25 Questions about Cowboys.

What is their body of work?

This year, they needed a late drive to beat 0-2 FCS Weber State and they clocked Texas State.  When you look at their stats below, keep in mind that they have yet to play FBS competition this season.  How good they are remains an open question, in nearly all the statistical elements listed below.

They were 3-9 last year, though they did win @ Toledo.  In 2009 they were 7-6 with a bowl win, and the year before that they were 4-8 with a win over OU and a loss to BG.  Since 2002, they have never won more than 7 games in a season.

How many seniors and juniors on the two-deep?

25.

Who are their statistical leaders returning?


Ranks are 2010 MWC

Alvester Alexander, 5th in rushing and scoring (he is their least productive back this year).
Tashaun Gipson, 4th in interceptions
Austin McCoy, 3rd in punting
Josh Biezuns, T-2 in sacks and t-5 in TFL.

What is their turnover ratio?

They were -3 last year and is +1 this year.

Offense:

How is their QB Play?

They are starting a true freshman, Brett Smith, who was highly recruited.  He wasn't expected to start right away, but when Wyoming switched OCs last year's starter moved on.  He has looked good so far, showing "moxie" in their comeback over Weber State.   He is said to be a typical spread run-pass option guy--he is 9th in the MWC in rushing.  This is his first start on the road and his first game against a FBS opponent.

What is their scoring and yards per play?

So far, they have scored 40 points a game and had 6.7 yards per play, both of which are good.  Last year they were among the 10 worst scoring teams in FBS and among the 20 worst in generating yards.

Can they run the ball?

To date, they are averaging 6.3 yards per carry.  Last year, they were 98th in rushing offense.

Do they pass the ball?

They are completing just under 60% of their passes and have 4 TDs over 3 INTS.  On the face, those are not stunning numbers.  They do go down field a little more than you might expect in a Brandonspread.  They are 58th in passing efficiency despite having only played FBS teams.  The conclusion here is that they won their two games running the ball...and the challenge will be for BG to change that up.

How is their run/pass balance?

They have run the ball 88 times and passed it 73, though they had one blow out game.

Do they convert on 3rd Down?

They are converting 47% which is pretty good.

Do they score in the red zone?

In 11 red zone trips, they have 8 TDs and 1 FG.  That is 5.2 per trip, clearly pretty good.

Do they protect the quarterback?

They have been very good here, only giving up 2 sacks, or a sack on 2.7% of their passing attempts.  Spread offenses are relatively hard to rush if they are getting the ball out, but they have protected Smith well...and he is an effective runner.

Defense:

Topline: Scoring and yards per play.

They have given up 21 points a game and 5.3 yards per play.  Weber State scored 32 on them and gained 541 (6.8 per play).

Do they defend the run effectively?

To date, very good.  3.5 yards per carry.  They were 109th in rushing defense last year.

Could they be passed on?

They are 85th in pass efficiency defense after being 82nd last year.  They are allowing 61% completions against 8.4/attempt and 13/reception, all relatively poor numbers even given their competition.  They have 2 INTs and 2 TD passes allowed.

Do they get off the field on 3rd down?

So far, they are only allowing 25% conversions, which is good.

Do they defend in the red zone?

In 6 trips, they have allowed 3 TDs and 2 FGs.  That is 4.5 per trip which is good.

Do they pressure the QB?

They are getting good pressure to date, with 6 sacks on 57 attempts, or 10.5%

Special Teams:


Punting?

Despite returning a good punter, they have not been effectively.  They are at 36 per punt and 31 net, the second of which is among the worst numbers in FBS.  He has 2 TBs in 9 attempts and has not been blocked.

Punt Return?

They have 3 punt returns for -4 yards....they have not shown this to be a strength yet.

Placekicking?

They have only tried one FG and they made it from 20 yards.  He is a new kicker as well, so it is hard to tell what they have.

Kickoff?

They have been pretty good.  Teams have only started from their own 23, there has been one touchback and one OB kick.

Kickoff Return?

They have been pretty good here, starting on the 28.  No TDs, and one returner (Rufran) has been the most productive.

Miscellaneous: Overall atmospherics and intangibles.

It is hard to see what Wyoming has because they have not played anyone yet.  I think Dave Christensen is a good coach, and it is very possible (due to Gregg Brandon's presence) that some of the offensive gains are real.  Still, this has not been a strong defense even against FCS opposition....and they are on the road, a true freshman QB....I think BG can move the ball on these guys and get enough stops.  In my blog swap, I was probably a little pessimistic.  I like the Falcons by 9 or 10.