Air Force will host Wyoming in a Mountain West football matchup on Saturday, October 18 at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs. The Falcons currently hold a 1-5 overall record and are seeking their first conference win of the season, while Wyoming enters the game with a 3-3 record and is 1-1 in conference play.
The two teams have a long-standing rivalry, with Air Force leading the series 31-28-3. In conference games, Air Force holds a narrow advantage at 22-21. At home, the Falcons are 19-12-1 against Wyoming. Last season, Wyoming defeated Air Force 31-19 in Laramie after trailing at halftime. In their last meeting at Falcon Stadium in October 2023, Air Force overcame an early deficit to win 34-27.
This week’s game will also feature Air Force Athletics honoring the United States Space Force by wearing alternate uniforms. All Air Force teams will participate by wearing Space Force-themed uniforms during one game or series this season. “We are thrilled to unveil this collaboration with the U.S. Space Force to honor the men and women who make up this important service,” said Nathan Pine, Air Force Director of Athletics. “As the Space Force’s Academy, it is an important partnership that will showcase uniforms for each of our teams to celebrate these incredible teammates.” The uniforms incorporate Space Force symbols and values such as “Courage,” “Commitment,” “Connection,” and “Character.” The Academy continues its role as a key commissioning source for the Space Force and maintains programs related to space education and training.
Wyoming is led by head coach Jay Sawvel in his second year after previously serving as defensive coordinator for four seasons. Notably, some members of Wyoming’s staff previously worked for Air Force; defensive tackles coach Deonte Gibson coached defensive ends for the Falcons last year and associate athletic director Joe Caufield held operations roles at both institutions.
Wyoming’s recent performance includes a comeback victory over San Jose State where they scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to secure a win. Several Cowboys players have received high marks from Pro Football Focus for their performances this season.
If Air Force wins Saturday’s game, it would mark their second victory of the season and improve their home record to .500. It would also be their fourth consecutive home win against Wyoming since 2019.
Last week, Air Force lost to UNLV in a high-scoring contest that ended 51-48 after UNLV scored late in regulation. Despite the loss, Air Force set several season highs including total offense (603 yards) and rushing yards (428). The combined offensive output from both teams was among the highest ever recorded in an Air Force game.
Individual standout performances included quarterback Liam Szarka rushing for over 100 yards for his fourth straight game—a feat not achieved by an Air Force quarterback since Beau Morgan in 1996—and fullback Owen Allen recording a career-high 192 rushing yards with two touchdowns.
The Falcons continue several active streaks: they lead all NCAA programs with 91 consecutive games surpassing 100 rushing yards and have produced over 400 yards of total offense in each game this season as well as seven straight dating back to last year. They have also scored at least 30 points in every game this year.
The upcoming matchup offers both teams an opportunity to improve their standings within the Mountain West Conference as well as continue notable team and individual streaks.
“We are thrilled to unveil this collaboration with the U.S. Space Force to honor the men and women who make up this important service,” Air Force Director of Athletics Nathan Pine said. “As the Space Force’s Academy, it is an important partnership that will showcase uniforms for each of our teams to celebrate these incredible teammates.”
Space is critical to our way of life and vital to our nation’s defense. The Space Force was created to protect US interests in, from, through and to space. The U.S. Air Force Academy is here to train and inspire the men and women who are ready to lead these efforts.
