It is week 3 and the Cowboys come in 1-1 with a very good chance to match their win total from a year ago. This week the Pokes will be taking on the FCS’ UC Davis. The Aggies of UC Davis come in 1-1, the loss coming in Eugene against Oregon and the win was over an NAIA opponent. Expect some points in this one, folks.
Wyoming’s 4th quarter meltdown lead to them not covering the 24.5 point spread as last week in their loss at Nebraska. This week there is no line on the game, so we won’t be able to track that portion in the standings.
The standings are as follows:
|
Straight Up |
Against the Spread | |
|
Robert Gagliardi |
1-1 | 0-2 |
|
Brandon Foster |
1-1 |
1-1 |
| Brad Reed | 1-1 |
0-2 |
| Chad Smith | 1-1 |
0-2 |
| Connor Cunningham | 1-1 |
0-2 |
Robert Gagliardi, Wyosports.net
What are your thoughts on last week’s game?
On one hand, it was encouraging to see Wyoming go toe-to-toe with Nebraska for a little over three quarters, but to me all was lost with the fourth quarter debacle where the Cowboys allowed 28 points and turned the ball over four times during a nine-play stretch. How this team bounces back this week will be interesting, especially redshirt sophomore starting quarterback Josh Allen.
Who was last week’s MVP?
I will go with two wide receivers — senior Tanner Gentry and redshirt freshman Austin Conway. Gentry had seven catches for 124 yards, including a 35-yard TD catch near the end of the first half (on a heck of a throw, by the way, by Allen). Gentry is one of only eight FBS players to have consecutive 100-yard receiving games to start the season. Conway has yet to catch a pass for this team, but his three carries for 70 yards led the team, and he continues to show his big-play capabilities.
Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
I’ve got to go with Allen and how he responds to, what he told me was his worst game since he was a junior in high school. Granted, a big factor will be how guys play around him, but Allen needs to learn from his mistakes and then move on. Easier said than done for many, although Allen seemed to respond well early this week.
The Cowboys win if…
It runs the ball more effectively with its running backs and is more balanced on offense. UW also needs to be better on third down as it is 9 of 28 through the first two games. The Cowboys also will win if the defense doesn’t give up as many big plays.
Game Prediction:
I think Wyoming wins this game, and I would like to see them come out and win convincingly. However, UC Davis has some offensive weapons so I think the Aggies will score some points. Final score: Wyoming 38, UC Davis 27
Brandon Foster, Casper Star-Tribune
What are your thoughts on last week’s game?
Overall, I don’t think Wyoming should be too distressed with its performance in Lincoln. The Cowboys contended with a Big Ten power for three quarters, despite playing far from a perfect game. I am somewhat concerned, though, about the run game on offense, the pass game on defense and, of course, how Josh Allen will bounce back from that fourth quarter.
Who was last week’s MVP?
I’d have to go with Tanner Gentry. That connection between Allen and him before half was absolutely huge (at the time), and I can’t exactly pick Allen as the player of the week with six turnovers. Gentry has been a steadying force for an improved Wyoming pass game through two games, leading the team with 15 catches, 228 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Poke Pick: CB Rico Gafford
Wyoming’s pass game needs to improve, and they should be tested against the Aggies. If the Cowboys’ corners have a good game, Wyoming shouldn’t have any trouble winning this one.
The Cowboys win if…
Brian Hill averages 5 yards per carry. The ground game in general has struggled to get going for Wyoming, even though Hill had 125 yards against Northern Illinois. The Cowboys need Hill to break out with a 2015-like performance, and UC Davis might be just the opponent to do it against.
Game Prediction:
These are somewhat favorable matchups for both offenses (UC Davis’ pass game against Wyoming’s pass D, Wyoming’s run game against UC Davis’ run D), so there could be a whole lot of scoring. However many points are scored, I think Wyoming comes out on top. I’ll say Wyoming 45, UC Davis 31.
Brad Reed, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game?
