Tag: Logan Wilson

2020 NFL Draft rankings: Inside Linebacker

2020 NFL Draft rankings: Inside Linebacker class from Josh Keatly

It’s not the best year to be needing a dominant middle backer, but there is enough talent here for the Cleveland Browns to find some potential play-makers. With the exit of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey, Cleveland needs a difference-maker, especially on the inside.

I grade players extremely generous and like to think with an open mind. Most writers only rank 20-25 first-round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

1st Round

1. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma, 6-2, 241 pounds

Murray flows fast and hard to the ball and already has good size for the position, but his frame suggests he can tack on even more weight and inflict even more punishment on ball carriers. Murray is still an unfinished product. Despite having an extremely high ceiling, Murray has boom or bust potential because he relies more on his athletic ability than his instincts, which need to improve.

2. Patrick Queen, LSU, 6-0, 229 pounds

Queen is fast and uses that speed effectively when in coverage, while also utilizing his athleticism and impressive instincts to close fast on the run game. The biggest issue with Queen is his lack of ideal size and that could cause problems for him in regard to the run game.

2nd Round

3. Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech, 6-0, 240 pounds

Like Queen, Brooks is a great athlete with the ideal explosion, change of direction and straight-line speed to be a thorn in an offense’s side. Brooks wasn’t given a first-round grade because he needs more than athleticism to take him to the ball. He has gotten lost on tape more than once.

4. Evan Weaver, California, 6-2, 237 pounds

There is a reason Weaver led the nation in tackles with 182 and averaged a healthy 14 per game. His elite instincts and ability to read and react to what the offense shows him are better than anyone in this class. Weaver will need time to develop as he has only started since his junior season and transitioned from defensive end.

3rd Round

5. Logan Wilson, Wyoming, 6-2, 241 pounds

Wilson was a defensive back early in his college career, but gained some positive weight and kept his impressive coverage skills to become an extremely intriguing prospect. Despite being great in coverage, Wilson lacks the ideal measurements that guarantee similar success in the NFL.

6. Markus Bailey, Purdue, 6-0, 235 pounds

Bailey will instantly upgrade a team’s pass-rushing presence as his relentless motor and his ability to shed blocks make him the best in the class in regard to blitzing. Like Wilson above, Bailey doesn’t have the ideal measurables that would lead you to believe he can make the same impact in the NFL.

7. Malik Harrison, Ohio State. 6-3, 247 pounds

Harrison likes to put the ball carrier in the dirt and has the ability to strike fear into an offense. He appears to be on an upward trajectory as he showed real improvement throughout his career, especially in regard to read and react. Harrison needs to be more reliable in coverage to be a force in the NFL.

4th Round

8. Jacob Phillips, LSU, 6-3, 229 pounds: Rarely misses tackles, but not the best in coverage.

9. Shaquille Quarterman, Miami, 6-0, 234 pounds: A team will fall in love with his old-school attitude, but can get lost sometimes.

10. David Woodward, Utah St., 6-2, 230 pounds: Can play both inside or outside effectively and rarely misses tackles, but struggles at shedding blocks.

5th Round

11. T.J. Brunson, South Carolina, 6-1, 230 pounds: Named captain twice and has a nonstop motor, but has more than a few missed tackles on film.

12. Francis Bernard, Utah, 6-0, 234 pounds: Played running back at BYU before transferring and utilizing those skills to become the best in the class in coverage. Still raw with limited experience on the defensive side.

6th Round

13. Joe Bachie, Michigan St., 6-1, 230 pounds: Great tackler, but lacks ideal athleticism despite having an impressive combine.

14. Dante Olson, Montana, 6-2, 237 pounds: An All-American in the FCS with 179 tackles last season, but again it was in the FCS.

15. Michael Divinity Jr., LSU, 6-2, 242 pounds: Plays well against the run and pass as evidenced by his eight sacks and three takeaways accumulated the past two years.

