Tag: Harrison Waylee

Wyoming Cowboys vs. UNLV Rebels: How the Cowboys will win

A face-off between two bowl-eligible teams in a premiere Mountain West matchup between Wyoming and UNLV. How do the Cowboys win?

Wyoming Cowboys vs. UNLV Rebels: How the Cowboys will win

A face-off between two bowl-eligible teams in a premiere Mountain West matchup between the Wyoming Cowboys and the UNLV Rebels.

Contact/Follow @KayceeClark and @MWCwire

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WEEK 11: Wyoming Cowboys (6-3, 3-2 MW) vs. UNLV Rebels (7-2, 4-1 MW)

WHEN: Friday, November 10 — 6:45 PM PT

WHERE: Allegiant Stadium (65,000)

TV: FS1

STREAMING: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: Cowboy Sports Network

SERIES RECORD: Wyoming 14-11

LAST MATCHUP: Wyoming won 45-14 on Nov. 27, 2020 in Las Vegas

WEBSITES: GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website; UNLVRebels.com, the official UNLV athletics website.

GAME NOTES: Wyoming | UNLV

ODDS: UNLV -5.5

OVER/UNDER: 50.5 points

Of the 25 games between the Wyoming Cowboys (6-3, 3-2 MW) and the UNLV Rebels (7-2, 4-1 MW), 14 were decided by one possession, and nine of those came in the Sin City. The Rebels have a slight advantage in those nine games, winning five of them over the Pokes, most recently in the triple overtime bout in 2016.

Both squads have overcome expectations for the season, as Wyoming was projected to finish sixth in the conference, and UNLV was projected ninth. However, the Rebels are now in their first bowl-eligible season in the past decade.

“Our opponent is playing, I think, maybe the best in the Mountain West right now,” Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl said in his weekly press conference.

Led by a heavy rushing attack, totaling 28 touchdowns, and an explosive wide receiver on the Biletnikoff watchlist, the Rebels are having one of their best seasons in recent memory. It is the first time UNLV has won seven of their first nine games since 1984, when the team’s quarterback was Randall Cunningham.

The Rebels’ Ricky White is closing in on 1,000 yards for the season, currently sitting at 884 with six touchdowns. Additionally, the trio of Vincent Davis Jr., Jai’Den Thomas and Donavyn Lester combined for 1,293 rushing yards.

UNLV also dominated in their game last weekend against New Mexico, 56-14. With three rushing touchdowns in the second quarter and a 28-point lead by halftime, the Rebels secured their seventh victory.

On the other sideline, it has been a tale of two stories for the Cowboys, as the team is 6-0 at home but 0-3 when traveling. While facing one of the top teams of the Mountain West, the Pokes are 2-2 in games this season against teams with a winning record.

A bright side of Wyoming’s play has been transfer running back Harrison Waylee, who has rushed for 686 yards this season in only six games. Quarterback Andrew Peasley has also found himself in the best season of his collegiate career. He has thrown for 1,195 yards and 15 touchdowns, with only four interceptions.

The Pokes’ defense has been another key to their success. From the numbers, it would look like Wyoming is a losing team. They allow more points than they score and give up 375 yards of offense a game, but one reason they have totaled six wins is a top turnover-forcing team in the country. Wyoming has snagged seven interceptions and forced nine fumbles, leading to a +8-turnover margin, tied for 10th best in the country.

 

Last week, Wyoming overcame Colorado State’s effort to win the Bronze Boot, 24-15.

As underdogs, Wyoming will have to overcome the odds, play its hand and ensure it doesn’t fall to the house.

Wyoming will win if…

As with any game, winning the turnover battle is extremely helpful for a victory. However, as Wyoming is tied for 10th in the country for its turnover margin, UNLV is tied for sixth with +9. The Rebels have contributed 19 turnovers this season and haven’t had a game without forcing one.

The Cowboys won the turnover battle in six games, including losses at Air Force and Boise State. Against the Rams last Friday, Wyoming forced three turnovers, including a 61-yard scoop and dash for defensive end Tyce Westland and the linebacker duo of Easton Gibbs and Shae Suiaunoa snatching the ball out of the air.

The only conference loss UNLV has suffered this season came to Fresno State, where the Rebels gave the ball away four times. But UNLV knows how to get the ball back as well as Jaxen Turner is tied for first in the Mountain West with four interceptions.

