Wyoming coach Jay Sawvel has been consistent in his message all week. Saturday’s trip to Boulder is about much more than just facing an opponent led by one of the sport’s most iconic figures, it’s about doing so while preparing for the uncertainty of Colorado’s quarterback rotation.
“You have to prepare for all of it,” Sawvel said. “Ryan Staub has a cool presence, gets the ball out accurately. With Kaidon Salter there is an added element of athleticism. I do not know that they alter their offense dramatically, but obviously it could be a little bit different focus. We have to get ready for multiple different things.”
That task becomes more daunting under the lights of a sold out Folsom Field, where Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes will once again take center stage in the national spotlight. Sawvel did not shy away from praising his counterpart. “First of all, the guy is a football icon,” he said. “I admire Coach Sanders for his personal belief. I love the fact that so much of it is faith based. And you admire the guy for being one of the greatest players that ever played the game.”
Game time. pic.twitter.com/6ByswtvBqt
— Wyoming Cowboy Football (@wyo_football) September 14, 2025
For Wyoming, the challenge is both tactical and mental. Colorado’s ability to mix personnel means Sawvel’s defense must communicate at a higher level than it did in last week’s 31 to 6 home loss to Utah. Offensively, sophomore quarterback Kaden Anderson continues to learn through trial by fire, and Sawvel has stressed the need for cleaner execution.
Still, the veteran coach is not overcomplicating the task. “It is never about who we play, it is about how we play,” Sawvel said. “If we play really well Saturday night, the crowd will not be a big factor. If we do not, it will be really loud all night.”
The Cowboys have seen big stages before with trips to Texas and BYU in recent years, but none with quite the same intensity and intrigue as facing Coach Prime in Boulder.
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