Here is the preview for the Wyoming Cowboys, last year they were picked to finish 8th by the media and ended up 3rd in confernce, but got hosed for a bowl game with New Mexico getting into a bowl game. The Cowboys were better then their record indicated last year they held Boise State 17-10 and lost to Virgina by one and lost to Syracuse in double over time. The Cowboys had the conference's second best defense last year only behind TCU and they do return all of their strong linebacker corp and their starting secondary is seasoned, but the only reason for concern is that the defensive tackles and ends are all underclassmen so that might be a concern. The offense should be better because Karsten Sweed was not guaranteed the starting job and was challenged by JUCO transfer Ian Hetrick. Plus the top 2 receivers from last years team will be back and their top running back as well, so look for the Cowboys to go to a bowl game for the first time since 2004 and perhaps get into the top 3 or at least tie for 3rd like last year.
Here is the Schedule
September 1 Virginia 12:00 p.m. MT TV: Versus
September 8 Utah State 12:00 p.m MT TV: The Mtn.
September 15 at Boise State 6:00 p.m. MT TV: KBOI (Boise only)
September 22 at Ohio 3:00 PM ET TV: TBA (ESPN2 or ESPNU)
October 6 TCU 12:00 p.m. MT TV: The Mtn.
October 13 New Mexico 12:00 p.m. MT TV: The Mtn.
October 20 at Air Force 12:00 p.m. MT TV: The Mtn.
October 27 UNLV 12:00 p.m. MT TV: The Mtn.
November 3 at San Diego State 6:00 p.m. PT TV: The Mtn.
November 10 at Utah 1:30 p.m. MT TV: CSTV
November 17 BYU 12:00 p.m. MT TV: The Mtn.
November 23 at Colorado State 12:00 p.m. MT TV: The Mtn.
Lock it Up... Utah State, UNLV, New Mexico,@ San Diego State
Maybe... Virgina, @ Bosie State, @ Ohio, @ Air Force, @Utah, BYU, @ Colorado State
No Way... TCU
My prediction for the Cowboys would have them finishing with an overall record of 8-4 with non conference wins over Virgina, Utah State, and Ohio Then a conference record of 5-3. This could put them for a tied for third, becasue I could see Wyoming being able to beat BYU at home, that game Wyoming wants revenge for get shalacked 55-7 last year in Provo.
Best case scenario . . . The Cowboys will have an improved offense with Sweed back for his second year and also having his top 2 receivers and running back to help out. Their defense will most likely be the second best behind TCU with there best of the conference linebacking corp and experienced sedondary, the only problem could be the D-line that is full of under classmen. Now for the fun part if everything goes well and Wyoming protects its home turf they could potentially go 9-3 only losing to TCU, Boise State, and Utah but I could see the Pokes beating the Utes.
Worst Case Scenario . . . I could see the Pokes starting like last year not being able to win the close games and start the season 1-4 with their only win over lowly Utah State of the WAC. The Cowboys would then rebound to win 4 straight to bring their record to 5-4 and then lose their last 3 and finish 5-7. I know this is a big difference in what I think they can do but their non conference schedule is fairly tough with games against Virgina (mid level ACC), @ Boise State (top 25), @ Ohio (Surprise team last year), and then Utah State.