Between two teams that don’t dominate the margin of turnovers, Wyoming must force more than the Rebels, Peasley must maintain his efficiency and keep the ball away from the UNLV defenders, and the Cowboys must continue their trend of not fumbling the football. The last time a Wyoming fumble occurred was Sept. 30 against New Mexico.

Staying on the defensive side of the ball for Wyoming, the Go-Go offense that UNLV runs allows a re-introduction to the option play for the Cowboy defense. Wyoming got killed against the option offense of Air Force last month as the Falcons ran for 356 yards and three touchdowns.

Wyoming will get another crack at shutting down an offense that will operate out of the option. This season, the Pokes have been able to shut down the run in particular games, with only allowing 93 yards to Texas Tech, 90 to Portland State, 38 to Fresno State, and 51 to Colorado State. However, in addition to the Air Force game, Wyoming has given up 217 yards to Appalachian State, 225 to New Mexico, and 227 to Boise State.

Flipping to the Wyoming offense, the team must score early and often. In several games this season, the Cowboys have gotten solid leads in the first half but fallen short later in the game. While needing to finish out the game, scoring early and often puts pressure on the UNLV offense to match the Pokes. If UNLV is falling behind several scores, the team may abandon the rushing attack altogether, a plus for Wyoming.

 

To get a sizeable lead, the Cowboys must utilize Waylee. Wyoming’s leading rusher is one of the school’s impact players when healthy. He averages 93.4 yards per game on the ground, and when he rushes for 100 yards, which he has done four times this season, the Pokes are 3-1. Cut that down to at least 83 yards, and it becomes 4-1. When Waylee wins, Wyoming will win.

UNLV’s defense has held teams to only 125 yards rushing per game, which raises a problem for Wyoming. Although, UNLV has only played two teams who currently have a winning record, and both games were losses for the Rebels.

The combined record of UNLV’s opponents is 37-47. In contrast, Wyoming’s opponent’s records are 47-32. Specifically looking at this, Wyoming has had a tougher schedule thus far and only lost one game more than the Rebels. According to Sports Reference, Wyoming’s schedule is ranked 70th in the country compared to UNLV’s at 121st.

In what will be another close game in the series, Wyoming will prove to be the superior team and leave Sin City victorious.

Wyoming 34 – UNLV 30

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Wyoming Raises the Bronze Boot in Border War Victory Over Colorado State

A late comeback attempt by the Colorado State Rams falls short as the Wyoming Cowboys win the Border War 24-15.

Wyoming Raises the Bronze Boot in Border War Victory Over Colorado State

Cowboys become bowl-eligible in 24-15 win

Contact/Follow @KayceeClark and @MWCwire

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A late comeback attempt by the Colorado State Rams falls short as the Wyoming Cowboys win the Border War 24-15. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl now has improved to 7-3 against the Rams.

The Cowboys were carried to the win by the team’s rushing attack, and heavy use of Harrison Waylee, who led the team with 140 yards from scrimmage.

 

The Highlights

Wyoming started the scoring early with a 30-yard John Hoyland field goal on their first drive of the game. Waylee added 21 yards on the ground to get the Pokes into field goal range.

A CSU drive with a 13-yard rush by Avery Morrow, a 14-yard reception by Dallin Holker and a 15-yard reception by Dylan Goffney ended with zero points. A 47-yard field goal attempt by Jordan Noyes left the Cowboys with the ball at their own 30-yard line.

The Pokes would score again to start the second quarter with a back shoulder 9-yard touchdown throw in the corner of the endzone to Gunner Gentry. This extended the lead to 10-0.

But by mid-second quarter, CSU would utilize Louis Brown IV for 42 yards including an 18-yard touchdown catch.

Following a Clayton Stewart 72-yard punt, Wyoming maintained a 10-7 lead heading to halftime.

Beginning the second half, the Cowboys ate up five and a half minutes to the CSU 35-yard-line through a rushing attack of Andrew Peasley, with 28 yards, and Waylee, 10 yards. Hoyland would attempt a 52-yard field goal but miss it, his second missed field goal of the game.

However, Wyoming would get the ball back after a Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi interception to Easton Gibbs. The Cowboys would respond with a six-play-drive capped off with an 11-yard touchdown to Ayir Asante. Pokes up 17-7.

