For the first time since 2022, the BYU Cougars and the Wyoming Cowboys are squaring off to face each other on the gridiron. In a season where BYU is exceeding expectations, and Wyoming has seemingly fallen off the face of the Earth, both teams have plenty of reason to go all-out in this weekend's contest.
Coming off a win over SMU in Dallas, the Cougars are riding high from the supernatural performance of their defensive unit, led by coordinator Jay Hill. BYU stood with Georgia last week as the only two schools to keep a power conference opponent out of the endzone for an entire 60-minute football game. BYU's defense looks stellar from the early returns of the non-conference schedule, and will hope to build a reputation in their final non-conference matchup.
When it comes to a football team, finding the right balance of offense and defense is like pouring the perfect amount of milk into your morning bowl of Frosted Flakes. Too much milk and you'll drown the cereal, sentencing yourself to a bowl of lifeless slosh. Too much cereal and you'll have a mouth full of bone-dry corn flakes that you'll struggle to swallow and likely suffer throat lacerations--this is no laughing matter.
Offensive Offense
As of this moment, BYU's balance is dangerously skewed in the direction of defense, as Aaron Roderick's offense led by Jake Retzlaff struggled to find a rhythm against SMU last week. Whether the issue is play calling, quarterback play, or some combination of the two, many of the problems need significant correction before the Cougars begin the Big 12 gauntlet against Kansas State next weekend.
This game against Wyoming is the team's final chance to follow the wisdom of Ms. Frizzle of Magic School Bus fame--take chances, make mistakes, and get messy. I hate to break it to you, in all likelihood this will not be a normal field trip, Arnold.
Roderick's playbook is full of trick plays, misdirection, and designs intended to fool their opponent. While those plays can be deadly in moderation, an offense overly reliant on trick plays can get shut down by a team that is positionally sound and ready to pounce once the offense gets cute with their play calling.
BYU needs to focus on the fundamentals and find an offensive rhythm--separated from all trick plays and focused on smart football. Quick passes, strong line play, and establishing themselves on the ground will keep this football game in the Cougs' control while building confidence for the following week's challenge.
A Cowboy's Prayer
The Wyoming Cowboys are bad this year. I don't mean to be hyperbolic, but this team could be the weakest opponent on BYU's schedule--even worse than Southern Illinois.
Having been on the receiving end of a Sun Devil beatdown in Tempe, and a stunning defeat at the hands of the Idaho Vandals, the Cowboys' season may already be essentially dead. With that said, Wyoming takes no matchup against BYU lightly, as hatred from the WAC days is still alive and well in Laramie.
Stories of urine bombings and "F-U BYU" chants makes War Memorial Stadium a hostile environment for the Cougars, and Wyoming's football team will do anything it takes to steal a win. "Never play a night game in Laramie" will ring through the minds of coaches and players as the Cowboys are known for pulling upsets against teams who find themselves unfortunate enough to stumble into Laramie's trap.
As previously mentioned, BYU's offense has been shaky, and they'll likely need to lean on their defense for a win. If the Cowboys can limit Roderick's offense and put some points on the board, this game might be closer than most expect. Especially without their top 2 running backs in Martin and Ropati (both are doubtful for this week's matchup), Wyoming will look to hit hard and early.
BYU vs Wyoming Game Score Prediction
BYU has covered the spread in both of their wins this season, and enter this game in Laramie as an 8.5 point favorite. Being an away game in a hostile environment, BYU will need to set the tone early to control the crowd and assert themselves on this game.
Wyoming will be playing for their lives in this matchup--starting 0-3 is not an option if they hope to fight for bowl eligibility. Though they haven't shown anything yet in their first two matchups, I expect they'll give BYU everything they've got. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, it won't be enough as the Cougars find their groove offensively and double their scoring output from last week.
Score Prediction: BYU 33, Wyoming 13