Wyoming Blog Swap...

As we try to do with our non-conference opponents, we did a little bit of blog swapping with Robert, who is the editor of Cowboy Chronicles at Wyo Sports.  Here are his answers to my questions, and feel free to check out what I said to answer his questions, one of which was how BG fans remember Gregg Brandon.


1. Wyoming, like Bowling Green, is very young. Most importantly, you have to be one of the few teams playing a true freshman QB. Talk about Brett Smith, what you have seen so far, and what you expect from him for the year. 


Smith has shown impressive poise and maturity as a true freshman. It helped that he graduated from high school early, enrolled at Wyoming in January and went through spring drills. It's remarkable how this team has rallied around him -- coaches and players. He has a good arm and quick release, and can make things happen with this feet. He hasn't perfected the position by any means, but he's a competitor. As long as he stays positive and the coaches stay positive, good things are ahead for this kid and this team.


2. Wyoming has had its struggles in football over the past 10 years (2 winning records). Do you think Dave Christensen has the program on a different trajectory? 


I think the program in heading in a good direction. Depth is getting better across the board and the overall skill, speed and athleticism is improving. I think the direction is good. A big sign of that will be how the team does in the Mountain West Conference. It was 4-4 in 2009 and 1-7 last year. That's where the improvent needs to be seen the most.

 3. Wyoming's first two games were against FCS competition. What do you think you have learned about Wyoming and what questions are still unanswered? 

We learned Wyoming would fare well if it were a FCS team. All kidding aside, we learned that Smith has some moxey to him as he led the team on a game-winning touchdown drive with 22 seconds to play to beat Weber State in the opener. The Cowboys appear to have some big-play ability on offense at running back, receiver and quarterback. The defense got off to a slow start, but played well the last 2.5 quarters against Texas State. We learned Wyoming has some ability and potential, but now it's time to see it against competition more at and above its level.


4. Among the Wyoming fan base, what is the perception of the MAC. Do they get excited for a game like this, or would they prefer something else? 


There is a mutal respect for the MAC among most of the Wyoming fan base. The Cowboys played Toledo last year, and play it again next season. They've also recently played Ohio. And in 2008, Bowling Green came into Laramie and pounded the Cowboys. I know the coaches respect the MAC. Coach Dave Christensen was an assistant at Toledo from 1992-2000. Former coach Gregg Brandon was at Bowling Green for a while. I would say the respect is there.  


5. Who do you see winning Saturday and why?


This almost a flip a coin game. Both teams have a lot of similarities. The home team has the advantage, but I see Wyoming eaking this one out in the end in a really good game as it withstands an early barrage by Bowling Green and then makes enough plays on both sides of the ball late. Wyoming 34, Bowling Green 30.