In five days the Wyoming Cowboys football team opens their 2015 season against North Dakota. After a forgettable 2014 season ending with a record of 4-8 and 2-6 in the Mountain West Conference, starting 3-1, the Cowboys ended up losing 7 of their last 8 games. The Cowboys struggled on defense, passing, and special teams. The Pokes run a pro-style offense where it is run heavy with a lot of play action, and a 4-3 defensive scheme with most of the pass rush based off of the four defensive linemen. But know, the Cowboys hope to turn around their program and attitude, led by four time FCS champion Greig Bohl in his second season. I will go through the Pokes passing game, running game, receiving corps, defensive line, linebackers, secondary, and special teams. I will also go through each game and give my prediction, give their predicted record, and an end of season roundup.
Passing Game
After the poor performance of Colby Kirkegaard, the Cowboys have a new fresh face at their quarterback position in Cameron Coffman. Coffman, a transfer from University of Indiana, the 6'2" 205 pound quarterback threw for 2,734 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions during his sophomore season. Now, he will take over the duties for the Pokes. Coffman should be able to provide stability and security under center. Don't expect the quarterback positions to be one of the weaknesses during the season as long as Coffman is healthy.
Running Game
This is arguably the strongest position for the Cowboys. With Shaun Wick and Brian Hill manning the tailback position you should see two very talented runners who have a niche finding holes, willingness to put their heads down and make contact. With a change of pace, Wick being the strong bellcow and Hill being the fast elusive runner, the Pokes should have enough of balance and talent to be very successful. The only concern is how Shaun Wick returns after his wrist injury.
Receiving Corps
Dominic Ruffian is gone, folks, the all time reception leader is off to better things, but where do they go to now? Well the very talented Tanner Gentry is back and junior Jake Maulhardt will be the top two receivers. No other player on the Cowboys wide receiver roster has played a single snap in college football, that's a huge learning curve. Other than the Pokes top two, they have some serious questions, at least four freshman will play. The freshman have talent, but one of the hardest trials they'll have to face is memorizing the playbook.
Defensive Line
Eddie Yarbrough, anyone? Yeah, the man is still great. The NFL bound defensive end will anchor this line. Then, the rest of the defensive line consists of Uso Olive, Chase Appleby are the tackles, and at the other end is Siaosi Hala'api'api. The biggest problem for this line is the lack of depth, but they will be able to improve over the lackluster season last year. With the top four linemen, the Cowboys should be just fine.
Linebackers
Although the coaches say the linebackers are no longer the biggest concern, it still needs to be a concern. With Lucas Waka the only player who has played at linebacker, the Cowboys are facing inexperience. Junior Eric Nzeocha moved from tight end to middle linebacker and junior D.J May moved from running back to strong-side linebacker and nickel back. After that, they only have two more backups. If someone gets hurt, they Cowboys may be in big trouble.
Secondary
With all youth in the secondary, the Pokes will struggle early in the season with four redshirt sophomores, three freshmen, three juniors, and two Seniors. The Cowboys have a lot of young talent, but if one gets hurt, we don't know how the next man up is going to do. But, considering how great the secondary coach Curt Mallory, it will be able to patch some of the problems.
Special teams
This is the most concerning area of Wyoming Cowboy football. It took nearly all summer for coach Bohl and his staff to find a place kicker. Monday, he announced that Tristen Bailey will take care of the kicking duties, while Ethan Wood will take care of the punting, place holding, and kickoffs. With the true freshman Tristen Bailey kicking, the Pokes will have inexperience and an uncertainty with his kicking. This can play an important role into the offense on where they feel comfortable that his range is.
Season schedule and predictions
Wyoming Cowboys
Scores & Schedule
Sat, Sep 5 vs North Dakota 2:00 PM W
Sat, Sep 12 vs Eastern Michigan 2:00 PM W
Sat, Sep 19 @ Washington State 6:30 PM L
Sat, Sep 26 vs New Mexico 1:00 PM W
Sat, Oct 3 @ Appalachian State TBD W
Sat, Oct 10 @ Air Force TBD W
Sat, Oct 17 vs Nevada TBD L
Sat, Oct 24 @ Boise State TBD L
Fri, Oct 30 @ Utah State 8:15 PM L
Sat, Nov 7 vs Colorado State TBD L
Sat, Nov 14 @ San Diego State 8:30 PM L
Sat, Nov 28 vs UNLV 12:00 PM W
All times are in Mountain Time
Record: 6-6 (3-5 in Mountain West)
Selection to go to: The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Vs. Mac Conference team
Summary: An inconsistent and streaky season awaits the Pokes. WIth a great group of backs and a solid quarterback, the offense should be more stable and much improved. Coach Bohl should be able to rally the guys to get some FCS competition wins in, North Dakota, Eastern Michigan, and Appalachian State. But, with the conference schedule I see the Cowboys struggling mightily against teams like Utah State, Boise State and San Diego State. Some of these games might only come down to a couple of points, and that's where the special teams struggles come in. They will lose games because of the secondary and special teams which will be frustrating for Wyoming fans. But, in large, I see a much improved team who is ready to go to their first bowl game since 2011.
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