 

Following another Fowler-Nicolosi pick, this time by Shae Suiaunoa, the Cowboys’ rushing attack could not be stopped as Sam Scott concluded the eight-play drive with a 6-yard touchdown.

CSU refused to quit down 17 points, and after a Peasley interception to Dom Jones, the Rams scored quickly with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Goffney, his second. Along with a two-point conversion by a Tory Horton pass to Fowler-Nicolosi, CSU only trailed 15-24.

But after a late Rams drive to the Wyoming 24-yard line, Fowler-Nicolosi fumbled the ball, and the Cowboys’ Tyce Westland ran it to the CSU 3-yard line.

Wyoming would burn 1:20 off the clock but failed to score. The Rams would attempt a last-minute miracle, similar to their victory over Boise State. But, after only traveling 45 yards, the Rams would turn it over on downs and allow Wyoming to raise the Bronze Boot for the third straight year.

Waylee became the star of the game, totaling 128 rushing yards and a 12-yard reception. Peasley would appear in big moments in drives as well rushing for 49 yards, several coming on third downs.

Despite the interception, Peasley would finish with a solid day’s work, throwing 15 completions on 22 attempts for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

Asante and Gentry finish with the receiving touchdowns.

The Suiaunoa and Gibbs interceptions led the defense in a positive turnover battle. Gibbs recorded the only sack for the Pokes’ defense on the day.

For the Rams, Fowler-Nicolosi ended the day 24-for-42 with 220 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Horton remained fairly quiet, exiting the game for injury for moments in the game. He finished with 7 receptions for 58 yards. Brown would reel in 55 yards and a touchdown, and Goffney racked up 37 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next?

The bowl-eligible Cowboys will travel to Las Vegas to play UNLV in another late Friday battle at 7:45 p.m. PST.

The Colorado State Rams will host the San Diego State Aztecs Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. MST.

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Fresno State vs. Wyoming Cowboys: How the Cowboys will win

The No. 24 Bulldogs travel to Laramie for a nationally televised showdown against the Cowboys with colossal Mountain West implications.

Fresno State vs. Wyoming Cowboys: How the Cowboys will win

The No. 24 Bulldogs travel to Laramie for a nationally televised showdown against the Cowboys with colossal conference implications.

Contact/Follow @KayceeClark and @MWCwire 

WEEK 6: No. 24 Fresno State (5-0, 1-0 MW) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (4-1, 1-0 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, October 7 — 6 PM MST

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium (29,181)

TV: FOX

STREAMING: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: Cowboy Sports Network

SERIES RECORD: Fresno State 9-5, four straight wins for Fresno State

LAST MATCHUP: Nov. 25, 2022 – Fresno State shut out Wyoming in Fresno last year, 30-0.

WEBSITES: GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website; GoBulldogs.com, the official Fresno State athletics website.

GAME NOTES: Wyoming | Fresno State

ODDS: Fresno State -6

OVER/UNDER: 44.5 points

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A matchup between two of the top dogs in the Mountain West sets up a potential game of the year for the conference. The undefeated No. 24 Fresno State Bulldogs come to Laramie for only their seventh time to face the one-loss Cowboys. In the last four meetings, the Bulldogs have outscored the Pokes 87-10, with the games in 2022 and 2021 being shutouts.

As the Bulldogs have had the number of the Cowboys, Wyoming’s season has been a surprise for many thus far. A team picked to finish sixth in the conference, now is 4-1 with their only loss coming at the nationally respected Texas Longhorns.

To open conference play last week, Wyoming’s offense looked improved. Quarterback Andrew Peasley appeared to be even healthier, with 194 yards through the air, an added 34 on the ground and two total touchdowns. Running back Harrison Waylee made his weekly appearance in the endzone again and 191 yards. He also added another breakaway touchdown, scoring from 46 yards out and adding a 66-yard rush.

Wide receiver Ayir Asante also sparked on offense with a flat route and some magic after the catch for a 66-yard touchdown.

The defense has room for improvement, especially in the first drive and the fourth quarter. However, nickelback Wrook Brown snatched an interception for the third time this season.

The Cowboys special teams showed up as well, now tied for second in the country with three blocked kicks, including the blocked field goal against Appalachian State and a blocked point after attempt, by Devonne Harris, both returned to the endzone by Jakorey Hawkins. Additionally, John Hoyland kicked four field goals and is still perfect on the season with eight.