I did not get to witness the game personally as my brother decided that his getting married was more important than my watching college football. We’ll agree to disagree on this one. That said, I saw some highlights and box scores. The Cowboys appeared to play pretty well, and respectable, for three quarters. The fourth quarter can be summed up with a can of gasoline on fire. The Cowboys did the one thing they could not do if they wanted to beat the Cornhuskers, and that was turn the ball over. The fourth quarter basically had all of the turnovers. Cooper Rothe seemed to be a bit shaken, still, and missed a couple of field goals. He’ll bounce back, but his confidence is of utmost importance right now. It’s encouraging the Cowboys hung in for three quarters, but they have to play cleaner football if they want to make the next step. They’ll use this as a learning experience (I hope) and move on to better days.
Who was last week’s MVP?
Andrew Wingard. Another double digit tackle day was about the best we could hope for from him. Shout out to Tanner Gentry, another 100 yard receiving game and a touchdown.
Poke Pick: QB Josh Allen
He’s going to be looking to shake the fourth quarter of last week and get back on track. His day wasn’t shaping up too badly until those turnovers.
The Cowboys win if…
Same story, different day. Don’t look past this FCS opponent. Don’t turn the ball over. Don’t make silly mistakes or turn those mistakes into penalties. UC-Davis’s running back Manusamoa Luuga has already been a handful this season. He’s got 251 yards and five touchdowns on the season already. The Cowboy defense better be ready to defense him or he will stampede. The Pokes haven’t exactly been known for their stellar rushing defense the last couple of seasons, this would be a good time to bottle up a good running back.
Game Prediction:
Wyoming 38, UC-Davis 13
Chad Smith, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game?
Wyoming played fairly well on the road against Nebraska for three quarters. The wheels came off in the fourth quarter for multiple reasons but it will be import for the Pokes to turn the page and focus on the next two winnable games. Making sure the Nebraska loss doesn’t impact the mental state of the team is the most important thing Bohl and his staff has to do.
Who was last week’s MVP?
Tanner Gentry is in midseason form already recording his second consecutive 100 yard day with 7 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown against the Huskers.
Poke Pick: RB Brian Hill
Against a weaker opponent it is time for the Wyoming running game to step up. I expect Brian Hill to show the quality of running back he is this week against the Aggies.
The Cowboys win if…
They play four quarters of Wyoming football on offense and step forward on defense not allowing long scoring plays that will give Davis belief they can win in Laramie.
Game Prediction:
There will be no repeat of last year and the home loss to FCS based North Dakota. Look for Josh Allen and Brian Hill to lead the offense in a bounce back game. Wyoming 34, UC Davis 16
Connor Cunningham, Wyonation.com
What are your thoughts on last week’s game?
I was very excited about the first three quarters. I thought the Cowboys started slow but really played a very good three quarters to stay in the game, even with 2 missed field goals. The 4th quarter was not as encouraging, but I don’t think it is something to look too much into. Mistakes piled up and as the point difference got larger, everything continued to snowball. If you watched the entire game you don’t feel as bad about it as the people who only saw the final score. I think the Cowboys will bounce back.
Who was last week’s MVP?
Andrew Wingard. This kid just makes plays week in and week out. I think he is around every single tackle, regardless of where it is on the field. I really enjoy watching him play football and he plays with a lot of passion. Double digit tackle games have been very regular for him. He has a bright future in the brown and gold.
Poke Pick: RB Brian Hill
Wyoming needs to get Brian Hill going early. Hill is the best player on this offense and the most proven. If Hill can break a couple big runs early, it is going to open up the rest of the play book. Hill is coming off one of his most underwhelming games in his career and I think he will be out to prove something.
The Cowboys win if…
Hill gets going and they take an early lead. Wyoming cannot let UC Davis hold onto a lead or keep the game too tight for too long. The longer you let a lesser opponent hang around, the more confident they get and that leads to a chance of an upset. The Pokes need to protect the ball, get the run game going, and score points.
Game Prediction:
Austin Conway provides a touchdown, whether it be on a run, catch, return, or yes, a throw and Brian Hill provides at least two scores. Wyoming 41, UC Davis 24