BYU-Wyoming football matchups and prediction: Cougars can’t overlook struggling Cowboys
Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo
BYU junior running back Miles Davis runs the ball up the field during the non-conference game against SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Wyoming matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo.:
BYU offense vs. Wyoming defense
The pressure for Jake Retzlaff to be more consistent is increasing, although one mediocre performance doesn’t determine a season. This is an opportunity for him to showcase more than he did at SMU, but the Cowboy defense won’t make it easy. Despite surrendering a lot of points to Arizona State, Wyoming has the athletes and scheme to create plenty of problems.
Edge: Even
BYU defense vs. Wyoming offense
The Cougars put together an excellent showing against SMU and now faces a Cowboy offense that has been very inconsistent. Jack Kelly will be all over the field making plays while the defensive line will add another couple of sacks, harassing Wyoming quarterback Evan Svoboda.
Edge: BYU
Coaching
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake appears to have his team believing it can be better than predicted this season and he won’t let them overlook Wyoming. Cowboy head coach Jay Sawvel may still need a little time to get things going his way in his first year at the helm in Laramie, but he knows what it takes to be successful.
Edge: BYU
Intangibles
On paper, the Cougars appear to be the better team so far in 2024 — but games aren’t played on paper. The Cowboys will be at home, where they are always more dangerous, and they will be playing for pride. Add in a healthy dose of rivalry energy and this could be a dangerous game for BYU, particularly if the Cougars start slow.
Edge: Wyoming
Key Matchup: BYU running backs vs. the Wyoming defensive front
The best way for a quarterback to be able to play loose and make big plays is to know the run game is churning out the tough yards. BYU, however, is going to be missing its top two running backs. That means the Cougars will need Miles Davis and Enoch Nawahine (as well as others potentially) to step up. Against a physical, capable Cowboy defense, Davis and Nawahine will need to shine when they carry the ball, catch the ball and in pass protection. The good thing for BYU is that both are very capable of stepping in and playing well.
Edge: BYU
Prediction
With the crowd support behind them, the Cowboys will come out fired up and make a few big plays on defense in the early going to keep BYU from seizing control. The Cougars won’t panic, though, and will do enough to have the lead at halftime. A couple of big gains in the second half will create some separation for the visitors and Wyoming’s offense simply won’t have the ability to keep up as BYU wins comfortably.
BYU 41, Wyoming 10
