Oregon opponent: Bohl looks to parlay FCS success to WYOMING

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DocHolliday
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In the run-up to the 2014 college football season, The Oregonian is previewing each of the opponents the Oregon Ducks will meet this fall.

Today, it's Wyoming. The Ducks host UW at 11 a.m. Pacific Time on Sept. 13, a week after the Ducks' early-season battle with Michigan State.

Coach: Craig Bohl (first year at Wyoming, 104-32 with North Dakota State)

2013 record: 5-7 (3-5 Mountain West Conference)

For Oregon To Win ... Wyoming had a sketchy year on the defensive side of the ball last year and with the departure of its top two safeties and top defensive tackle, Oregon should be able to air it out. While new coach Crag Bohl brings a history of success to the Wyoming program – he won three consecutive FCS championships with North Dakota State – the Cowboys allowed 36.7 points per game last season, along with 220.2 rushing yards and 261.8 through the air. Expect Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota, along with running backs Bryon Marshall and Thomas Tyner to have big days. The Cowboys had big-play ability a year ago, with three receivers hauling in passes of more than 70 yards, but the porous defense and inexperience at quarterback significantly dampen their chances.

The Offensive Player You Should Know: Wide receiver Dominic Rufran. The Cowboys were effective through the air last season, with quarterback Brett Smith and Rufran developing a strong connection. While Smith is now gone, Rufran returns after junior season that saw him haul in 75 passes for 960 yards and eight touchdowns. Rufran leads a receiving corps that returns three of its top four players from last season. If the Cowboys can successfully replace Smith -- redshirt senior Colby Kirkegaard is the front-runner -- than Wyoming should, at least, be able to score some points this season.

The Defender You Should Know: Linebacker Jordan Stanton. Stanton returns for his senior season after compiling 134 tackles a season ago. The Cowboys mostly ran a 3-4 defensive scheme the last five seasons and are expected to transition to a 4-3 under Bohl, with Stanton sliding into the middle.

Rest of story here: http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.s ... iew_7.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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