Wyoming got a win!!! They will enter this week at 1-6 (1-2) and will travel to Boise State (5-2 2-1). Wyoming is coming off their first win of the season after a homecoming victory against Nevada. Boise is coming off of what had to be their worst game in almost ten years. They lost to Utah State 52-26 and turned the ball over 8 times!
Wyoming was an underdog last week and obviously covered. They are now 4-3 ATS, having reeled off 3 straight covers. This week they come in as a heavy 35 point dog.
The standings are as follows:
|
Straight Up |
Against the Spread |
|
|
Robert Gagliardi |
3-4 |
3-4 |
|
Ryan Holmgren |
3-4 | 4-3 |
| Brad Reed | 3-4 |
4-3 |
|
Chad Smith |
4-3 | 2-5 |
| Connor Cunningham | 3-4 |
3-4 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
Thoughts on last week’s game?
The best all-around game for Wyoming this season. Balanced offense and solid defense. The seven first-half points allowed was a step in the right direction, and the stop late in the game to end Nevada’s potential game-tying scoring drive was huge. There was some luck as Nevada missed some open receivers down field, but still a solid effort.
Pokes Pick:
The offensive line. For the first time all season, Wyoming didn’t allow a quarterback sack and it showed the physical presence it wants to establish in every game. The Cowboys face a much bigger test Saturday against arguably the best defense in the Mountain West as it ranks in the top 20 nationally in rushing defense and scoring defense. If the line can open some holes for running back Brian Hill and protect quarterback Cameron Coffman, that would be a sign this group is really starting to come together.
The Cowboys win if…
It can be balanced offensively and can force some turnovers. It wants to stop the run well enough to make Boise State freshman quarterback Brett Rypien beat it by throwing the ball.
Game Prediction:
Wyoming needs to show it can, at very least, compete with the better teams in the MW. The last two games with Boise State the Cowboys have lost by a combined 90 points. I think Wyoming will see a fired up Boise State team. Boise State 45 Wyoming 14
Ryan Holmgren, Casper Star-Tribune
Thoughts on last week’s game?
Finally! It was nice to see happy players after the game for once. Certainly that’s a credit to their work ethic and perseverance during the losing streak. The defense made just enough stops and the offense was as efficient as it’s been all year.
Pokes pick:
James Price. I don’t necessarily expect huge numbers from the freshman wide receiver, but with Tanner Gentry out for at least a couple of weeks, he’ll have an expanded role and will likely start. Joseph Parker and Justice Murphy should have more opportunities, too. I’d like to see the ball thrown their way a bit more.
The Cowboys win if…
Wyoming wins if it finished plus-four in turnover margin. That’s a huge ask, but when you’re a 30-plus-point underdog you need to have much more chances to score than your opponent.
Game Prediction:
Boise State should roll in this one, and I’m not sure UW will cover the spread. I’ll say Boise State 49 Wyoming 14
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
Thoughts on last week’s game?
Wow! We got a win! That’s a huge monkey off the backs of the Wyoming football team. They needed that. They played four solid quarters of football. First time this season everything has kind of come together at once. The mistakes were limited. The offense executed in the first half almost flawlessly. Cam Coffman was as close to perfect as you could ask for. Brian Hill did Brian Hill things. The defense kept two of the best backs in the Mountain West bottled up most of the day. Nevada’s quarterback was forced out of the pocket and made a lot of bad throws. Couldn’t ask for much more. This week will not be as easy.
Poke Pick:
Hard to pick against Brian Hill at this point. The Cowboys will need to lean on him even more this week with the absence of Tanner Gentry. The Cowboys may opt for a more rush heavy offense centered around Hill and Kellen Overstreet, the true freshman. Protect the ball, grind down the Boise defense, all big things for the Pokes this week.
The Cowboys win if…
Boy, the Pokes are 0-9 all-time vs Boise State. They’re tough to beat on that blue carpet. Hard to imagine many scenarios where the Pokes win this game. Boise State is going to be a really angry team after getting their teeth kicked in by Utah State. I’d say if Boise manages to turn it over 8 times like they did last week and the Pokes can play lights out, there’s a chance. Gotta play ball control and keep the football out of the hands of Boise’s playmakers. Limit the turnovers, no bad penalties, easy peasy, right?
Game Prediction:
I predict we will cover the spread. The Pokes have done it every week since week 3. I don’t know if they can break their losing streak vs Boise this week. I’m gonna go with Boise State 45, Wyoming 20
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
Thoughts on last week’s game?
I was happy to be wrong in my prediction last week and the Pokes played their most complete game of the season. As I mentioned on this week’s podcast the three key areas were third down conversions, red zone conversions and a lack of turnovers. Hope fully they can use the Nevada game to build some confidence in these last 5 games.
Pokes Pick:
his should almost be removed as a question because I am a broken record. With Tanner Gentry more than likely out, Wyoming will lean on the running game and the talents of Brian Hill a top 5 national running back in terms of yards.
The Cowboys win if…
hey play absolutely out of their minds on both sides of the ball scoring over 30 points and holding the Boise offense in check by forcing several turnovers. The Nevada game was a step forward but we aren’t anywhere close where they need to be to pull this off.
Game Prediction:
Boise State 38 Wyoming 16
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
Thoughts on last week’s game?
Last weeks game was fun to watch. I thought Wyoming played their most complete football game of the year. If I was going to nitpick a little I would say that Wyoming’s offense got a little too conservative in the second half and it could have cost them the game. In the end the defense showed some resolve and made the plays they need to in order to win. I enjoyed every moment of it and I hope to see a more complete football team in the second half.
Poke Pick:
The easy answer is Brian Hill. However, we all know what we are going to get out of him. He may not have godly numbers, but he is going to run hard and do everything in his power to win. I am going to go off the grid a little bit and pick C.J. Jennings. He had fantastic game last week and I think he plays another solid game and comes up with an interception.
Wyoming wins if…
Boise turns the ball over 8 times again. Wyoming is going to need to play lights out and cause some turnovers. I don’t think this young team is ready to hang with the big boys in the MWC just yet.
Game Prediction:
This one will be ugly, unfortunately. Wyoming might hang in the first quarter, but I think Boise hits some big plays and Wyoming won’t have enough answers. With that being said, I think the brown and gold will cover. Boise State 45 Wyoming 17