The Cowboys head south this weekend to Colorado Springs to battle Air Force. They are coming off of a fun 16-13 win over their rival Colorado State. The Pokes (6-3,4-1) have won 2 straight and 5 of their last 6.
Last week the Cowboys were underdogs at home and their victory meant that they covered the 3 point spread. Wyoming is a 3-point underdog this week at Air Force. This marks the 5th straight week that the Cowboys are underdogs. There overall record is 3-1 in the last 4 games as underdogs and they are 4-0 ATS. They have also covered the spread 5 straight games, 6 depending on where you look for the Hawaii win.
The Standings:
|
Straight Up |
Against the Spread |
|
|
Robert Gagliardi |
9-0 |
6-2 |
|
Brandon Foster |
8-1 |
5-3 |
| Brad Reed | 8-1 |
5-3 |
| Chad Smith | 8-1 |
5-3 |
| Connor Cunningham | 8-1 |
5-3 |
| Wyoming Cowboys | 6-3 |
5-3 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
What are your thoughts on last week’s game vs Colorado State?
One of the more epic games in the long Border War history between Wyoming and Colorado State. This one will be talked about for a long time. Wyoming showed impressive toughness to win the game, something it has done a lot of this season.
Who was your MVP last week? K Cooper Rothe
Odd to go with a kicker, but sophomore Cooper Rothe scored 10 of Wyoming’s 16 points, and they needed every one of them. Poor weather conditions didn’t affect him, nor the snap and the holder in his three field goals and one extra point.
This week’s Poke Pick: Wyoming Defense
Wyoming’s defense, that continues to be among the nation’s best in terms of points allowed and forcing turnovers. Now it faces one of the nation’s best rushing attacks this week at Air Force. Each and every player must do their assignments and reads. The Cowboys did well vs. New Mexico’s triple-option offense, but Air Force’s presents new challenges. If Wyoming can play at the level it has through the first nine games, it will have a chance to win this game.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Play assignment-sound defense and play keep away on offense with long and sustained drives. A fast start to take Air Force out of its comfort level will help, and also enable the Cowboys to keep the pressure on the Falcons.
Game Prediction?
Another close game, and I will lean toward the Cowboys winning. Wyoming 28, Air Force 24
Brandon Foster, Casper Star-Tribune
What are your thoughts on last week’s game vs Colorado State?
I’m not sure whether I would’ve believed you if you had told me Wyoming would force no turnovers, score 16 points and still beat Colorado State. The Rams were able to run on the Pokes, but nonetheless, this Wyoming defense just continues to impress.
Who was your MVP last week? K Cooper Rothe
Wyoming couldn’t have pulled it off without Rothe’s three field goals on three attempts in far from ideal conditions.
This week’s Poke Pick: DT Javaree Jackson
As much as the Cowboys’ defense keeps impressing me, they also keep losing D-tackles at a disturbing pace, and at a certain point I don’t know how they’re going to make up for it. A lot is going to be on Jackson’s shoulders this week. Not only do the Pokes not have much depth behind him, but the true freshman is going to have to hold up against Air Force’s option attack on the road.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Possess the ball for at least 25 minutes. Wyoming’s not going to be able to beat the Falcons in the same keepaway style of Army. Neither Nevada nor CSU had the ball for 20 minutes in their losses to Air Force. UNLV did, but that game was just so all-around crazy that I’m not sure if it’s indicative of anything. Wyoming’s offense could surprise us this game but it’s going to need to have the ball to do so.
Game Prediction?
This game is just absolutely huge for Wyoming. The game at SJSU is all but an automatic win at this point, and since the Cowboys need two Boise State losses to have a chance at winning the division anyway, it’s not necessarily the end of the world if Wyoming loses to Fresno State (not to dive too deep into tiebreakers right now). But Wyoming really can’t drop another divisional game. The injuries at D-tackle almost have me scared enough to pick Air Force. This option attack can run it down your throat in a more physical way than New Mexico’s. Regardless, Wyoming’s defense has played so well, and this game should allow the UW offense to take somewhat of a step forward. Wyoming 28, Air Force 17
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game vs Colorado State?
