Wyoming improved their record to 8-5 on the season with a 37 to 14 win over Central Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. This was the first bowl game win for the Pokes since 2009 when they beat Fresno State 35-28 in the New Mexico Bowl.

There were many stars to pick from in this complete team effort but alas we can only pick three so let’s give some honorable mention love to K Cooper Rothe (3 for 3 on field goals) and LB Logan Wilson (9 tackles and an interception).

Without further adieu, here are the three stars from the victory on the God-forsaken smurf turf in Boise, Idaho.

Third Star: DE – Carl Granderson 

Carl Granderson’s rising star was on the national stage today. What was most impressive was his constant pressure both in and out of the pocket against the Central Michigan QB’s. Several times CMU rolled the pocket and Granderson was there setting the edge not allowing the Chippewas quarterback a clean look downfield. He finished the game with 5 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery that he took back 58 yards to give the Pokes the 37-14 lead that the game would finish with.

Second Star: DT – Youhanna Ghaifan

Now some people may object to Ghaifan being ranked ahead of Granderson in this game but the tape will not lie. Ghaifan was playing with a high motor providing interior run defense and pressure up the middle on passing downs. He finished his Idaho Potato Bowl with 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble (the very one that Granderson returned for a touchdown). All while getting double teamed more of then than not.

First Star: QB – Josh Allen

Allen was named the MVP of the Idaho Potato Bowl and then promptly declared for the 2018 NFL Draft after leading his team to victory. After being out for the last two games of the regular season, Allen provided the spark to the Wyoming offense that most people thought he would.Most of his damage was done in the first quarter where he threw for three touchdown passes.

His final line in his last college game for the Pokes in Brown & Gold was: 11 of 19 for 154 yards and three touchdowns. Wyoming hasn’t seen a QB like Allen in their program’s history and there is a good chance they will never see one like him again. The legend of #17 is sure to be one talked about in Laramie and Wyoming for years to come.