The Pokes escaped Logan with a big conference win last week over Utah State. Things don’t get easier for the Cowboys this week as they travel to Boise to take on the Broncos of Boise State (4-2, 2-0). Boise St. has been a bit of an inconsistent team this season, but they are coming off a big win in San Diego last week where they knocked off the previously unbeaten Aztecs 31-14.
The Cowboy were 3 point underdogs last week and obviously covered the spread with their 28-23 win @ Utah State, their second straight cover. This week the Pokes are 13 point underdogs in Boise.
The Standings:
|
|
Straight Up | Against the Spread |
|
Robert Gagliardi |
6-0 | 3-2 |
|
Brandon Foster |
6-0 | 4-1 |
|
Brad Reed |
5-1 |
2-3 |
| Chad Smith | 5-1 |
3-2 |
| Connor Cunningham | 5-1 |
2-3 |
| Wyoming Cowboys | 4-2 |
2-3 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
What are your thoughts on last week’s game @ Utah State?
A gritty effort by the Cowboys to rally in the fourth quarter to get a much-needed road win. It wasn’t pretty, but to find a way to win a game like that can do wonders for a team’s confidence moving forward.
Who was your MVP last week? D-Ends Kevin Prosser and Carl Granderson
Both had interceptions, and Prosser returned his for a touchdown. Granderson added six tackles and a safety. Wyoming doesn’t win that game without the efforts of those two guys.
This week’s Poke Pick: G Kaden Jackson
Jackson is expected to return to the lineup this week after a knee injury. If that is the case, Wyoming has four of its same starters at the same positions as last season. Perhaps that will enable it to do a better job in the run game and pass protection. Both will need to be good against a very good Boise State defense.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Somehow find some balance offensively, but when it passes it has to protect Josh Allen better. Defensively, continue to win the turnover battle and come up with key stops at key times. Winning the special teams phase also would help.
Game Prediction?
Wyoming has never won in Boise in five previous games, and most of those haven’t been close. This game may be closer than the others, but the Broncos win on the blue turf. Wyoming 20, Boise State 31
Brandon Foster, Casper Star-Tribune
What are your thoughts on last week’s game @ Utah State?
On the one hand, the Utah State win was a win that makes me feel better about this team’s emotional makeup. They gritted out an ugly W on the road, and that’s big. On the other hand, it was ugly, and that part has me a little concerned. Especially on offense.
Who was your MVP last week? DE Carl Granderson
First career interception. First career safety. There were a few guys on the defense you could pick in this one.
This week’s Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
He impressed me last week, but he’s going to have to be special if they want to pull this one off in Boise.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Wyoming needs to get better pass protection. I’m pretty pessimistic about the Cowboys establishing the run, given their struggles in that department and the Broncos’ solid run D. So if they’re going to move the ball at all, Allen is going to need time. A one-dimensional formula doesn’t sound ideal, but again, I’m not so sure they’ll be able to get both parts up and running.
Game Prediction?
Boise State’s offense has had a down enough year that Wyoming’s defense could make this interesting. Still, I’m going to say Boise State. Wyoming 10, Boise State 28
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game @ Utah State?
A very good win for the Cowboys. They much needed a road win, especially in conference, to keep this post-season hopes alive. It also kept them in the race for the Mountain division championship. They will use that momentum this week as they head into Boise. The Cowboy defense turned the screws most of the second half and kept the Aggies at bay. Josh Allen took over the game and willed the Cowboys to a win. He was a difference maker.
Who was your MVP last week? DE Carl Granderson
He recorded the first safety of his career, which won the game, plus had an interception (the first of his career) and six tackles. He’s really coming into his own this year and becoming quite a frustration for opposition offensive lines.
This week’s Poke Pick: DL Youhanna Ghaifan and Carl Granderson
Tough game against Boise State coming up. Need a big game from the defense to keep the Broncos at bay. It’d be great for big Youhanna and Granderson to have big games.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Boise State is coming off of a huge win against San Diego State, they’re obviously coming in with a lot of momentum. Wyoming needs to play its game and keep putting points on the board. I think the defense can hold the Broncos at bay, but the offense needs to step it up here while the defense does its job. I can see a scenario panning out similar to last week’s game against Utah State. If Wyoming can get a win here that will bode well for them the rest of the season.
Game Prediction?
Tough game on the road. Wyoming has never won on the blue. Boise State isn’t the same team from the past, but they’re still pretty good. Dunno if I see a win here. Wyoming 27, Boise State 38
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game @ Utah State?
The victory over Utah State wasn’t pretty but the defense was able to force 5 turnovers and the offense found their feet in the second half allowing the Pokes to pull off a road win. Being 2-0 in the conference is great and I will take it considering I picked the Pokes to lose in Logan.
Who was your MVP last week? The Defense
This defense is playing as a complete unit. For the second time this year, I award the game ball to the entire defense.
This week’s Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
Boise State has a very tough run defense allowing just 2.93 yards per carry. Offensively Josh Allen will have to have one of his better passing games and I think he will.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Wyoming will have to do what they have done all year. Play solid defense, maybe get a score from the defense or special teams and cobble enough points together from an inconsistent offense.
Game Prediction?
This is a matchup of the number 2 and number 3 scoring defenses in the Mountain West. While Wyoming sits second and Boise State third in that department it’s the offense that sets the Broncos apart. Boise State scores 5 more points per game than the Cowboys and at home, that advantage in the offense will be enough to see them to victory. Wyoming will easily cover the 13 point spread though. Wyoming 20, Boise State 24
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game @ Utah State?
Last week’s win was definitely the Pokes’ biggest and best win of 2017 thus far. I thought the defense was outstanding and the offense did just enough to get the win. It was an ugly football game, but that looks like that might be the norm for this year’s football team. Hopefully this win can be a confidence booster with Boise, New Mexico, and CSU coming up.
Who was your MVP last week? QB Josh Allen
Allen’s numbers in last week’s win don’t jump off the page but he played a heck of a football game, particularly in the 2nd half. The running game and offensive line were atrocious and Allen was under duress for most of the game. Finally, Allen completely took over when he needed to. He started to run the ball, make big throws and played with the swagger we got used to seeing last season.
This week’s Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
In order for the Cowboys to have a chance in Boise, Allen needs to have a good game with decision making, throwing the ball and running. Like I said above, Allen looked like he had some of his swagger back during the 2nd half of the Utah State game and he may be getting back to what we are used to and the Cowboys need it… Of course, a solid performance from the offensive line will go a long way in seeing that happen.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
They are going to need to limit their turnovers and penalties and make Boise commit a few big ones. If the offensive line can’t protect Allen enough to sustain drive the defense will end up on the field too much and it will make it tough for the Pokes to stay in the game.
Game Prediction?
I haven’t seen enough from the Cowboys this season to pick them to pull off the upset. There just hasn’t been anyone to step up on offense and be that difference maker that Josh Allen so desperately needs to help him out. The defense hangs tough, but fatigue sets in and the Broncos take this one. Wyoming 20, Boise State 31