GAME PREVIEW: BYU vs. Wyoming

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

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(KSL Sports) A convincing 59-0 win against PAC-10 member UCLA propelled BYU up in the polls and into conference play. The 11th/14th ranked Cougars face off against the Wyoming Cowboys who have struggled through two wins and a blowout loss. The Cowboys needed fourth-quarter comebacks at home to beat Ohio and North Dakota St. and were whipped at home by a decent Air Force squad.

As BYU begins conference play KSL takes a look back and a look ahead as we prep for game day.

What did we learn about BYU vs. UCLA?

- The Cougar offense can score easily and appears unstoppable. - BYU's defense is going to be just fine. - Bronco Mendenhall still has a few tricks up his sleeve. He went to nickel package on defense early and often against UCLA. He also lined up a backup linebacker (Iona Pritchard) at fullback. He allowed Max Hall to run the first option play of his BYU career.

What questions do we have about BYU?

- How will coaches share injured WR Michael Reed's snaps among Luke Ashworth, O'Neill Chambers and Spencer Hafoka? - Between Justin Sorensen's injury and youth on kick-off coverage teams, how will the Cougars resolve some special teams concerns? - How long can the offensive line keep Hall untouched?

What can BYU expect from Wyoming?

- If the Cowboys have their way, a low scoring affair. - Hard hitters. The Cowboys injured Hall last year in Laramie. - Lots of hand-offs. Wynel Seldon and Devin Moore are the senior running back duo.

What can we expect from BYU vs. Wyoming?

- If the Cougars have their way, a lot of points. BYU has scored at least 35 points in three straight games against Wyoming. - Lots of rest for the starters if the Cougars get out in front early like they did against UCLA. - Chambers to get the first catch of his collegiate career.

Miscellaneous:

- BYU is 1st in the Mountain West Conference and 14th nationally in scoring offense (43 pts a game). Wyoming is last in the MWC and 111th nationally in scoring offense (13 pts a game). - BYU has allowed the fewest sacks in the MWC. Wyoming has allowed the most. - BYU is #1 nationally in third down conversions (78%). Wyoming is 101st nationally (31%). - BYU is the only team in the MWC not to attempt a fourth down conversion, and is one of only six teams nationally not to attempt a fourth down conversion. - Wyoming has failed to score more than 21 points in any of its last 5 games against BYU. - Wyoming last beat BYU in Provo in 1987 (29-27). The Cowboys have lost seven straight in Provo. - Like Hall, Dax Crum is a Mesa high school product and like Hall red shirted at Arizona St. before transferring.

Conclusion: The way the Cougar offense is playing right now it would appear the Cowboys only shot would be to win a shoot-out and right now these Cowboys don't have the horses. BYU has to avoid the big-play bugaboo (turnovers/special teams) and play its game, which means scoring early and staying in out in front.