2015 MW Schedule coming out today

[joshvanklomp]

If only the opener was in Grand F**ks...I would probably try to get there for that one.

 

[McPeachy]

If only the opener was in Grand F**ks...I would probably try to get there for that one.

Pop Your Cherry - eh, Scooter?

 

[JimmyDimes]

My thoughts on next year....the Pokes will be improved. We went from a spread to a power running team in one year. The Oline, which featured one senior and one true freshman, improved over the course of the season. We have two BIG TIME backs who can pound out a few yards on every carry. And, we should have a capable QB who has Big10 starting experience.

This year we don't have to play at two top 10 programs.....so no two automatic losses. A couple of the games last year could have been Wyoming wins with better QB play.....SJSU and UNM. And a couple others with improved special team play....Utah State. Before some of you Utah State fans get too riled.....Wyoming outgained Utah State and the score was 3 to 3 after the first quarter. They won because of JJ Natson playing a huge game and our lack of QB skill last year. That game was one of several that exposed our crappy special teams. What does Bohl do to fix this? He recruits a bunch of speed guys who can come in and help on special teams right away.

The schedule has some tough sections, but some very winnable games. And nothing like what the team was dealt last year with Oregon and Mich State. And, Bohl has had another year to put these guys through the double reps and killer offseason workout programs.

I am overly optimistic at times...but the Pokes have a good shot of going bowling.

 

[J-Rod]

The schedule has some tough sections, but some very winnable games. And nothing like what the team was dealt last year with Oregon and Mich State. And, Bohl has had another year to put these guys through the double reps and killer offseason workout programs.

I am overly optimistic at times...but the Pokes have a good shot of going bowling.

At least you're self-conscious about it.

FWIW, for all the hype Michigan State and Oregon had, those two did not hand Wyoming its biggest beat down in 2014. Not even close really. Wyoming actually held its own to an extent vs. Oregon.

 

[ItSucksToBeACSURam]

My thoughts on next year....the Pokes will be improved. We went from a spread to a power running team in one year. The Oline, which featured one senior and one true freshman, improved over the course of the season. We have two BIG TIME backs who can pound out a few yards on every carry. And, we should have a capable QB who has Big10 starting experience.

This year we don't have to play at two top 10 programs.....so no two automatic losses. A couple of the games last year could have been Wyoming wins with better QB play.....SJSU and UNM. And a couple others with improved special team play....Utah State. Before some of you Utah State fans get too riled.....Wyoming outgained Utah State and the score was 3 to 3 after the first quarter. They won because of JJ Natson playing a huge game and our lack of QB skill last year. That game was one of several that exposed our crappy special teams. What does Bohl do to fix this? He recruits a bunch of speed guys who can come in and help on special teams right away.

The schedule has some tough sections, but some very winnable games. And nothing like what the team was dealt last year with Oregon and Mich State. And, Bohl has had another year to put these guys through the double reps and killer offseason workout programs.

I am overly optimistic at times...but the Pokes have a good shot of going bowling.

I agree. I think next bowl season Wyoming fans have a reason to watch. GO POKES

 

[NowherePoke]

Appy State is no longer FCS, or am I mistaken? Member of the Sun Belt Conference.

And they are good with really good young talent coming back.

I say 5-7 at best.

Well some of us haven't given up on them before they even play a down....just kidding. That's reasonable.

I think Bowl Eligiblity is a reasonable expectation though this year.

 

[kansasCowboy]

I'm not saying there is no chance of a bowl. I very excited for this second year. I also think people are going to look at WSU and Appy st and say, "Well, it ain't Oregon or Mich St., so we should be undefeated!" And jus like this years basketball team, people will jump on to an over inflated state of our program and think this should be the best year in years! When in fact, we aren't there yet.
When in all actuality, playing at WSU is quite tough and , Appy St. has some serious talent coming back.
We're looking for a QB again. We lost some of our top WRs.'we have an okay line intact and we have good RBs. Our D, still needs massive work, but I think it's getting better. Just birds eye viewing it, 5-7, the make or break game to get us to bowl eligibility is Nevada.
My predictions may change once I see how we do in spring practice and who fills what roles.

 

[Wyo2dal]

My predictions may change once I see how we do in spring practice and who fills what roles.