16. De’Jon Harris, Arkansas, 6-0, 234 pounds: Versatile backer who earned All-SEC and can thrive on special teams.

17. Mykal Walker, Fresno St., 6-3, 230 pounds: TFL machine who earned All-Mountain West.

18. Shaun Bradley, Temple, 6-1, 235 pounds: Fairly athletic, but lacks ideal size and has already maxed out frame.

7th Round

19. Jordan Mack, Virginia, 6-3, 241 pounds

20. Chris Orr, Wisconsin, 6-0, 228 pounds

21. Jonas Griffith, Indiana St., 6-3, 247 pounds

22. Dele Harding, Illinois, 6-1, 229 pounds

23. Kyahva Tezino, San Diego St., 6-0, 235 pounds

Priority Free Agent

24. Christian Rozeboom, South Dakota St., 6-2, 230 pounds

25. David Reese II, Florida, 6-0, 239 pounds

26. Asmar Bilal, Notre Dame, 6-2, 231 pounds

27. Jason Ferris, Montana Western, 6-2, 220 pounds

28. Leo Lewis, Mississippi St., 6-2, 246 pounds

29. Mohamed Barry, Nebraska, 6-1, 245 pounds

30. Jordan Fehr, Appalachian St., 6-3, 230 pounds

31. Krys Barnes, UCLA, 6-2, 229 pounds

32. Clay Johnston, Baylor, 6-1, 227 pounds

33. Sage Lewis, Florida International, 6-0, 232 pounds

34. Tae Crowder, Georgia, 6-3, 235 pounds

35. Cale Garrett, Missouri, 6-2, 234 pounds

36. Marcel Spears Jr., Iowa St., 6-1, 222 pounds

37. Kylan Johnson, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 230 pounds

38. Keisean-Lucier South, UCLA, 6-4, 235 pounds

39. Jeffrey McCulloch, Texas, 6-3, 230 pounds

 

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Falcons had video meeting with Wyoming LB Logan Wilson

Earlier this afternoon, ESPN’s Vaughn McClure reported that the Falcons held a video chat with Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson.

The Atlanta Falcons continue to do their homework in preparation for the NFL’s upcoming virtual draft. On Monday, it was reported that the team spoke with Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard.

Earlier this afternoon, ESPN’s Vaughn McClure reported that the Falcons held a video chat with Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson:

Wilson, who we included in our 25 mid-round targets feature, previously had a scheduled workout with the team that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In four seasons with Wyoming, he racked up 418 tackles (253 solo), seven sacks, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles and 14 passes defended.

Linebacker is an area most expect the team to upgrade in the draft due to De’Vondre Campbell’s departure, so Wilson is certainly an option for Atlanta in the middle rounds.

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2020 NFL Draft: 5 LBs for Bills to consider in second round

Here are five linebackers that could be on the board when the Bills make their pick on April 24th. 

The Buffalo Bills first scheduled draft selection won’t occur until Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, as the team picks at No. 54 overall.

Luckily, the Bills do not have a glaring need on their roster, making this year’s draft quite intriguing. Buffalo’s front office, led by general manager Brandon Beane, can go in a multitude of directions with the pick, leaving quite a bit of interest and uncertainty with whom the Bills could select.

This installment of our position-by-position series looks at the linebacker prospects and which players could still be on the board when the Bills make their first selection at the upcoming draft:

Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Current roster

The linebacker position is a relative strength on the Bills roster. Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano have complete control over two of the starting linebacker positions in Buffalo’s nickel defense. Edmunds led all Bills defenders by playing in 94.7 percent of the team’s snaps on defense, while Milano was fifth among defenders, playing 86.3 percent.

When Buffalo does move into a 4-3 defense, they will rely on the recentlight signed AJ Klein, a recent free-agent signing, to play opposite Milano. The Bills also have Tyler Matakevich, Corey Thompson, Vosean Joseph, and Tyrel Dodson as depth players and special teams contributors. 

Buffalo could look for an athletic player to provide better depth at the linebacker position. The second round is most likely too early for the team to select a player at this position. However, if there are any fears that they may not be able re-sign Milano, who will be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2020 season, they may find a player who could spell Milano in the long run in this draft. At this point, though, there’s a minuscule chance that Brandon Beane would allow Milano to see the open market. The Bills also will have to find their new Lorenzo Alexander too, which will be easier said than done. 

South outside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Akeem Davis-Gaither | Appalachian State

Davis-Gaither is a small school standout in this draft. He eclipsed the century mark in total tackles in each of the past two years. During his senior year, Davis-Gaither set a career-high with five sacks. He’s a bit lighter at 224 pounds, fitting into the stature of a hybrid role. He did fairly well as a blitzer. He’s able to get through gaps easily. However, Davis-Gaither sometimes gets hung up getting off blocks. But he can do a lot as a defender, someone who could eventually be eased into an Alexander type mold as a strong pass defender and pass rusher. 