It will be a good and close ball game. How can Wyoming pull out a victory? What do the Cowboys need to do to knock off the undefeated Bulldogs?

A Wyoming victory comes from…

Do not give the ball to the Bulldogs. It is much easier said than done, but Fresno State is tied for third in the country in the turnover margin at eight. This includes eight interceptions by the defense. However, even last week for Fresno, turnovers proved to be at least somewhat of a kryptonite for the Bulldogs.

After two interceptions thrown by quarterback Mikey Keene, Nevada, a 0-5 team, only trailed by 14 in the middle of the third quarter. Wyoming has increased its forced turnover rate with a fumble and interception in each of the last two games. Intercepting those passes was Brown, one sealing the victory against Appalachian State.

Head coach Craig Bohl said in his weekly media press conference that the defense needs to get off the field quicker than the New Mexico game. Forcing turnovers themselves is a great way to be positive in the margin and keep their offense off the field.

When getting interceptions and fumbles, forcing the turnovers allows the offense to be set up, typically, in good field position. In any capacity of the offense, something must keep moving the chains. This doesn’t require all aspects of the offense to be in its groove, but they must be adequate.

Against New Mexico, Peasley seemed to have his juice back behind his throws and appeared healthier. Even better, the receivers appeared to be finding the open space with Peasley finding nine different receivers during the game. With even more time to nurse his shoulder, the quarterback demonstrated play that Wyoming fans have become accustomed to.

However, the Bulldog defense has only allowed an average of 188 passing yards by their opponents. If through the air isn’t working, then the Cowboys must rely on the explosive back, Waylee. After missing the first two games, the Northern Illinois transfer is averaging the most rushing yards per game, at 152 yards, in the country; however, he isn’t eligible for the statistic. His yardage this season, in two fewer games than the team, makes up just over 50% of the Cowboys’ total rushing yards on the season. The next closest player is Peasley, who only makes up 14.25%.

In any capacity that Wyoming can manage, the offense must move down the field. If any of the past games are an indication, expect Waylee and the rushing attack to be on point as usual. No game this season thus far has seen the Cowboys rush for less than 150 yards.

For the Pokes to upset Fresno State, the offense will have to put on a show. A safe number to say that Wyoming will have to put on the scoreboard for the victory is around 35 points. Managing a season-high in points against a team only allowing 17 per game would help end Saturday night in Laramie with happy Wyomingites.

However, it’s not all about the statistics and yards for this game. It’s about getting the nasty taste out of the players’ mouths. Having two straight losses against the Bulldogs in which the Cowboys haven’t scored usually doesn’t sit well with players. The last victory for Wyoming against Fresno State came in the 2014 season, Bohl’s first season in Laramie.

Players like Frank Crum and Peasley, sixth-year players who have only played in the MW, have never come out victorious over the Bulldogs. Don’t be surprised to see Wyoming playing like it’s a rivalry game. For the Cowboys, this could be viewed as a grudge match.

As one last motivator for the Pokes, Bohl and Wyoming have been critiqued for it being his 10th season and never eclipsing a .500 record. That can change Saturday night. Bohl is 56-57 at Wyoming with the potential to have an even record after his 6-18 start as a FBS head coach.

The game will be one to keep an eye on, with some branding it as one of the most important Group of Five games this season. Kickoff is scheduled for just after 6 p.m. MST at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. The temperature should be around 60 degrees at kickoff but will be close to the mid-40s by the fourth quarter.

Wyoming 36 – Fresno State 30

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New Mexico vs. Wyoming Cowboys: Why the Cowboys will win

As the 3-1 Wyoming Cowboys host the New Mexico Lobos to open MWC play, what does the Pokes need to do to come out undefeated in the MWC?

 

New Mexico vs. Wyoming Cowboys: Why the Cowboys will win

The Wyoming Cowboys ride into conference play boasting a 3-1 record and now hosting the New Mexico Lobos for their Homecoming game.

Contact/Follow @KayceeClark and @MWCwire

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WEEK 5: New Mexico Lobos (2-2, 0-0 MW) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (3-1, 0-0 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, September 30— 2 PM MST

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium (29,181)

TV: Mountain West Network

STREAMING: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: Cowboy Sports Network

SERIES RECORD: Wyoming 40-35, New Mexico is 20-16 in Laramie

LAST MATCHUP: Oct. 8, 2022 – Wyoming won in Albuquerque last year 27-14

WEBSITES: GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website; GoLobos.com, the official New Mexico athletics website.

