Here’s his point of view:

1. There is plenty of history, but how big of a rivalry is this now for Wyoming players and fans?

TAYLOR: Jay Sawvel definitely recognizes the importance of this rivalry and has made a point to mention the significance of this weekend’s matchup because it is the last scheduled meeting between the programs. Fans recognize the nostalgia of BYU coming to War Memorial Stadium, despite the series being so lopsided in the Cougars’ favor over the past five decades.

Aside from the Border War with Colorado State, this will be Wyoming’s biggest rivalry game this year, and Sawvel said the players will have no problem getting up for this matchup this weekend.

2. How do you describe the atmosphere of War Memorial Stadium for someone who has never been there for a Wyoming football game?

TAYLOR: The atmosphere at War Memorial Stadium is one of the most unique in the country, especially when the Cowboys draw a good crowd. While the War is in the midst of a renovation project, the Cowboys had a sellout crowd of just over 25,000 people last weekend.

Wyoming is also a tough out at home, going a perfect 7-0 in Laramie last fall while setting a new single-season attendance record. Throw in the high altitude, and the War is a tough place to play for any opponent, regardless of what conference they’re in. Just ask Texas Tech.

3. Things haven’t gone how the Cowboys wanted in the first two weeks of the season. What have been the biggest issues?

TAYLOR: The biggest issue for the Cowboys thus far as been on the offensive side of the ball. Wyoming is ranked 129th in the country going into this weekend at just 10 points per game, and that’s mostly due to its lack of productive in the passing game.

Sawvel hired former Michigan State offensive coordinator Jay Johnson to run the offense this fall, and the experiment has frustrated Cowboys fans due to the lack of production. The lack of a competent passing offense mixed with 16 total penalties for a normally disciplined program like Wyoming has fans worried about the direction of the offense moving forward.

4. Who are the Wyoming players who have impressed you most to this point and who do you think is most likely to step up for this game?

TAYLOR: North Carolina transfer D.J. Jones has filled in for well for star running back Harrison Waylee, who has yet to play following a knee surgery during fall camp. True freshman wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. has also been spoken highly of since arriving on campus this spring, but he saw limited playing time against Idaho last weekend. Durr caught one of Wyoming’s two touchdowns of the season against Arizona State in the season opener.

While he’s struggled through his first two games as a full-time starter, quarterback Evan Svoboda will undoubtedly be the key to a Wyoming win. The Cowboys simply can’t afford for him to play as poorly as he did the first two games of the season.

5. What do you expect to happen this Saturday when BYU faces the Cowboys?

TAYLOR: While I’m not completely throwing out the idea that BYU blows out Wyoming, I think it’ll most likely be a low-scoring, vintage football game between two longtime rivals.

I expect both teams to put an emphasis on winning inside the trenches on both sides of the ball, and turnovers and time of possession should be a big indicator for who wins this game. With question marks on offense for both teams, I expect the run game to be pivotal due to the lack of consistency at the quarterback position.