DENTON, Texas -- It's not about the losses, it's how they've looked.
Uninspired. Lackluster. Casual.
Those are a few words that come to mind when I think about Wyoming's play over the first three weeks of the season. Self-inflicted wounds in the form of avoidable penalties cost Jay Sawvel's team against Idaho. Aside from a quarter-plus of football last Saturday night in front of a capacity crowd in Laramie, the Cowboys have not been competitive in setbacks against Big-XII foes Arizona State and BYU.
What gives?
We've heard that the defenses faced are some of the best Wyoming will line up against this fall. We've heard near perfection needed to be reached in order to hang with the Sun Devils and Cougars. We've heard there are some positives when reviewing the film.
Those aren't exactly obvious.
While your glass might be half empty, Sawvel and Co. are taking the opposite approach. Still, tonight's game in Denton will be a telling one.
Can this offense get going against one of the worst pass defenses in the nation? North Texas gave up 66 points last week in Lubbock. If there was a time for Evan Svoboda and gang to get right, it's here against this Mean Green secondary.
Can the Cowboys slow down Chandler Morris and this lightning-fast spread offense? Keany Parks needs to be much better on the back end. So does Tyrecus Davis and whomever is filling in for Wrook Brown, who will miss the first half tonight after being flagged for a targeting in the loss to BYU.
What happened to the pass rush?
Wyoming has three sacks in as many outings. Tyce Westland, Braden Siders and Sabastian Harsh get credit for those. These edge rushers, though, need to be more productive. Opposing signal callers have not just evaded the sack, they've given the Cowpokes fits, extending plays and picking up scramble yardage. Mostly in very inopportune times, too.
It hasn't been pretty so far, but a win today could go a long way in determining the ultimate tale of this 2024 Wyoming squad. A victory could be parlayed into three, leaving this forgettable skid in the rear-view mirror.
Sounds crazy to even mention, but the next two programs on the docket -- Air Force and San Diego State -- are beyond beatable.
I know, cart before the horse.
Here is all you need to know -- and the links -- for Saturday's tilt in Denton:
WHO: Wyoming (0-3, 0-0) at North Texas (2-1, 0-0)WHEN: Saturday, Sept.. 21 at 5 p.m. MSTWEATHER: High of 97, low 73, mostly sunny, wind 10 mphWHERE: DATCU Stadium, Denton, Texas (30,100 capacity)TRAVEL: Drive TexasSTREAMING: ESPN-PlusTV: ESPN-PlusRADIO: Cowboy Sports NetworkTICKETS: Wyoming Ticket officeBOX SCORE: ESPNROSTERS: Wyoming / North TexasHISTORY: First meetingBETTING ODDS: UNT -7, O/U 55.5HEAD COACHES: Jay Sawvel / Eric Morris
Meet the Mean Green
* Head coach: Eric Morris (2nd year) 7-8 overall record, 3-5 in American Athletic play
* Offensive coordinator: Jordan Davis (2nd season); Defensive coordinator: Matt Caponi (2nd season)
* Record in 2023: 5-7 overall, 3-5 in American Athletic Conference
* Offense in 2024: Average 36 ppg, 469 ypg (140.3 rush, 328.7 pass)
* Defense in 2024: Allow 41.3 ppg, 472 ypg (149.7 rush, 322.3 pass)
* Key Returners/ Newcomers - Offense: Chandler Morris (QB - 73-112, 899 yds, 9 TD, 6 INT; 13 rush, 19 yds, 2 TD), Damashja Harris (RB - 23 rush, 193 yds, TD; 4 catch, 7 yds), Damon Ward Jr. (WR - 15 catch, 281 yds, 2 TD), DT Sheffield (WR - 13 catch, 148 yds, 3 TD), Wyatt Young (WR - 6 catch, 119 yds, TD), Jeremiah Aaron (WR - 5 catch, 97 yds, TD), Oscar Hammond (TE - 7 catch, 84 yds, TD)
* Key Returners - Defense: Jayden Hill (S - 25 tackles), Jaylen Smith (LB - 21 tackles), Evan Jackson (S - 20 tackles, 2 PBU), Jordan Brown (LB - 18 tackles), Ethan Wesloski (LB - 12 tackles), Brian Nelson II (CB - 10 tackles, INT, 2 PBU), Roderick Brown (DL - 6 tackles, 2 sacks)
* Injured/ questionable: Ikaika Ragsdale (RB - 22 rush, 58 yds, TD), Landon Peterson (Guard), Damashja Harris (RB - 23 rush, 193 yds, TD; 4 catch, 7 yds), Damon Ward Jr. (WR - 15 catch, 281 yds, 2 TD), Jeremiah Aaron (WR - 5 catch, 97 yds, TD), Tyler Mercer (Center)
The Question of Evan Svoboda
The Cowboys are 0-3, and the offense has been anemic to say the least. The primary culprit? Quarterback Evan Svoboda. While Svoboda has shown flashes, his inconsistency and low completion percentage have raised concerns.
Sawvel has publicly stated that he is sticking with Svoboda, but the pressure is mounting. This North Texas game could be a make-or-break moment for Svoboda. A strong performance against a weak North Texas secondary would do wonders for his confidence and could potentially silence his critics.
The Cowboys Need to Find Their Identity
Beyond the quarterback situation, the Cowboys need to find their identity on both sides of the ball. The defense has struggled to generate pressure, allowing opposing quarterbacks to extend plays and pick up crucial yards. The offense, meanwhile, has been unable to establish a consistent running game, which has put a heavy burden on Svoboda.
The Cowboys need to find a way to get their offense going. They have the talent on offense to be successful, but they need to execute better and find a way to create big plays. They also need to find a way to get more pressure on the quarterback. If they can do these things, they will be in a much better position to succeed.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys have a bye week after the North Texas game, which gives them a chance to regroup and make some adjustments. After the bye, they face a crucial stretch of games against Air Force, San Diego State, and Boise State. If the Cowboys want to make a run at the Mountain West title, they need to start winning games now. The North Texas game is a good opportunity for them to build some confidence and momentum going into the rest of the season.
It's Time to Turn the Page
The Cowboys are still a young team, and it's going to take time for them to find their footing. But it's time for them to turn the page and start playing with more confidence and consistency. If they can do that, they will be a tough team to beat in the Mountain West.
