Week 3 in the Cougar Football season brings the Cowboys of Wyoming to Pullman. This game was expected to be the gateway to the first 3-0 start since 2001, but we all know what happened in the opener. Instead, the Cougars look to bring a winning record into conference play following the bye next Saturday.
Wyoming is led by 2nd year Head Coach, Craig Bohl. College football fans will remember that name as the coach of FCS powerhouse North Dakota State for 11 seasons. He compiled an impressive record of 104-31 including wins over Minnesota (twice), Kansas, and Kansas State. Success has yet to find Laramie, however, as Coach Bohl is just 4-10 in his first 2 seasons.
The Cowboys will attempt to control the game via the ground attack. To do so turnovers and short yardage downs will be important. Last week against Eastern Michigan, Wyoming racked up 430 rushing yards in a 19 point loss. The game plan should remain the same, especially given the defensive struggles of the Cougars.
Under center will be senior quarterback, Cameron Coffman. He was questionable leading up to the game following an injury two weeks ago, but is cleared to play on Saturday. In week 1 Coffman passed for 282 yards and two scores, including a 92-yard bomb to junior receiver, Tanner Gentry. At 6’2″, 201 lbs. Gentry could be a matchup problem for the WSU secondary.
The Cowboys should be able to move the ball on the ground and put up some points against WSU. But the defense of the Cowboys is the bigger concern. This team has given up 72 points in 2 games to FCS North Dakota and Eastern Michigan, largely considered one of the worst teams in FBS.
Luke Falk should have the offense moving early and often. As we have seen in the first two games, expect the ground game to contribute during the 1st half as well. The defensive line of Wyoming is undersized so the line of scrimmage should be easily won by the Cougs. I would not be shocked to see Falk throw for over 500 yards, if Leach leaves him in that long.
I foresee the Cougars getting many players some playing time and precious experience in garbage time. Consider it a disappointment to see Falk even playing in the 4th quarter. I know my week 1 prediction bit me on the butt, but this team has finally woken up. Cougars Roll.
WSU wins 54-13.