Scouting the 'Pokes

So, we got the Cowboys of Wyoming coming up....I guess they are known locally as "The Pokes." At the beginning of the season, I thought this was a game we could win, and it would be nice to win it. I still think that, though I am not so sure, both because I am not sure we are healthy and because we haven't played especially well.

The primary question as it relates to them:

The 'Pokes are 2-2. However, they are 4 points from being o-4. They beat OU by 1 and North Dakota State by 3, both in Wyoming. Their losses are to Air Force, and to BYU, both in virtual cowpoke bloodbaths.

This on its own does not shape up especially well for Wyoming. So, the question becomes, is there some reason to think they match up against us especially well?

Well, that could be, in fact.

The evidence:

• Coach says they are big and strong on the O-Line and committed to running the ball. This sounds like NIU, the type of team we have often struggled against.
• Their most important game for comparison purposes was against OU. They ran for 4.0 yards per carry against OU, which is pretty good. Even more importantly, that's 40 carries against 22 passes.
• Coach also says they have a big defensive line, something we have had trouble competing with. They really shut down the OU running game (21-39).

On the other hand:

• OU had mad success in the air.
• They barely beat OU, so we should be able to do that well, at least (Opposing QBs have a 117 efficiency against the Pokes).
• They have four offensive touchdowns this season
• They are -7 in turnovers, though the BYU games magnifies that.
• They are barely averaging over four yards per total play.

Individually

• Their big RB is Devin Moore who is getting just under 100 yards/game.
• They have completed 50 passes to a mind-boggling 10 players, and none has caught more than 10 this year, which, to be charitable, indicates they do not have a "go-to" gu

Even with all this, I think its a pretty big question mark. It is a long trip and we aren't healthy. On the other hand, if we take care of the ball and execute like we should be able to, we should be able to beat this team.