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Prospect for the Pack: Wyoming LB Logan Wilson

Breaking down the draft profile of Wyoming LB Logan Wilson, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.

The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.

Up next is Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson:

What he can do

– Elite tackler. Finished college career with over 400. Misses were uncommon. Looked really comfortable in space. Combination of size (over 240 pounds) and technique should ensure he’s a high-quality pro tackler

– Tape is littered with toughness against the run and hustle to the ball

– Had a terrific combine, helping back up play speed on the field. Ran 4.63, with an impressive 1.54-second 10-yard split. Quick in the three-cone and short shuttle

– Really uses his hands well to disengage and slip blocks, moving both downhill and laterally

– Changes direction with ease. Agility and short-area quickness mixes well with instincts and play diagnosing ability. Creates flash plays against the run. Tallied 35 career tackles for losses, mostly against the run

– Durability was a big plus in college. Started 52 games

– Didn’t face a ton of high-level competition

– Highly productive blitzer. Credited with 51 total pressures on just 229 pass-rushing snaps, per PFF

– Great ball skills for a linebacker. Intercepted 10 passes, many on not-so-easy catches. Also broke up 24 passes. Active player in coverage and will make quarterbacks pay for a mistake in the middle of the field

– Underrated range. Isn’t the fastest linebacker in the class but he trusts his eyes and can accelerate quickly. Allows him to get to plays others with his straight-line speed wouldn’t

– Didn’t play a lot of man coverage at Wyoming. Awareness dropping back into zone is strong

– Three-year captain. Brings history of earning respect of teammates to an important leadership position on defense

– Will turn 24 in July

How he fits

Easily. It’s not hard to envision the Packers – who perpetually need linebackers – targeting Wilson as another mid-round answer to the position. He’s solid in so many areas and could be a safe, reliable starter or top backup early in his career. Given his athletic traits, play speed and feel for the game, Wilson might even provide a noticeable improvement on Blake Martinez, who departed in free agency. Wilson has all the volume tackling potential of Martinez but with more natural coverage ability and playmaking instincts. Wilson’s tackling prowess could make him a solid “clean up” player for Mike Pettine (should the Packers defensive coordinator continue down that schematic road), and he looks ready to handle playing all three downs at the next level.

NFL comp

Nick Kwiatkoski. They are nearly identical in size and playstyle. Wilson is a slightly better athlete and has a little more upside entering the league than Kwiatkoski, who drew the Packers’ interest and just signed a nice deal with the Raiders. By Year 2 or 3, Kwiatkoski was playing at a high level as a top backup for the Bears. The same NFL path could await Wilson.

Where Packers could get him

Likely on Day 2, possibly even early on Day 3. Wilson could make a lot of sense for the Packers at No. 94, but he’d be a nice find in the fourth round.

Previous Prospects for the Pack

WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott
DB K’Von Wallace
WR Bryan Edwards
DL Ross Blacklock

2020 NFL Draft: Pro day schedule to know this week

2020 NFL Draft: Pro day schedule to know this week including Wisconsin, Clemson, Michigan and Oklahoma

This week marks the first big week of college pro days for prospective NFL draftees. Players at several major college programs will take to the indoor practice facilities to show off for NFL GMs, coaches and scouts.

Browns GM Andrew Berry, head coach Kevin Stefanski and various assistants are poised to fan out around the country to attend different pro days. Since many take place at the same time, dividing and conquering is the way to go.

Here are the pro days this week, with a special spotlight on those with draft significance for the Browns:

March 10

Oklahoma State

Wyoming – The Cowboys have a middle-round LB prospect in Logan Wilson who very much fits the bill of what the Browns are looking for to replace Joe Schobert. He met with the team at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. If Berry makes the trip to Laramie, it’s a sign of major interest in Wilson.

March 11

Arkansas
Colorado

Oklahoma – The Sooners have several prospects who could join old teammate Baker Mayfield in Cleveland. Chief among them are LB Kenneth Murray, DT Neville Gallimore and QB Jalen Hurts, who could interest the Browns as a backup QB and special-package weapon in the middle rounds.

Oregon State

Wisconsin – LB Zack Baun played the exact same role for the Badgers that Schobert did, and he projects to make a similar transition in the NFL. WR Quintez Cephus had a horrible combine 40 time, but if he salvages some dignity in Madison he’s a viable late-round target for the Browns, too.

