Wyoming Cowboys:
Craig Bohl retired after last season, so in his stead Wyoming promoted defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel. The former Wake Forest defensive coordinator has never served as head coach before, but there are worse situations to be in. The Cowboys bring back 13 starters this season, a majority of which come on Sawvel’s side of the ball. If Wyoming can take advantage of its schedule, the Pokes could be competing for a conference championship.
Offense
Running the ball will be Wyoming’s strength one again this season. The Cowboys finished 2023 ranked 44th in the country in EPA per rush. Their leading rusher Harrison Waylee is back after running for 947 yards and 5.8 yards per carry, including 3.64 yards per carry after contact. In front of Waylee is an offensive line which brings back four of five starters, one of which is Third Team All-Mountain West guard Jack Walsh.
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The biggest question for the Cowboys will be at quarterback, but there is faith in Evan Svoboda – the presumed starter for Wyoming. Svoboda is reminiscent of Josh Allen – 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds – and started one game for the team last season. How he evolves as a passer will be a question, but he ran for 65 yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts in his three appearances last season.
The top receivers from last season do depart, but Wyoming will be a running team. If Svoboda can keep the team on track when it comes to downfield passing, this is going to be a dangerous group.
Defense
As previously mentioned, Sawvel gets most of the talent back from his defense last season. The Cowboys were among the best groups in the conference in 2023. They finished 46th in opponent EPA per play (0.003), 30th in opponent EPA per rush and the unit allowed just 5.2 yards per play.
That run defense should be a strength once again, as only two starters depart from this front seven. Shae Suiaunoa made it to the All-Mountain West Third Team last season at linebacker, and he could take a step forward in his senior season.
Sawvel has been the architect of this unit the previous four seasons. He will relinquish play-calling duties, but will still have his hand in guiding this group. There is no reason not to believe this defense will improve this season and be one of the best in the Mountain West once again.
Outlook
Wyoming is not only a candidate to surpass its win total, but to win the Mountain West as well. The Cowboys get both Air Force and Boise State at home. They only make three road trips in conference play this season; Colorado State being the most challenging trip. Wyoming surprised some with nine wins last season, and they could do so again in Sawvel’s first year as head coach.
Pick: Over 6.5 Wins
