Wyoming vs Utah State sports editors thoughts
1. What to watch for on Utah State’s offense
The freshmen played great games last week against Hawaii. They will be needing to do that again this week. It all depends on the offensive line for Utah State; if they block well, Wyoming can expect a heavy dose of the run game with occasional long shots to receiver Hunter Sharp. Quarterback Kent Myers doesn’t have to win the game; he just needs to manage it.
2. What to watch for on Utah State’s defense
The Aggies have the nation’s fifth ranked rushing defense, 20 sacks over the last three games and are coming off of a second-half shutout against Hawaii. Look for a lot of linebacker blitzing getting the Vigil brothers, if Nick plays, involved in the play behind the line of scrimmage. The USU secondary has been susceptible to the passing attack. However, facing a Wyoming offense that primarily works on runs and short passes they won’t be heavily tested on the back end.
3. Three keys to Utah State winning
1. Utah State has to score quickly and take the lead early in the game. Playing with a fourth-string freshman quarterback, the team can’t afford to play catch up. 2. The offensive line needs to block well for the running back to take pressure off the quarterback. Myers played well last week with only one incompletion, but Utah State relied heavily on the run game; they need to do that again. 3. Finally, defense wins championships, it also wins games against Wyoming. The defense of Utah State has been the only consistent thing about the team this season. As long as the defense plays like it has been the last few games USU will get the win.
4. Three key players to watch for Utah State
1. LaJuan Hunt, freshman running back, rushed for 150 yards Saturday in Hawaii. He’s the first freshman running back to do that at USU since 1992. Hunt should be heavily involved as Utah State works on time of possession and controlling the game tempo. 2. In his second collegiate start at quarterback, Myers can’t turn the ball over and he can’t have negative plays. Even if it’s a short gain, it’s going to be important to get some yards every play and stay ahead of the chains. 3. Linebacker Zach Vigil is coming off a career game where he had three sacks. He is the heart of the Aggie defense and must continue to lead them. He has been blowing up other teams offensive plays all year long and will continue to do so Friday.
5. Final score
The stingy Utah State run defense puts a stop to the running game of Brian Hill and the Wyoming offense doesn’t recover. Utah State wins 31-10.
— kalentaylorusu@yahoo.com Twitter: @kalen_taylor
1. What to watch for on Wyoming’s offense
I have five names in mind for Utah State to watch on Wyoming’s offense: Brian Hill, Brian Hill, Brian Hill, Brian Hill and Brian Hill. The true freshman running back stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall, 208 pounds. In his last game against Fresno State, Hill ran for 281 yards, added 106 receiving yards and broke the record for most all-purpose yards by a Mountain West player. Expect a heavy dosage of Hill on the ground and do not be surprised if senior quarterback Colby Kirkegaard throws little on a stout Utah State defense.
2. What to watch for on Wyoming’s defense
The Cowboy defense is in absolute shambles. Starting linebacker Mark Nzeocha tore his ACL vs. San Jose State. Only one week later Nzeocha’s replacement, Malkaam Muhammad, dislocated his elbow. Every defensive back, with the exception of senior cornerback Blair Burns, has been hurt. Yet they were able to put it together vs. Fresno State and held the Bulldogs to 17 points. Look for the Cowboys to commit to stopping the run, since the Aggies are on their 28th quarterback this season.
3. Three keys to Wyoming winning
1. The Cowboys need come out and take control quickly. It’s going to be a Friday night in War Memorial Stadium: it will be loud and raucous. If the Cowboys come out swinging, the game could be over quickly for Utah State. 2. Wyoming cannot commit turnovers. Every loss this season from Wyoming has featured one or two fumbles where Cowboys fans have started flipping tables and ordering another drink. If they avoid that, they will win. 3. Craig Bohl shows up. Bohl is the best coach in the Mountain West. Wyoming is better prepared every time, and it comes down to a matter of execution. If it comes down to the coach that plays tactics better, Bohl wins.
4. Three key players to watch for Wyoming
1. Senior quarterback Colby Kirkegaard. I already said he won’t be throwing much, but when he does, it will be telling to the outcome of the game. If he hits the short throws and keeps getting first downs, Wyoming will have no problems moving the ball. Also, he isn’t the fourth string quarterback. 2. Running back Brian Hill. See above for praise of the next Barry Sanders. 3. Junior defensive end Eddie Yarbrough. He’s the best defender on this team, period. He never misses a tackle and is a nightmare pass rusher. Utah State’s practice squad quarterback might be seeing Eddie all day.
5. Final score
For as much as I loved Wyoming’s performance against Fresno State in the Valley, I think Utah State’s defense is too good to run on. Utah State 24 Wyoming 17.
— Matthew Fabian sports editor for the Branding Iron, Wyoming’s student newspaper. Contact him at mfabian1@uwyo.edu