Wide Receivers
Since the departure of their star-studded 16’ team, it has not been a secret that the Cowboys biggest weakness on offense has stemmed from the receiving corps or lack thereof. Whether this is due to personnel or play calling, or possibly a mix of both, improvements are needed.
The Pokes didn’t have a single wide receiver break 400 yards last year. Now I know they rely on the run heavily, but that is no excuse. In 2016 under the same staff, they had three wideouts break 500+ yards including a 1326 yard season from Tanner Gentry. In all honesty, the pokes haven’t had a true WR1 since Gentry, and it shows.
This upcoming season’s group is full of mystery, but it allows many the opportunity to step up and fill the needed void.
The wide receivers themselves are full of question marks, but it is expected that the core will be headed by Ayden Eberhardt and senior Dontae Crow. These two combined for 11 catches and 200 yards in 2019. This leaves time and opportunities for the numerous young receivers to step up and break out this season.
Another unique thing about the Cowboys scheme is the dual tight end look that is used quite often. This is nearly as common as a unicorn and can be an extremely useful utility for not only the running game but also in the passing game. Promising sophomore Jackson Marcotte and junior Nate Weinman are in a position to make the offense much more dynamic, depending on their impact.
Only time will tell, but the performance of the passing/receiving game will be the difference between a good and great season.
Offensive Line
You can’t do a preview without showing the big boys up front some love. They are what makes everything possible, the unsung heroes of every great team. They become even more critical when you need to create holes for your star back.
Luckily for the pokes, all five starters from 2019 are set to return. This is a line that was 32nd in the nation in sacks allowed and with even more experience, the Cowboys should have nothing to worry about. This line made it possible to average 214.8 yards per game on the ground while continuously facing loaded boxes.
This line deserves appreciation and with new depth, the combinations will be sure to make a difference this year.
Final Thoughts
In totality I see Wyoming continuing the upward trend the program has taken since the arrival of Craig Bohl. Even with question marks around the receiving core, they have a winner at QB and an elite back who is complemented by one of the best lines in the conference.
Though the lack of a real passing game is worrisome, that is not this team’s identity. They are built to win off of running you into the dirt and making you make the mistakes. A well-coached team with a diehard loyal fanbase, who is continuing to improve as the Bohl culture grows. I expect the offense to show improvements from last year, and the future is bright with this program.
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