GAME NOTES: Wyoming | New Mexico

ODDS: Wyoming -14

OVER/UNDER: 41.5 points

An odd finale to Wyoming’s non-conference schedule, a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown leading to a 22-19 victory over Appalachian State, now puts the Cowboys at 3-1. This is now the fourth season of the past five, they have begun in this fashion.

The Lobos return to Laramie for both teams’ first action in the Mountain West for 2023.

Despite having one of the worst offenses in all of college football last season, the Lobos still gained an early 14-0 lead on the Cowboys in Albuquerque. UAB transfer Dylan Hopkins commands the new-look New Mexico offense and has added a needed explosion to the offense.

The quarterback has taken the Lobos to two victories thus far, against Tennessee Tech and Massachusetts. However, in the second half against UMass, the offense only managed zero points and 50 yards before ultimately winning in overtime.

The Lobo defense has also allowed the 27th most points per game in college football.

Wyoming also had a lackluster offensive performance last week, with only 31 passing yards. Take out Harrison Waylee’s 75-yard touchdown, and the offense only managed 133 yards.

New Mexico has had the Pokes number since head coach Craig Bohl took over the program in 2014, winning six of the 10 games. This will be the third time these teams have opened the Mountain West Conference schedule against each other; however, it has never gone the Pokes way, losing both. How does Wyoming turn this around?

A Wyoming victory comes from…

A Wyoming victory requires a better showing from the offense. Waylee’s dominance through his two games has shown for the Cowboys, but the team needs to be able to move the ball continually. Whether this comes from the speed of Waylee or a mixture of other backs, such as Sam Scott and Jamari Ferrell, the rushing attack must be on point. Earlier in the week, it was announced from the team that D.Q. James had been dismissed from the team. On social media, James said otherwise, that he had entered the transfer portal.

Coinciding with the rush, the team must be back to dominating the time of possession. Against Appalachian State, the Pokes held the ball for less than 20 minutes. The first three games saw the Pokes 13th in the country, averaging 33 minutes and 30 seconds per game. They’ve now dropped nearly three minutes from one game. With New Mexico having new offensive weapons, ensuring they can’t use them helps for a Wyoming win.

Another aid to a brown and gold win is getting earlier stops in Lobo drives. Last week, the defense bent but didn’t break, giving up the four field goals. However, many of those scoring drives were long-sustained drives of 67 yards, 87, 87 and 18. While limiting the number of points is good, preventing any points, obviously, is great.

Stopping New Mexico early in their drives will be key through pressure from the defensive line and quick wrap-ups of any check-downs Hopkins may throw. Keeping an eye on running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, averaging 6.8 yards per carry will also be key to shutting down the Lobo offense.

The first third of the season has shown that quarterback Andrew Peasley doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards and several touchdowns a game for the Pokes to win. What does need to happen is an effective passing game. Rarely does a team like Wyoming win with 31 passing yards and only five completions.

A fully healthy Peasley completing passes will help push this game out of reach from the Lobos.

Wyoming 34 – New Mexico 23

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Appalachian State vs. Wyoming Cowboys: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Keys, Predictions

A preview of the App. State Mountaineers vs. Wyoming Cowboys on Sept. 23, 2023, including how to watch, betting odds, keys and predicitions.

Appalachian State vs. Wyoming Cowboys: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Keys, Predictions

Contact/Follow @KayceeClark and @MWCwire

The Wyoming Cowboys concludes their non-conference schedule with a visit from the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Only the third all-time meeting between these programs, Wyoming hopes to extend its non-conference home winning streak to double digits. The last Group of 5 team to beat the Pokes at War Memorial Stadium was Eastern Michigan back on Sept. 12, 2015, head coach Craig Bohl’s second season in Laramie.

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WEEK 4: Appalachian State Mountaineers (2-1, 0-0 Pac-12) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (2-1, 0-0 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, September 23rd— 5 PM MST / 7 PM EST

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium (29,181)

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAMING: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: Cowboy Sports Network

SERIES RECORD: Cowboys are 1-1 against the Mountaineers since 2004. 0-1 since Appalachian State joined FBS.

LAST MATCHUP: Oct. 3, 2015 – Mountaineers won in Boone, North Carolina 31-13

WEBSITES: GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website; AppStateSports.com, the official Appalachian State athletics website.