March 12

Clemson – The powerhouse program has scads of future NFL talents working out. Most notable is LB Isaiah Simmons, a likely top-10 overall pick with incredible athleticism and positional versatility. The Browns figure to have interest in WR Tee Higgins, CB A.J. Terrell and OT Tremayne Anchrum, among others.

Nebraska
Oregon
Princeton

Southern Illinois – The Salukis have a legit Day 2 safety prospect in Jeremy Chinn, whose game bears a strong resemblance to former Browns first-rounder Jabrill Peppers.

Tulsa

March 13

Georgia Southern

Michigan – I’ll be in Ann Arbor to watch the Browns watch several intriguing prospects. Two Wolverine offensive linemen merit special Cleveland attention: Center Cesar Ruiz and Ben Bredeson, who can play guard or right tackle. The Browns have met with both already during this draft season.

Portland State

3 linebackers the Texans need to target in the 2020 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans need to add pass covering linebackers. Here are three college prospects the club needs to target in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans have an issue with the performance of their linebackers in pass coverage. The Texans desperately need to find a linebacker who can cover in today’s NFL. With the 2020 NFL Draft a little over two months away, here are a few linebackers that fit this mold. Keep in mind, the Texans don’t have a first-round pick, and won’t have a chance to address the issue until No. 57th overall in the second round.

Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State

3-linebackers-texans-target-2020-nfl-draft
(AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

The Draft Network is pretty high on Davis-Gaither’s athleticism and length:

Akeem has very good reactive athleticism for the position. He shows his versatility by aligning as a stacked backer, as an OLB in an odd front scheme, walked out over a WR in sub packages and even aligned in the box. He’s an undersized LB but is extremely physical, contact seeking LB against the run. He has good length and very good lateraled agility for the position. Easily gets through trash and to the football in the run game. He’s a contact seeker and shows good explosion in his hips as a tackler. He also has good coverage upside on RBs and TE’s. Has excellent range for the Linebacker position. His skill set suggests he is ideally suited to play WLB in an even front scheme and projects to be a core special teamer, as well.

Davis-Gaither might be one of the most athletically gifted linebackers in this year’s draft. He also had the stats to back up his playing tallying 101 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one interception, and eight passes defensed during his junior year. He would be a great fit with Zach Cunningham and even Benardrick McKinney to provide some versatility at the ILB position.

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NFL 2020 Mock Draft Roundup: Senior Bowl Edition

USU, SDSU, and Wyoming all have draft prospects playing in the 2020 Senior Bowl.

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NFL 2020 Mock Draft Roundup: Senior Bowl Edition

Where are the Mountain West players at the Senior Bowl going to get drafted?

More mock drafts.

Contact/Follow @SamMcConkie & @MWCwire

With the conclusion of the 2019 football season, it’s now that time of year where notable college players are showing off their skills in showcase games.This week, there have been numerous reports on Mountain West players participating in practices for the 2020 Senior Bowl. We’ll take a look at each player and see where the latest mock drafts have them going.

Jordan Love

Leaving school early to declare for the draft, Love had a strong week in practices. NBC Sports has touted his “cannon arm” and graded him performing well above other notable quarterbacks in practice such as Michigan’s Shea Patterson and Washington State’s Anthony Gordon. CBS Sports has also reported on Love’s strong week and how he looks like a potential first-rounder.

Here are the latest mocks where Love could go during the 2020 draft.

Bleacher Report: Pick #23 to the New England Patriots

CBS: Pick #13 to the Indianapolis Colts

With the First Pick: Pick #13 to the Indianapolis Colts

Fansided: Pick #24 to the New Orleans Saints

NFL.com: Pick #13 to the Indianapolis Colts

Logan Wilson

The reliable and hard-nosed linebacker from Wyoming will be playing on the North’s team when the game kicks off. He had a terrific career with the Cowboys, racking up 421 total tackles and 10 interceptions. This week he was able to show off his nose for the football on day three of practices for the Senior Bowl, snagging an interception. There is little doubt he’ll be able to carve out a spot in the NFL come draft day.

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Mocks for Wilson in the 2020 draft:

CBS sports: 5th round pick, #167 overall to the Dallas Cowboys

Walter Football: Projects Wilson to go between the 4th and 6th rounds.

Keith Ismael

The three-year starting offensive lineman for the Aztecs has expressed his dream of playing for the pros. He’ll get a shot to shine in the Senior Bowl as he had a strong career with the Aztecs, starting 38 of the 39 games in which he played. He also garnered All-Mountain West Conference honors in each of his playing years.

