MWC preview: The passing game should go well for the Cowboys in 2023

2022 in Comments

LLast season Wyoming won seven games with an offense that averaged 21.2 points per game and ranked 120th in the nation with 313.6 yards per game.

The Cowboys ran the ball very well, going 181.4 yards per game, but the passing game was a concern. Wyoming ranked 125th in the nation in passing offense with 132.2 yards per carry.

This isn’t a big deal because Wyoming will be a defense-first team, but the passing game should be better, especially in the third game.

Wyoming ranked third at 34.9% in 2022, 105th in the nation.

On third-and-seven yards for gain or more, UW was only converted at 14.9%. About 40% of the three that dropped in 2022 were of the seven+ variety.

Offense

Toffensive, run or pass, he must produce more first and second downs to create third downs.

The passing game doesn’t have to be good, but good. Andrew Peasley started last year under center and will be back this year. They bring knowledge and leadership.

In 2022, Peasley connected on 56.8% of his first and second down passes but dropped to 42.9% on third down. He can get on the ball and gain yards with his legs.

The senior from Le Grande, Oregon has proven once again that he can win close games. Four of the seven wins last season were by seven points or fewer and five of those wins came in come-from-behind victories.

In 2022 he threw 10 TDs and nine interceptions; these numbers should improve in 2023.

The strength of this offense is the running game. This has been happening under Bohl and will happen again in 2023.

Titus Swen was an All-Conference Second-Team selection last season as he rushed for 10.29 yards and eight touchdowns.

Swen is gone, but the backs on this list are capable of repeating and possibly improving numbers. Dawaiian McNeely is the leading returner with 356 last season at 5.7 yards per carry.

DQ James is also back. He provided plenty of pop last year, averaging 8.7 yards per carry while totaling 346 yards. The addition of Harrison Waylee gives the Cowboys three backs who can step into the starting lineup.

Anyone who ends up with that many touchdowns must produce a 1,000-yard season and earn All-Conference honors. I think McNeely can be a great guy.

The offensive line has just two starters from the class of 2022. The class of 2023 has just 52 starters, 36 of them coming from Frank Crum alone. Having Crum in the batting position is a good starting point.

The 6-foot-7. The 315-pounder has the potential to play Sunday a year from now. Also in line is Nofoafia Tulafono, who started 12 games in 2022.

Look for Jack Wech and Cadan Barnett to be the guards and Wes King to take over the other position. This is a line that should open up holes in the backfield and give Peasley time to get through.

When all else fails for the Cowboys, they can turn to John Hoyland, who will be the best kicker in the Mountain West. The junior connected on 13 of 14 FG attempts last season with a career high of 42.

This season, Wyoming should be all but guaranteed points when they get the ball inside the opponent’s 35.

Security

OhOn the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have 10 of 11 returning starters. The only piece not back is CB Cam Stone who is now with Hawai’i.

Even though this is a big loss, Wyoming is still loaded with All-Conference potential on defense.

This line has the potential to dominate this season. Cole Godbot and Jordan Bertagnole will be inside the lineup with DeVonne Harris and Sebastian Harsh on the outside.

This quartet will make up the best line in the Conference and among the top 30 D-line units in the country. The middle two will close the running lanes.

Godbout showed signs of success at DT in 2021 before a foot injury in 2022 slowed him down. Look for him to regain his form in 2023.

DeVonne Harris tallied eight sacks last year and has seen that trend improve this season.

Although the line will be good, the pair of the line can be very difficult. Shae Suauoa and Easton Gibbs can do both in the middle.

Suanoa had 73 tackles in 2022 and would have been a big man under center almost anywhere but behind Gibbs at Wyoming.

Gibbs is the best defender in the Mountain West. His 121 strikeouts were the second most in the MW in 2022. Gibbs reached double digits in strikeouts six times in 2022.

The pair will be able to get into the backfield to stop and provide pass support.

The defensive backs have lost a good deal of Stone, but the three returners have talent. Isaac White and Wyett Ekeler are back at safety while Tyrecus Davis is back.

Jakory Hawkins might be the best guy they have and should step into Stone’s spot. Wrook Brown had 37 tackles and three home runs in 2022 from the NB/Hybrid position.

Kobey Taylor is another promising sophomore who should find his way around the corner.

Schedule