The Pokes notched their 5th straight win last week with a 52-28 win over Utah State to run their record to 7-2 (5-0). This week they travel to Fabulous Las Vegas to take on UNLV (3-6, 2-3).
The Cowboys were 6.5 points last week and covered in their dominant victory, their 5th cover in a row. They are now 6-2 ATS. This week the Cowboys are 7.5-point favorites on the road.
The standings are as follows:
|
Straight Up |
Against the Spread | |
|
Robert Gagliardi |
4-5 | 2-6 |
|
Brandon Foster |
4-5 | 4-4 |
|
Brad Reed |
6-3 |
3-5 |
| Chad Smith | 6-3 |
3-5 |
| Connor Cunningham | 6-3 |
5-3 |
| Wyoming Cowboys | 7-2 |
6-2 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
What are your thoughts on last week?
Aside from the third quarter, a solid win for Wyoming. The offense was efficient and balanced, and QB Josh Allen was outstanding. The defense had its issues, and really missed senior D.J. May after he was ejected for targeting in the first half. But it made plays when it had to.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Allen threw for four touchdowns and ran for another. Not much else to say about that.
Poke Pick: Duo of QB Josh Allen and RB Brian Hill
If both Allen and Hill are good, Wyoming is tough to defend. Also will go with May, because as we saw last week, his importance to the defense is greater than many expected.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Continue to be balanced on offense, and continue to win the turnover and time of possession battle. UNLV is coming off a bye and getting some guys back who were injured. A good start would help, but more important, Wyoming must play well for four quarters.
Prediction:
It may not always be pretty, but Wyoming wins. I think UNLV will have some fire to it, but in the end the Cowboys find a way. Wyoming 34, UNLV 24
Brandon Foster, Casper Star-Tribune
What are your thoughts on last week?
Wyoming played pretty much a perfect game besides that third quarter. Granted, the third quarter still counts but who knows what kind of effect D.J. May’s absence had on the defense. That defense still has something to prove — its numbers against the pass are among the worst in the country — but the offense is playing so well it might not matter.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Josh Allen. I’ve been impressed by him all year but this might’ve been his best game yet. He accounted for five touchdowns, throwing four. The guy can make all the throws and his legs saved the Cowboys time after time after time.
Poke Pick: DE Kevin Prosser
UNLV had only allowed five sacks all year, and it would really help if the Cowboys could get a few. Prosser seems due for a big game.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
The Cowboys just need to avoid getting burned in the pass game. UNLV has struggled to throw the ball all year and if Wyoming can continue that trend, I don’t think the Rebels can win.
Prediction:
I guess nothing is for certain on the road, especially with an opponent starting a new quarterback and coming off a bye, but this just looks like a game Wyoming should win. Maybe I’m getting overconfident but I’ll take the Cowboys. Wyoming 42, UNLV 28
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week?
Good win for the Cowboys against a tough Utah State squad. Their record doesn’t show it, but I believe the Aggies are a talented team. That said, the Cowboys offense just simply exploded and the defense continued forcing turnovers. That was basically the game plan, right? Josh Allen had a terrific game and is making quite a name for himself nationally. Brian Hill also continued doing the same things he’s been doing all season. Logan Wilson has star in the making written all over him. What a great freshman season he’s been having. That said, two more wins until the Mountain West championship game is in sight.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Logan Wilson. Seven tackles, one fumble recovery, and a 56-yard interception return. Josh Allen should get some pub here too; he also had an outstanding game.
Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
UNLV looks like a team that could have a lot of yards thrown on them and I’m guessing we’ll see a great game from Allen. UNLV isn’t a terrible team, but they’re a very beat-up team.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Same formula they’ve been using all season. Run the football, convert your third downs, win the turnover battle. Do those three things and this game will be won. Another road win would be nice for the Pokes, they’re 2-2 on the road right now.
Prediction:
Cowboys win this one. I think they’ll win it by more than ten. UNLV’s beat up, Cowboys are still red-hot. Wyoming 38, UNLV 24
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week?
Wyoming has their best offensive output of the season and brought home another rivalry trophy. What’s not to like?
Who was last weeks MVP?
Josh Allen was your MVP and he was my Poke Pick last week. What is even more impressive is the fact Allen put up his five total touchdowns versus the (at the time) number three-ranked defense in the Mountain West.
Poke Pick: WR Tanner Gentry
The pass defense of UNLV is ranked 11th in the conference giving up 250 passing yards per game. With that in mind look for Tanner Gentry to have another solid game.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Wyoming must do what they have been doing all season in games they have won. Run the ball and win the turnover battle.
Prediction:
Wyoming stays undefeated in conference play and moves one step closer to a division title. Wyoming, 33 UNLV 24
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week?
The Cowboys were dominant besides of their 3rd quarter woe. The Pokes came out firing from the beginning and went into half time with a 35-7 lead. The offense was clicking on all cylinders. Josh Allen continues to get better and Brian Hill was his usual self. The sky is the limit for the Cowboy offense.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Josh Allen. Allen did it all again for the Cowboys. He was a factor running and throwing and made some impressive plays on broken plays including his touchdown to Tanner Gentry late in the 2nd quarter while throwing across his body. It is scary to think that he hasn’t even scratched the surface with his talent.
Poke Pick: LB D.J. May
The more I see May play, the more I am impressed. His ejection last week (which I thought was bogus) put the defense in a vulnerable position and showed how important he is to their success. I think May comes out with a chip on his shoulder and makes some key plays.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Key stats for Wyoming is time of possession, win the turnover battle, and win third down on both sides. If they do those things they should be okay, if not they will let UNLV hang around and on the road that could be dangerous. The Pokes need to come out firing and play their brand of football.
Prediction:
No reason to pick against the Pokes. They are rolling and playing a lesser opponent. Wyoming 45, UNLV 31