierce finished the season with 25 touchdowns and 1381 rushing yards for a 5.6 yards per carry ratio.
For more on this game, visit MAC blog The Hustle Belt, Mountain West blog Mountain West Connection and Wyoming blog Cowboy Altitude. Head over to SB Nation NCAA Football for more on the bowl season.