2012-13 Football Previews – (Mountain West) – Wyoming
The most improved team in the nation was the Wyoming Cowboys in 2011. Wyoming followed up a brutal 3-9 season in 2010 with an impressive 8-5 turnaround in 2011. The team has done this in the past only to slip back the next season. Now, it is up to the Cowboys to keep moving forward even though the Mountain West Conference has gotten a little tougher for the time being.
Mountain West 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Wyoming Cowboys
Head Coach: Dave Christensen
2011 Record: 8-5
Wyoming Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS Championship: (Part of Field) +1,800
Wyoming Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win Mountain West: +1,500
Wyoming Page
Dave Christensen was rewarded with a big long-term contract after the team’s success last year. Many of last year’s key players are back, which has the fan base really excited for 2012. Wyoming hasn’t won an outright league title since 1988 when it was a member of the WAC.
Team Strengths:
Brett Smith was amazing as a freshman quarterback for the Cowboys in 2011. There is absolutely no reason to expect anything other than a brilliant season from him in 2012. Smith was responsible for 31 touchdowns in his freshman season at the school. He set a conference record for total yards by a freshman with 3,332 yards. He is probably the best quarterback in this league.
The Wyoming secondary is extremely good, and they are a very deep. Blair Burns and Marqueston Huff are very solid cover corners. Luke Ruff and Luke Anderson are stars at the two safety positions. Mark Nzeocha is a guy who will see the field as well, and the coaches are excited about him because of his hard hitting style.
Wyoming’s offensive line has gotten much better over the last couple years. This used to be a weakness, but it has become a strength for the Cowboys. It all starts with center Nick Carslon, who is one of the best centers in the nation. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
Brett Smith is a terrific runner, but he really needs some help in the backfield. Smith took too many shots last year, and the team has held him out of several preseason workouts this year. Alvester Alexander surprised the team by declaring for the draft, and now there really isn’t anyone with any experience at the running back spot. Can someone step up and provide a much needed spark?
Wyoming allowed 232 yards per game on the ground in 2011. The Cowboys aren’t very deep along the defensive line, and that is definitely an area of concern. This unit has quite a few guys who are athletic, but many of them are undersized.
2012-2013 Wyoming Cowboys Football Prediction: 8-5
Wyoming should be able to put together another solid season in 2012, as long as Brett Smith stays healthy. He is a huge weapon, and the team must do a good job protecting him this season. The schedule starts out difficult with a trip to Texas in the season opener. Wyoming also travels to Nevada and Fresno State in conference play, and they must host Boise State on October 27.
The Cowboys have some major stars on both sides of the ball, but I don’t think they have the depth to win the Mountain West. Still, this is absolutely a team that could pull a couple major upsets this year.
2012 Wyoming Schedule
9/1/12 8:00 PM ET @TEXAS
9/8/12 4:00 PM ET TOL
9/15/12 6:00 PM ET CALPY
9/22/12 5:00 PM ET @IDAHO
10/6/12 TBD @NEV
10/13/12 7:00 PM ET AIRFC
10/20/12 TBD @FRSST
10/27/12 3:30 PM ET BOIST
11/3/12 4:30 PM ET COLST
11/10/12 TBD @NMEX
11/17/12 TBD @UNLV
11/24/12 3:30 PM ET SDST
