Stuhlsatz Leads Cowboys Past UNLV

Wyoming defeated UNLV 41-35 on Saturday night inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Middle linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz recorded a team-high 10 tackles, including three quarterback sacks, in the victory. The result moved the Cowboys to a 5-1 record in conference play and secured postseason eligibility for the first time since 2023.

Stuhlsatz, a senior from Wichita, spent the preceding 15 days watching film and observing practice. He performed light work on a stationary bicycle during the bye week. Head coach Jay Sawvel stated that the player had been limited for a period and needed the break. Sawvel noted the team had played several games on Friday, creating shorter preparation weeks that added physical strain.

The linebacker suffered a high-ankle sprain late in a Week 2 game against Northern Colorado. He sat out the following contest at Central Michigan. Wyoming allowed 339 rushing yards in that game, including 163 yards from quarterback Angel Flores. The Cowboys lost that contest 24-10.

Stuhlsatz returned to play with 11 tackles in a 28-14 win over Air Force before the bye week. He was also limited in victories against San Jose State and Northern Illinois. The 6-foot-4, 237-pound senior revealed Saturday that he also managed blood clots in his left leg during the offseason.

"It's been a real real struggle," Stuhlsatz said. "I've dealt with some adversity in the summer, dating all the way back to spring ball. I got all that stuff kind of situated but, no, that bye week was huge for me, being able to get my ankle rehabbed a little bit more. It's something you're just going to have to deal with the rest of the season. You know what, adapt and overcome. It's just what it is."

Stuhlsatz leads the team with 68 tackles, including 27 solo stops. He has also broken up a pass and forced a fumble this season. The Cowboys currently sit alone in second place with two league games remaining.

Wyoming (6-3, 5-1) will play UTEP (1-8, 0-5) on Saturday night. The two teams are meeting for the 34th time. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Mountain Time at the famed Sun Bowl and will be televised on FS1.