Wyoming Cowboys 2021 College Football Preview

Wyoming Cowboys 2021 College Football Preview

Created July 15, 2021

2020 Recap

Record – 2-4

ATS – 3-3

The Pokes lost an opening week heartbreaker at Nevada (L 37-34, OT) and struggled to get momentum the rest of the way. They even managed to lose to New Mexico as yuuuuge favorites. They played Boise tough in the season finale but could only muster a small handful of points in an 8-point loss (L 17-9).


Wyoming Cowboys 2021 Outlook

OFFENSE

Can they get the THROW GAME going? QB Sean Chambers suffered ANOTHER major injury (first game, first series) and Levi Williams struggled getting things going on a consistent basis (49.6%, 1-3 TD to INT). Both QBs have excellent mobility, particularly Chambers, but there’s no doubt that Wyoming has to figure out a way to be more efficient though the air. At least they return their top-two WRs and note that RB Xazavian Valladay is a capable receiver. Speaking of Valladay, he led the team in rushing LY and combined with Trey Smith to roll for over 1,000 yards on the ground (9 TD). The OL is in great shape with the return of five starters including star center Keegan Cryder. We expect the rushing attack to CRUSH AND KILL as per usual. It remains to be seen what they get out of the QB position. <grabs popcorn>

DEFENSE

Wyoming has played great defense for four consecutive years and our DEEP MOUNTAIN WEST INSIDERS expect more of the same in 2021. Eleven (!) starters return on this side of ball (top 15 tacklers) and and look strong at every level. The SOUL of the defense is LB Chad Muma (1st Team MW) who led the team in tackles, sacks, and TFL LY. They don’t have a ton of size at DL or LB but they are TOUGH, tackle well, and are well-coached. Added bonus? 2019’s leading sack man Solomon Byrd (6.5) is back at DE. The secondary is experienced and boasts a strong safety combo in Braden Smith and Esaias Gandy.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Pokes will need to find a new punter but bring back ace PK John Hoyland who made 13/14 FG attempts LY.

Schedule Analysis

Overall – They should be able to plow through non-conference action and start 4-0. They miss San Diego St but have to face Boise St and Air Force ON THE HIGHWAY.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Colorado St (November 6th)

It’s a rivalry game (BORDER WAR) and the YUUUUUGE game with Boise St is up next.

Season Win Total

per 5Dimes July 15

Over 7.5 -115

Under 7.5 -115

update August 21

Over 8 -115

Under 8 -105

MEGALOCKS says:

Lean: Over.

This team looks good enough to compete SERIOUSLY for a division title. The schedule (theoretically) allows them to get off to a hot start and gain confidence.

MEGAmazing Tidbits

At an elevation of 7,220 feet above sea level, War Memorial Stadium is the highest FBS college football stadium. Falcon Stadium (6,621 feet) ranks 2nd. Fun fact for FCS fans. Northern Arizona’s WALKUP SKYDOME is 6,880 feet above sea level.


MEGALOCKS Outlook:

This has the makings of another rock solid team. They’ll run the ball well and play great defense. The question becomes, can they make enough plays through the air to compete with the more talented teams in the conference? If they can find a way to beat Boise St the division is there for the taking. 


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NEWS

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