Great Border War win for the Cowboys. This is always a game circled on the calendar for the Cowboys and keeping the Boot in Laramie is the most important task. The Cowboy defense was up to the task of slowing down the Ram offense. The weather probably could have been worse, but not much worse. A great combination for the Cowboys, good defense, ball control, and bad weather. Drew Van Maanen, that guy is going to be missed when he graduates.
Who was your MVP last week? K Cooper Rothe
Rothe was clutch as hell in this game. Rothe kicked three field goals in some questionable conditions to lift the Cowboys to victory. Rothe also won Mountain West special team’s player of the week as well. If only he’d change his Twitter handle back to Scrappy Turtle.
This week’s Poke Pick: S Andrew Wingard
That guy is going to pile up a lot of tackles against the Falcon triple option. They’ll need him to be at his best to slow-up the Falcons who have been playing good football as of late.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Using the same formula the Cowboys used against New Mexico would be a good start. Doubt the Cowboy defense can force as many turnovers as they did against the Lobos, but it’d sure be cool if they did. As always, playing assignment football is important when playing the Falcons. Quarterback Arion Worthman is a good weapon for the Falcons, as is running back Tim McVey. As those two go, so do the Falcons. However, many Falcon scoring drives end with long pass plays that no one’s expecting. Have to keep those plays in front of you.
Game Prediction?
Wyoming continues their winning ways with a win in Colorado Springs. Wyoming 24, Air Force 17
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game vs Colorado State?
A very good win against your main rival in questionable conditions. What is there not to like?
Who was your MVP last week? Wyoming Defense
The improvement in this defense is nothing short of spectacular. The entire defense gets the game ball once again for keeping Wyoming close enough throughout the game to get close enough to win in the end.
This week’s Poke Pick: RB Kellen Overstreet
I feel he will get the bulk of the carries this week after lifting the Pokes up in the 4th quarter against CSU. The Air Force allows 249 yards per game on the ground (11th in the MW) so the Wyoming running game should be strong.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Play Wyoming Cowboy football. Coach Bohl has installed a great level of pride and belief in this football team. They are capable of winning games in any number of ways.
Game Prediction?
These two schools always play close football games this game will be no different but Wyoming will pull away late in a road victory. Wyoming 27, Air Force 17
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game vs Colorado State?
Such a fun game to witness in person. It was sloppy, ugly, wet, exciting, and the Cowboys won. Can’t really complain much when you get a victory against a talented football team. I thought Kellen Overstreet and Josh Allen really dominated the 4th quarter and the defense made plays when they needed to.
Who was your MVP last week? RB Kellen Overstreet
Overstreet didn’t get his first carry until the 4th quarter and his fresh legs proved to be what the offense was missing. The sophomore RB finished with 7 carries for 43 yards and the game winning touchdown. His energy and running changed the entire football game. Honorable mention: K Cooper Rothe, he kept the brown and gold in the game.
This week’s Poke Pick: Running game
Air Force’s run defense is bad, and that is almost putting it kindly. They rank 125 out of 129 teams in rushing yards allowed per game at nearly 250/game and dead last at 6.4 yards/carry. The Cowboys are going to need a strong performance from the trio of Trey Woods, Overstreet, and Josh Allen. If they can get rolling on the ground, Allen should be able to throw down field. Also, a strong running game will give a thin Wyoming DL a chance to breathe and rest.
What does Wyoming need to do to win?
Mentioned it above, they need to run effectively and score some points. The DL is thin, particularly at DT and Wyoming’s offense may need to be the best defense. If they repeat their formula that they used against New Mexico they will be fine. Obviously, it is unfair to expect 7 turnovers but the formula was to force UNM into long yardage situations on 2nd and 3rd down and force them to try to throw down the field. Because they were able to do that they made UNM uncomfortable and they caused the turnovers they needed.
Game Prediction?
I think the Cowboys continue to roll. They have proven they have learned how to win and can do it in numerous ways. This team is playing with a lot of confidence and no reason to think anything changes. Wyoming 34, Air Force 24