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Matchups for BYU-Wyoming game |
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JaredCowley | Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 11:49 pm
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Darnell Dickson
DAILY HERALD
Following are the positional matchups for BYU's game against Wyoming today:
BYU offense vs. Wyoming defense
For the second straight week, BYU takes on one of the MWC’s best defenses. Last week against Colorado State, the Cougars were less than perfect but good enough. It appears Wyoming’s defense is better than CSU’s, especially at getting pressure on the quarterback. There’s a lot on John Beck's shoulders this week. Advantage: Even
BYU defense vs. Wyoming offense
Wyoming has some good runners and a strong offensive line. Freshman quarterback Karsten Sween hasn’t made a lot of mistakes since taking over as the starter. But BYU’s defense is hot and should be able to make the Cowboys drive the length of the field to earn any scores. Advantage: BYU
Special Teams
Both teams have adequate coverage and return teams. Nobody on either side of the returns is considered a game breaker. Where BYU has an advantage, at least in a close contest, would be the kicking game: Senior Jared McLaughlin vs. freshman Aric Goodman. Advantage: Even
Intangibles
BYU (4-0 at home this season) is going for at least a tie for the MWC title with two games remaining after Wyoming. The Cowboys are trying to get bowl eligible after a slow start. In front of the home crowd after two weeks on the road, the Cougars should be primed. Wyoming is still proving it isn’t the last-place team the “experts” predicted at the beginning of the season. Advantage: BYU
Key Matchup: Wyoming linebackers vs. BYU running backs
Wyoming’s strength is in its linebackers, which is why the Cowboys switched to the 3-4 this year. It’s worked well for them. Wyoming is giving up about 135 yards per game on the ground, just a little bit less than what BYU averages per game. Where the Wyoming LB’s will be tested is in the pass game, trying to pick up Curtis Brown, Fui Vakapuna and Manase Tonga out of the backfield. Advantage: Even
The Final Word: Another game for the defensive enthusiast.
Prediction: BYU 24, Wyoming 10 |
