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BYU football: Three things to know for the Wyoming Cowboys

By Nathan Cunningham

BYU football's Francis Bernard celebrates after a third quarter interception against the Utah Utes. (Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)
BYU football's Francis Bernard celebrates after a third quarter interception against the Utah Utes. (Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Wyoming can run, BYU football can stop the run

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cowboys are led by running back Brian Hill. Hill ranks 6th in the nation in average rushing yards per game with 135.9. He’s scored 21 touchdowns (4th in the nation) and has 1,767 rushing yards on the season (4th in the nation).

On the other hand, BYU football is adept at stopping the run.

The Cougars are ranked 8th in the country, allowing an average of 129.4 rushing yards per game. The only two running backs to really hurt BYU this season were Arizona’s Nick Wilson and Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols.

Wilson rushed for 138 yards, averaging eight yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns in the season opener.

McNichols rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns against the Cougars and added 109 receiving yards and a touchdown.

When Hill doesn’t get going, the Cowboys lose. Hill has been held under 100 yards in four of Wyoming’s five losses. And Nebraska (the best run defense he’s faced this season), held him to just 49 yards on 2.9 yards per carry.

So, in short, something’s got to give. BYU football will either get run on, or the Cougars will shut down the Cowboys’ potent attack.

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