GAME NOTES: Wyoming | Appalachian State

ODDS: Wyoming -3

OVER/UNDER: 43 points

Players to watch

Andrew Peasley OR Evan Svoboda

Questions marks are still circling the quarterback position for Wyoming after the first start for Evan Svoboda at Texas last week. Bohl announced on Sept. 18 at his weekly media press conference that Andrew Peasley was “day-to-day.” However, there hasn’t been any establishment of when a decision will be made on who will start, but Bohl does know it will come down to one decision.

“The measure is going to be, can he throw at a high capacity?” Bohl sad. “When I say high capacity, can he make the throws that he’s going to need to make, for us to win.”

With Peasley’s status currently unknown, it could be Svoboda’s second start against the Mountaineers. He handled the pressure well despite a ranked matchup and the 101,000 fans of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Svoboda completed 17 of his 28 attempts for 136 yards with an interception. However, there wasn’t many chances taken to show Svoboda’s arm strength down the field. After two full weeks of practice in a potential starting role, the deep shots will most likely be there against Appalachian State.

If Peasley does start, how healthy will he be? He doesn’t just bring his passing ability but the team’s second leading rusher with 111 yards and a touchdown. As a threat through the air and on the ground, the Cowboys would need to be nearly certain re-injury is unlikely.

Harrison Waylee

­After now being named the starting running back for Wyoming, how does the Northern Illinois transfer build off his ninth career 100-yard game? Bohl added in his media presser this week that Waylee “separated himself,” but the focus is now on him for the Appalachian State defense. He also has not had consecutive games rushing for 100 yards since Sept. 4, and 11, 2021 when he ran for 144 and 179, respectfully.

In addition, the Wyoming offensive line that paved the way for 155 rushing yards and only one sack against Texas last week. A similar performance could allow Waylee to have another break out game for the Cowboys.

If Waylee doesn’t preform, watch out behind him too. The Pokes still have the team’s leading rusher Sam Scott, the explosive D.Q. James and Jamari Ferrell working as a running back by committee.

The Cowboy defensive front

While not a specific player, the Pokes are going to focus on shutting down the Mountaineers most explosive player on offense, Nate Noel. He currently leads the country in rushing yards per game, at 145, and carries per game, with 20. Noel is also second in NCAA FBS in total rushing yards with 435. Some of the defensive players to watch for in particular are LB Shae Suiaunoa, DTs Jordan Bertagnole, Cole Godbout and DE Sebastian Harsh.

Godbout also has quietly been moving up Wyoming’s career tackles for loss list, currently with 24. He is tied for eighth with Ward Dobbs. Keep an eye out for Godbout to move up that list even more.

Keys to the game

Control the clock

Wyoming has done a fantastic job through three games on making sure they control the game. Slow and calculated drives wear down the opponent’s defense and prevents their offense from being able to score any points. The Cowboys currently rank 13th in the country for their time of possession, averaging 33 minutes and 30 seconds per game, which includes a 10:22 drive last week at Texas. If Wyoming keeps the ball out of the Mountaineers hands, a difference of 3,887 feet higher than Boone, NC can let a lot of players get exhausted.

Pressure, pressure, pressure

Appalachian State doesn’t allow pressure to threaten their offense. The team is 31st in the NCAA for rushing yards per game at 196.7. Their line has also only allowed only three sacks so far. Wyoming’s defense has to get in the backfield to disrupt QB Joey Aguilar or any form of the running game with Noel. Without this disruption, the Mountaineers have potential to dominate on offense. This is the same offense that went to double overtime with No. 17 North Carolina (UNC) and allowed zero sacks, in comparison to UNC’s first game with nine sacks.

Positive turnover margin

Wyoming is currently -1 in the turnover margin while Appalachian State is +3. Giving the ball away is not the way to win football games. This comes to both sides of the ball, don’t give the ball to the Mountaineers on mistakes and make sure to force them yourself. In a tight game, the Pokes will need to turn the tide in their favor.

Prediction

This will be a very tight and entertaining game. If both teams play at their highest potential and like they have in previous weeks, it will be one of the best Group of 5 matches, at least of the week. It won’t be filled with fireworks through the air, but dominant rushing attacks from both sides. However, Wyoming will have the more dominant with Waylee, Scott and James. Cowboys head into conference play 3-1.

Wyoming 24, Appalachian State 20

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