When: Saturday, November 17th @ 2:00 PM MST
Where: Laramie, WY – War Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPNEWS or WatchESPN App
Radio: Cowboy Sports Network
Spread: Wyoming -2.5
The Standings:
|
Straight Up |
Against the Spread |
|
|
Robert Gagliardi |
8-2 |
4-5 |
|
Brandon Foster/Davis Potter |
9-1 |
4-5 |
|
Brad Reed |
9-1 |
7-2 |
|
Chad Smith |
9-1 |
4-5 |
|
Connor Cunningham |
9-1 |
2-7 |
|
Wyoming Cowboys |
3-6 |
4-4 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
Offensive Poke Pick: QB Sean Chambers
Chambers has helped the Cowboys to two straight wins in his first two starts. He needs to protect the ball better and continue to execute. How he progresses in the pass game could be a big key in this game, although the weather isn’t supposed to be great for either team to throw the ball.
Defensive Poke Pick: The entire group
Playing against an option offense requires discipline and assignment-sound football (not that you don’t need that against any other style). Everyone has to do their job and follow their assignments. Wyoming has done pretty well in those areas in recent games vs. Air Force and other option teams. It can’t rest on past success. It must do that again — and then some — Saturday.
Bold Prediction
Wyoming won’t throw 20 passes, and neither will Air Force if the weather conditions follow suit with a forecast of snow. Both teams will commit two turnovers apiece and the game will come down to a game-winning kick.
Wyoming Wins if…
It can make Air Force throw the ball and stop the fullback, and also if the offense can secure the ball and — at very least — be efficient when it throws it.
Wyoming wins a close one. Wyoming 20 Air Force 17
Davis Potter, Casper Star-Tribune
Offensive Poke Pick: Nico Evans
A lot of snow in the forecast for Saturday, which frankly plays into both teams’ favor as much as they like to run the ball. Air Force’s run defense is stout, but with the Falcons also having to worry about Sean Chambers’ legs, I think Nico has another 100+-yard game.
Defensive Poke Pick: Logan Wilson
With as much as Air Force runs the ball, I’d be surprised if Wilson doesn’t have another double-digit tackle game and maybe forces a turnover or two.
Bold Prediction
Wyoming holds Air Force to less than 200 yards rushing. Air Force is going to rack up a bunch of rushing attempts, particularly if the weather’s bad, but won’t have the yardage to match. Playing in a phone booth is Wyoming’s defensive strength, and this game may very well be played that way if there’s a bunch of snow.
Wyoming Wins if…
they limit Air Force’s big plays on the ground and win the turnover margin. I think Wyoming will do the first part, and I think the Cowboys are the better team at this point of the season. But turning the ball could be the difference.
Prediction:
Assuming there’s a bunch of snow as expected, I think that evens the playing field some. I really think whoever wins the turnover margin will win a low-scoring game, but give me Wyoming at home. Wyoming 17, Air Force 13
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
Offensive Poke Pick: QB Sean Chamber
Chambers is my offensive pick this week. He’s going to be counted on to keep drives moving against an Air Force team who would love nothing more than to grind down the Wyoming defense. Chambers has had two weeks to get more comfortable in the Wyoming offense since being put into the starting role. The Cowboys will need to be more effective in moving the ball through the air, as the rushing attack that’s been employed the last few weeks may not be sustainable going through the rest of the season.
Defensive Poke Pick: DE Carl Granderson
Granderson as well has six of his closest friends on the front seven will be needed to slow up the Air Force rushing attack. The Falcons are a solid rushing team and with all option teams, you need to contain the edges and keep the ball in front of you. Luckily the Cowboys got some practice against the triple option earlier this season against Wofford, the fifth-best rushing offense in FCS.
Bold Prediction
Air Force will not rush for more than 200 yards against the Wyoming defense. The Cowboys are playing particularly well on defense the last few weeks and this year’s edition of the Air Force Falcons are not good. This quarterback is a new starter this year and is not quite as effective (yet) as previous Falcon quarterbacks.
Wyoming Wins if…
The Cowboys have to keep the ball moving and getting first downs. Not sustaining drives gives the Falcons a chance to keep the Wyoming defense on the field. Limiting turnovers would be a nice way to win the game too. Cowboys had a couple of turnovers against San Jose State that kept the game closer than necessary, this AFA team is much better than the Spartans.
Prediction:
It’s senior day in Laramie, and this group of seniors will certainly be missed. They’ve made a lasting impression on the University on the field that has brought a good amount of success to the team and Craig Bohl. All that given, I think the Pokes will win on Saturday. Wyoming 27, Air Force 17
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
Offensive Poke Pick: RB Nico Evans
Evans has been the most consistent offensive performer the Pokes have had all season.
Defensive Poke Pick: Wyoming Senior Safety’s
Look for Andrew Wingard and Marcus Epps to have big games.
Bold Prediction
Wyoming will convert on a key 4th down or stop the Falcons defensively on a key 4th down late in the game.
Wyoming Wins if…
they win the turnover battle and can be a bit more balanced on offense. The Air Force defense is statistically as good as Wyoming’s and the offense will have to have one of their better games.
Prediction:
The Pokes will win at home in the snow and cold in another close Wyoming vs Air Force game. I give Wyoming the edge as Air Force is 1-4 on the road and that lone win is versus UNLV. Wyoming 24 Air Force 21
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
Offensive Poke Pick: Offensive Line
The running game is what is working for the Cowboys and with 3 consecutive games of 2 guys with 100+ rushing, it is as good as any in the country right now. The O-line needs to continue to get a push up front and that will lead to more success on the ground.
Defensive Poke Pick: S Andrew Wingard
Wingard’s season has been relatively quiet by his standards but he always has big games against option teams. I think we see the senior notch double-digit tackles in his final home game as a Cowboy.
Bold Prediction:
Wyoming outgains Air Force on the ground and forces the Falcons to throw the football 20 times or more.
Wyoming Wins if…
They win the turnover battle and score first. I think they can win without these two things, but they will for sure come away with a W if they accomplish these two goals.
Prediction:
The train keeps rolling, Wyoming 30 Air Force 20