Mock round-up for Ismael and other news:

Drafttek: Projects the Center as a mid-round pick with the potential to move up.

Draftblaster: Has Ismael as a top-five center prospect.

Rotoworld: Has Ismael as a potential riser; has all the physical tools to succeed in NFL.

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Wyoming vs. Air Force: 3 Keys to a Cowboys Victory

Can the Cowboys make it four wins in a row over the Falcons? Here’s our preview of how Wyoming can win.

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Wyoming vs. Air Force: 3 Keys to a Cowboys Victory

Can the Cowboys Make It Four In A Row Over The Falcons?

Contact/Follow @jessetachiquin & @MWCwire

Cowboys vs Falcons

WEEK 14: Wyoming Cowboys (7-4, 4-3 MW) vs Air Force Falcons (9-2, 6-1 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, November 30— 12:00 PM MT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium; Colorado Springs, CO (46,692)

STREAMING: Facebook

RADIO: Wyoming | Air Force

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads 28-26-3 all-time

WEBSITES: Wyoming | Air Force

ODDS (via OddsShark): Air Force -10.5

FEI Projection: Air Force by 15.5

Wyoming will enter Colorado Springs as a considerable underdog according to many prognostications. The Vegas line currently has the Pokes at +10.5, SP+ predicts a 34-20 win for the Falcons, and FEI gives Wyoming only a 22% chance to win. History says otherwise, Craig Bohl is 4-1 vs Air Force while Troy Calhoun is 1-5 against Wyoming since the “Howdy Doody” game of 2012. The Cowboys have won 3 consecutive against the Falcons.

Air Force has been specular to watch on offense behind QB Donald Hammond III and RB’s Kaden Remsburg, Taven Birdow, and Timothy Jackson.

Three Keys to a Wyoming Win

Limit Big Plays in the Passing Game

Which 2 receivers have the highest yard per catch average in the conference? If you guessed Air Force’s Ben Waters (32.1) and Geraud Sanders (25.5), you would be correct. The duo has combined for the second-most receiving touchdowns (13) by conference teammates behind only Ward and Byrd from Hawaii (19). The Falcons are still rushing for over 300 yards per game but their ability to throw has taken their offense to the next level.

Wyoming’s Young Defensive Line Against Air Force’s Option

The Cowboys defensive line is largely responsible for the stifling run defense that has allowed 2.7 yards per carry and 94 rushing yards per game but they have yet to face an offense like Air Force. While the Falcons will probably rush for well over that amount, the closer Wyoming is to keeping Air Force closer to 2.7 yards per carry as opposed to the Falcons average of 5.2 yards per carry will likely determine the outcome.

Stopping the triple-option offense requires a complete team effort and players like Logan Wilson, Cassh Maluia, and Alijah Haliburton know what’s coming on Saturday. The young defensive line will need to catch up to speed quickly if the Pokes are going to have a shot at this one.

Control the Clock

The Cowboys and Falcons have a lot in common, both teams are highly effective at running the ball and stopping the run. The huge difference has been Air Force’s ability to make chunk plays. The Cowboys methodical offense with the Falcons ability to control the clock could be too much to overcome if Wyoming is down by more than a possession. Third down conversion rate and time of possession will extremely important for the Pokes if they are going to spring the upset.

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Utah State outlast Wyoming in ugly Bridger’s Battle game

Ags retain the rifle and keep MWC title hopes alive in bruising win over feisty Pokes

Contact/Follow @SamMcConkie & @MWCwire

USU’s conference title hopes remain alive

The phrase “cardiac kids” comes to mind with this Utah State team.

Much like the Aggies of 2011, this group of players has been hanging tough in numerous one-score games. Unlike the 2011 team, this Aggie team has had significantly better luck in close contests. USU has gone a solid 3-1 this year when the game is on the line in the closing minutes. No thanks to untimely penalties, Wyoming shot themselves in the foot just one time too many to reclaim the rifle.

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The game started out extremely poorly for both teams. USU failed to gain any offensive rhythm and turned the ball over in the first minute of the game on a batted and intercepted pass from Jordan Love. This felt like a “here we go again” type moment for USU as Love’s struggles with ball security reared their head yet again.

Unfortunately for Wyoming, newly minted starting QB Tyler Vander Waal showed some serious jitters. After easily getting his offense inside USU’s 15-yard line, a blitz off the edge sent Vander Waal scrambling backwards. Vander Waal then promptly lost the ball after tripping on the turf and USU recovered it around the 35-yard line.

