The Cowboys were back to their winning ways in dramatic fashion last week, defeating SDSU 34-33. The 8-3, 6-1 Cowboys travel south to Albuquerque to take on New Mexico (7-4, 5-2).
The Cowboys were underdogs last week and covered in their win.. They are now 7-3 ATS. This week the Cowboys are road favorites and were -3 when the email went out to the panel.
The standings are as follows:
|
Straight Up |
Against the Spread | |
|
Robert Gagliardi |
4-7 | 2-8 |
|
Brandon Foster |
4-7 |
4-6 |
|
Brad Reed |
7-4 |
4-6 |
| Chad Smith | 6-5 |
3-7 |
| Connor Cunningham | 7-4 |
6-4 |
| Wyoming Cowboys | 8-3 |
7-3 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
What are your thoughts on last week?
More late-game heroics/dramatics. Despite the two kickoff returns for touchdowns allowed by Wyoming, I thought the Cowboys — on this day — was the better team. The defense did a great job slowing down the Aztecs’ run game. The offense was good, especially in the second half and fourth quarter.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Allen and his two fourth-quarter touchdown passes.
Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
Allen and the Wyoming offense will need to score points, and most importantly, possess the ball and keep it away from New Mexico’s time-chewing and big-play run game.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Possess the ball, win the turnover battle and keep the defense fresh.
Prediction:
I think it will be a high-scoring game, with Wyoming winning. Wyoming 45, New Mexico 38
Brandon Foster, Casper Star-Tribune
What are your thoughts on last week?
It was another impressive win against a ranked team for Wyoming, but I look at this one much differently than the Boise State upset. Outside of the Aztecs’ kick return touchdowns, I feel like the Cowboys mainly controlled this game. That makes me more optimistic about Wyoming’s chances in a theoretical rematch in the conference championship game, although the loss of senior nose tackle Chase Appleby will no doubt sting.
Who was last weeks MVP?
C.J. Johnson. Johnson had the winning touchdown catch and was big overall. Wyoming was able to take advantage of both him and Jake Maulhardt with more attention on Tanner Gentry. It’s good to see Josh Allen spreading the ball a little bit more, and that could be a good idea against New Mexico, considering the Lobos’ pass efficiency defense is one of the worst in the country.
Poke Pick: Conner Cain
Cain will need to have a solid performance in his first start at nose tackle in Appleby’s place. Cain and the line played well in Appleby’s absence against San Diego State, which is encouraging. Now we’ll see if the lack of depth on the defensive line will start to show.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Wyoming needs to turn the ball over fewer than two times. As is, the Lobos are going to try to hang onto the ball for as long as possible with their option offense. Wyoming can’t afford to cost its offense further minutes on the field by giving the ball away.
Prediction:
This game being on the road makes things tricky, but I think the bitter taste of that UNLV game will still be in the Cowboys’ mouth, and they’ll play a better road game. Plus, they’ve got more to play for than New Mexico does. (Well, unless Boise State loses Friday. But even then, Wyoming would be playing for homefield advantage in the conference championship game.) I think the Cowboys should win and cover the spread. I still think that UNLV game was a bit of a fluke for the defense, which played really well against Boise State, San Diego State and Utah State (for all but a quarter) in Wyoming’s other recent games. Wyoming 42, New Mexico 27
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week?
Terrific win for the Cowboys. A win they sorely needed, and a win vs a very good football team. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Wyoming put together this complete of a season. The Cowboy defense did just enough to escape with a win in this one. The ending to that game might be one of the battiest I’ve witnessed. Incredible drive for the Cowboys to put in their final score, and a great response from San Diego State to march 99 yards to attempt to tie the game. Pokes are one win away from a Mountain West championship game appearance, two wins away from being conference champions. Pretty big turnaround considering they were picked last in the preseason.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Josh Allen. The guy piled up a few yards and picked up some VERY timely yards on that final drive. He made a lot of terrific plays with his feet to keep that drive moving, and ultimately, win the football game.
Poke Pick: LB Lucas Wacha and S Andrew Wingard
The Cowboy defense is going to need to step up in a big way this week in order to slow down one of the top rushing attacks in the country. New Mexico is very skilled and very good at running the triple option. This isn’t the first time the Pokes have seen the triple option, we can hope these guys step up and stop it.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Cowboys need to play very smart on defense. Contain the edges; make all of your tackles. Missed tackles will cost the Cowboys the game if they’re not able to slow down New Mexico’s talented ball carries. Forcing a couple turnovers probably wouldn’t hurt either; the Lobos are going to grind the clock as long as possible.
Prediction:
Cowboys have a lot at stake here and need a win to keep their season moving forward. If they can win they will more than likely be hosting the Mountain West championship. I like the Cowboys chances in this one. Wyoming 38, New Mexico 30
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week?
Another incredible win where the Pokes made enough plays to hold on in the end. I really dropped the ball on my prediction as through all my research I did realize that the Aztecs did not have a win against a winning team. If it wasn’t for the two kick returns Wyoming would have won the game comfortably.
Who was last weeks MVP?
Antonio Hull’s pass defense the two-point conversion saved the day for Wyoming on a play where the SDSU wasn’t his man. It was a great read of the play.
Poke Pick: Whole team
Wyoming is on the verge of an unthinkable division title and a chance at a conference title. Coach Bohl will have his team ready from the best player on offense to the guys who just play special teams.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
The formula for a Wyoming win remains the same. Run the ball and win the turnover battle the turnover battle will be most important in this game because both teams will look to shorten the game on the ground.
Prediction:
I think the Lobos are a good match-up for the Cowboys. Wyoming has already faired well against an option-based run heavy team in Air Force and the fact that New Mexico isn’t much of a threat throwing the ball is a big factor in this game that will allow Wyoming to focus on stopping the run. Wyoming 38, New Mexico 31
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week?
I thought Wyoming was the better football team all day. Outside of the 2 KR touchdowns the Cowboys controlled the tempo and the ball for most of the game. The defensive was impressive against a good offense and Josh Allen, Brian Hill and co. took care of business.
Who was last weeks MVP?
The defense. They contained an All-American running back and got big stops in key moments.
Poke Pick: Defensive Line
The defensive line is depleted and that could be a problem against the NM option attack. They need to know their assignments and play disciplined football.
What needs to happen for Wyoming to get the win?
Score points, control the ball, and win third down on both sides.
Prediction:
I think Craig Bohl has his guys ready to play and the defense looked solid against AFA’s option earlier this year. I think the Pokes win tomorrow night and with that, host the MWC championship. Wyoming 38, New Mexico 24