My problem with spring practice is when is the last time what we saw in the spring was what we saw on the field. I'll put the Brown & Gold glasses on after Bohl has back to back winning seasons with his own recruits.

But I'll cheer for the Pokes every step of the way!

 

[J-Rod]

My problem with spring practice is when is the last time what we saw in the spring was what we saw on the field. I'll put the Brown & Gold glasses on after Bohl has back to back winning seasons with his own recruits.

But I'll cheer for the Pokes every step of the way!

Yep, this is not exclusive to Wyoming. Everyone is a "beast" and a "stud" in spring ball across the nation. kansascowboy broke it down well. Ultimately, I think it will still take time before the defense enables Bohl's offensive system to control the clock like he would like to.

Can't overlook anyone too. Nobody entertained the idea that Hawaii or San Jose State would beat Wyoming (two teams with 7 wins between them last year). Even Montana and FAU gave this team a run for their money. As far as I'm concerned, while UND and Eastern Michigan are admittedly pretty bad, there are no gimmes on this schedule.

Games like 2014 Fresno provide optimism and hope, but pretty much every other game in some way or another serves as a warning to not set the bar too high for the 2015 team. Everyone knew dating back to 2011 that this might be a tough rebuilding season.

BTW, slightly off topic...that bum QB Fresno played in that game is the projected starter for the Dogs now. God help them.

 

[BeaverPoke]

My problem with spring practice is when is the last time what we saw in the spring was what we saw on the field. I'll put the Brown & Gold glasses on after Bohl has back to back winning seasons with his own recruits.

But I'll cheer for the Pokes every step of the way!

Yep, this is not exclusive to Wyoming. Everyone is a "beast" and a "stud" in spring ball across the nation. kansascowboy broke it down well. Ultimately, I think it will still take time before the defense enables Bohl's offensive system to control the clock like he would like to.

Can't overlook anyone too. Nobody entertained the idea that Hawaii or San Jose State would beat Wyoming (two teams with 7 wins between them last year). Even Montana and FAU gave this team a run for their money. As far as I'm concerned, while UND and Eastern Michigan are admittedly pretty bad, there are no gimmes on this schedule.

Games like 2014 Fresno provide optimism and hope, but pretty much every other game in some way or another serves as a warning to not set the bar too high for the 2015 team. Everyone knew dating back to 2011 that this might be a tough rebuilding season.

BTW, slightly off topic...that bum QB Fresno played in that game is the projected starter for the Dogs now. God help them.

Yes, I anticipated us losing to Hawaii.

And I want to throw something in there J-Rod.
The way you talk about Eastern Michigan, and how bad they are. That's how fans across the country see Wyoming.
I am willing to bet over 80% of our non-FCS, non-conference opponents throughout the last 15 years see Wyoming as an auto win. And even over half our our MWC opponents view us an an auto-win.

 

[J-Rod]

Yes, I anticipated us losing to Hawaii.

And I want to throw something in there J-Rod.
The way you talk about Eastern Michigan, and how bad they are. That's how fans across the country see Wyoming.
I am willing to bet over 80% of our non-FCS, non-conference opponents throughout the last 15 years see Wyoming as an auto win. And even over half our our MWC opponents view us an an auto-win.

BP, much to the chagrin of some on this board, I tell it like it is. No sugar-coating from me. When I think a certain facet of Wyoming football is not up to snuff, I'll say it. Eastern Michigan, is absolutely a team Wyoming should beat and fairly convincingly. They went 2-10 in a terrible MAC, and have to go to Laramie. I get what you're saying, there are several fan bases within the MW that view Wyoming football as a cream puff, and rightfully so for some. But EMU? If Bohl loses to those guys, or hell even plays them within a TD, even the NDSU fans will not be able to defend him. The Eagles (I think they are the Eagles) do not view UW as an auto-win. That game is an intentionally scheduled tune up game for the Pokes.

 

[Wyokie]

Yes, I anticipated us losing to Hawaii.

And I want to throw something in there J-Rod.
The way you talk about Eastern Michigan, and how bad they are. That's how fans across the country see Wyoming.
I am willing to bet over 80% of our non-FCS, non-conference opponents throughout the last 15 years see Wyoming as an auto win. And even over half our our MWC opponents view us an an auto-win.