This game would overall be a battle of defenses as neither team scored anything in the first quarter. Wyoming’s star LB Logan Wilson then made his presence felt beginning the second quarter as he picked off another batted Jordan Love pass and took it 10 yards for an easy score. Already at two turnovers on the afternoon, it felt like this game could get out of hand quickly for USU.

A few minutes later after USU’s defense forced a punt, Jordan Love shook off his funk and tossed a dart to Siaosi Mariner for an 80-yard touchdown pass. It would signal the start of a strong second quarter as Love threw a TD to Gerold Bright on a busted coverage in Wyoming’s questionable secondary. Now the Aggies had rhythm and Wyoming would have to keep up.

For Wyo’s RB Xazavian Valladay, this would prove to be no issue. The rusher bullied his way down the field on a strong drive, aided by a couple of sloppy penalties on USU’s defense. It then set up Vander Waal for a leap into the endzone, tying the game up.

Before the half ended, USU kicked a couple of field goals to go up 20-14. One of the kicks was set up after Shaq Bond intercepted a tipped pass from Vander Waal. USU had a chance to go up more before half, but USU got caught with an ineligible player penalty that wiped away an endzone bomb from Love to Thompkins.

In the second half, the defensive war was in full effect.

USU forced the Cowboys to punt after sacking Vander Waal to end an extended drive. USU then went on an extended drive themselves and made it all the way inside Wyoming’s five-yard line. Jordan Love took a nasty hit on a scramble and then USU was unable to finish the drive with a touchdown. On a frustratingly predictable play call, they turned the ball over on downs.

These defenses continued hitting each others’ offenses in the mouth. USU was able to squeeze out one more field goal apiece from Dominik Eberle per remaining quarter to take a 26-14 lead with 11:11 to go in the fourth. But Wyoming wasn’t going away by a long-shot.

The Cowboys ate up over four minutes of the clock and scored on a touchdown drive to bring the game to 26-21. USU QB Henry Colombi, filling in for the possibly injured Love, was then unable to respond with a score of his own in two drive attempts and USU had to punt. Not only was the game getting too close for comfort, it looked like an ending we’d all seen before.

Not known for their passing prowess, Wyoming would need to rely on Tyler Vander Waal’s arm to win the game. Walk-on LB Eric Munoz for the Aggies had other plans though.

Vander Waal got his offense moving and the Cowboys inside the Aggie 40-yard line. Sure heartbreak felt like an inevitability as the Aggies struggled all afternoon with the QB’s ability to scramble. Some late pressure came from USU’s defense and got the QB rushed. He threw across his body right into the arms of the waiting Munoz.

Ecstasy and relief in one fell swoop for the Aggies. They avoided the upset and preserved their conference title hopes, even with the status of Jordan Love unknown. Wyoming suffered their second consecutive heartbreaking loss and was left to wonder what might have been. But oh what a game!

The Last Stand

Utah State, despite some big ups and downs this season, is right where they want to be. With two games remaining in the regular season, they have a chance to at least tie for first in the loaded Mountain Division. Another loss from Air Force and then an Aggie win over the Broncos would launch USU into the MWC title game.

Boise State comes to Logan with QB uncertainty of their own, as well as some other question marks. Despite their strong 9-1 record and national ranking, the Broncos have looked inconsistent and downright ugly at times on offense. They struggled to put away Wyoming on the blue turf and had to go to overtime to finish the job. They also had to survive a shootout on the road against upstart San Jose State, a team with a less than stellar defense.

While team depth is still better for the Broncos, the potential loss of Curtis Weaver from their defensive line could make the upcoming game a suddenly fair fight. It could be Boise’s backup QB vs USU’s backup QB.

USU’s offensive line has gelled better in recent weeks and if RB Jaylen Warren continues to heal up, the Ags may finally have the offensive balance they need to take on the Broncos. With or without Love at the helm, the receivers have stepped up big in recent weeks to help secure the close wins.

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for since 2013, Aggie fans: show up this weekend and support our boys! They’ve battled through significant hardship and they still have a shot to accomplish all their team goals on November 23rd (coupled with an Air Force loss somewhere).

A win validates the program culture, possibly for good. A loss would be painful, but we would still have gone bowling in eight of the last nine seasons. All things considered, that is no small feat for a program that is only a decade removed from its dark ages.

I believe. Do you?

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