BP, much to the chagrin of some on this board, I tell it like it is. No sugar-coating from me. When I think a certain facet of Wyoming football is not up to snuff, I'll say it. Eastern Michigan, is absolutely a team Wyoming should beat and fairly convincingly. They went 2-10 in a terrible MAC, and have to go to Laramie. I get what you're saying, there are several fan bases within the MW that view Wyoming football as a cream puff, and rightfully so for some. But EMU? If Bohl loses to those guys, or hell even plays them within a TD, even the NDSU fans will not be able to defend him. The Eagles (I think they are the Eagles) do not view UW as an auto-win. That game is an intentionally scheduled tune up game for the Pokes.

You are correct, sir. They became the Eagles in 1990 after being known as the Hurons for several decades.

 

[BeaverPoke]

Yes, I anticipated us losing to Hawaii.

And I want to throw something in there J-Rod.
The way you talk about Eastern Michigan, and how bad they are. That's how fans across the country see Wyoming.
I am willing to bet over 80% of our non-FCS, non-conference opponents throughout the last 15 years see Wyoming as an auto win. And even over half our our MWC opponents view us an an auto-win.

BP, much to the chagrin of some on this board, I tell it like it is. No sugar-coating from me. When I think a certain facet of Wyoming football is not up to snuff, I'll say it. Eastern Michigan, is absolutely a team Wyoming should beat and fairly convincingly. They went 2-10 in a terrible MAC, and have to go to Laramie. I get what you're saying, there are several fan bases within the MW that view Wyoming football as a cream puff, and rightfully so for some. But EMU? If Bohl loses to those guys, or hell even plays them within a TD, even the NDSU fans will not be able to defend him. The Eagles (I think they are the Eagles) do not view UW as an auto-win. That game is an intentionally scheduled tune up game for the Pokes.

I feel ya. But if we do luck out and cream North Dakota, kill EMU, upset Wazzu, then beat NM to start MW play, and go to Appy State and win, starting 5-0, the NDSU fans will be here LOUDER THAN EVER.

But I think the Pokes could start 4-1. Maybe start turning that corner. But I anticipate the back half of the schedule being brutal for the Pokes.

 

[J-Rod]

I feel ya. But if we do luck out and cream North Dakota, kill EMU, upset Wazzu, then beat NM to start MW play, and go to Appy State and win, starting 5-0, the NDSU fans will be here LOUDER THAN EVER.

But I think the Pokes could start 4-1. Maybe start turning that corner. But I anticipate the back half of the schedule being brutal for the Pokes.

A 2-0 start is expected. I don't see either of those opponents keeping it within 14 points. If you're scheduling a trip to Laramie to watch the football to win, those two are the best bets by a long shot.

New Mexico and Appalachian State are the key games. Pokes will be expected to lose in Pullman. The way the secondary played from mid-season on, I think that's more than fair. New Mexico beat UW last season, and nearly won in Laramie in 2013. Cannot overlook that team, especially with the defense massively rebuilding.

Appalachian State returns more starters than any team in college football next season. They will be hyped for this game, Wyo being one of the first ever legit FBS schools coming to Boone. East coast trips are always difficult, and I really hope that game isn't scheduled early in the day.

Those two games, UNM and App State, are must wins for bowl hopes. Drop either of those games, or worse...both, and things could get ugly fast.

I expect the offense to improve, and Hill/Wick to rival Seldon/Moore....but the defense provides very little hope for improvement. They will be young, inexperienced, and talent is still a question mark. That is no bueno, cause Bohl's entire offensive system is based on controlling the clock. Giving up lots of points = being forced to pass.

Phil Steele ranks Wyoming 114th nationally in returning starters. That alone should suggest that fans should hope for bowl eligibility, but brace for a transition season. Like kansascowboy said, I better not see people calling for Bohl's head or getting angry cause the team is struggling, cause the writing on the wall suggests the Pokes better buckle up. 2015 is going to be tough.

 

[BeaverPoke]

J-Rod, if the Pokes get 6 or 7 wins, and a bowl game, what do you think 2016 will look like?
It would likely be our 4th starter in 4 years (Brett Smith, Kirkgaard, Coffman, ???). Hill would be a junior, and maybe our stud all-american Overstreet would be a RS-freshman.
Pokes play Northern Illinois in Laramie, @ Nebraska, UC-Davis in Laramie, and @ Eastern Michigan. With home games vs AFA, Boise, Utah State and SDSU and road games @CSU @NM @UNLV @Nevada.

I think this year is huge for the Bohl era. Win this year and we recruit at a level to win in 16. Don't win this year and I don't see us winning in 16.

And, for the love of God can we just win back to back bowl games. Idaho Bowl and Poinsettia Bowl would be great for me.

 

[fromolwyoming]

All that up there, yeah, what J-Rod and kansaspoke wrote, I've been saying since we found out we were going to be getting a new HC.

 

[J-Rod]

J-Rod, if the Pokes get 6 or 7 wins, and a bowl game, what do you think 2016 will look like?
It would likely be our 4th starter in 4 years (Brett Smith, Kirkgaard, Coffman, ???). Hill would be a junior, and maybe our stud all-american Overstreet would be a RS-freshman.
Pokes play Northern Illinois in Laramie, @ Nebraska, UC-Davis in Laramie, and @ Eastern Michigan. With home games vs AFA, Boise, Utah State and SDSU and road games @CSU @NM @UNLV @Nevada.

I think this year is huge for the Bohl era. Win this year and we recruit at a level to win in 16. Don't win this year and I don't see us winning in 16.

And, for the love of God can we just win back to back bowl games. Idaho Bowl and Poinsettia Bowl would be great for me.

I honestly cannot project that far. Does the staff remain intact? Whose healthy and whose not? Did the OL take another step forward? While the defense struggled, did they improve as the season went on? The 2016 schedule is tougher than the 2015 schedule, but it's still the MW. The difference between 3rd and 6th in the Mountain Division is just a handful of TD's every season.

I think this team is at least two years away from winning big (8+ wins), and maybe even longer. For now, the goal is to make a bowl game at all. But things change so fast. We went from "YES!!! We're going to be amazing!!!" after the Fresno game to "Please god why" on senior night. One night Bohl's boys looked like MW contenders, a few weeks later they looked like they would struggle in the Big Sky. That's brings up another goal: consistency. Good consistency of course lol.

To answer your bottom line question BP...gun to my head, I say 4-5 wins in 2015, 5-7 wins in 2016. A game or two here and there will change the mood of the Bohl era in the next two years.

 

[J-Rod]

All that up there, yeah, what J-Rod and kansaspoke wrote, I've been saying since we found out we were going to be getting a new HC.

Yep, this isn't some brand new revelation. We knew dating back to the Smith era that 2015 was likely to be a rebuilding season. Bowl eligibility would be a huge win for the program next season, no question about it. And if they don't, I won't judge Bohl for it unless things really went to shit.

 

[BeaverPoke]

All that up there, yeah, what J-Rod and kansaspoke wrote, I've been saying since we found out we were going to be getting a new HC.

Yep, this isn't some brand new revelation. We knew dating back to the Smith era that 2015 was likely to be a rebuilding season. Bowl eligibility would be a huge win for the program next season, no question about it. And if they don't, I won't judge Bohl for it unless things really went to shit.

Man how different would it be if we returning a starting QB named Jason Thompson?

I fully believe Thompson wins the games Kirkgaard does, plus he throws the ball to the WR in the endzone against SJSU.
Does Thompson win us another game on top of that?

Either way, it doesn't matter at all anymore.
Time for Coffman. I think he may be pretty good actually. Indiana was always losing, that might be why he threw the ball so much and had so many yards, but still, should be pretty good.
Either way, Coffman was facing MUCH better secondaries in the Big10 than he will be in the MWC. If we have any WRs that can get ANY separation we should be able to move the ball on offense.

 

[JimmyDimes]

With Jason Thompson at QB we beat SJSU and probably New Mexico and maybe another. The offense wouldn't have stalled out as much and Thompson has the ability to run. Colby often didn't even though there were many opportunities to tuck it and gain some big yards.

Coffman should make defenses more honest. Teams won't be able to stack the box in hopes of shutting down Wick and Hill. He has a couple decent targets in Maulhardt, Gentry, etc. I hope he has the ability to pull it down and run with it if nobody is open. We needed that last year.

Special teams are what really killed us last year. Need to get speed guys on the field....even some of the incoming freshman.

Go Pokes!!