Wyoming Football: Will Cowboys surprise Mountain West in 2021?
Defense looks to be better for Wyoming in 2021
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys feel confident in their ability to remain stout and consistent. The Cowboys did lose several players to the NCAA Transfer Portal that were significant players from this past season.
Last year, the Cowboys’ defense ranked 24th in the nation in points allowed per game (21.6) and 16th in total yards allowed per game (328). They were also ranked 28th in passing yards allowed per game (202.7) and tied for 21st in rushing yards allowed per game (125.3). Finally, as a defense, the Cowboys only allowed a third-down conversion rate of 36% (29-of-80).
All of this success was a short and stalled process in the first year of defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel. Even with the complicated offseason affected by COVID-19, Sawvel brought a top-25 ranked defense in three of the four major defensive categories. There are even more opportunities for the Cowboys to get better or have the same efficiency for the 2020 season if they can secure their starters.
The Cowboys’ defensive line returns several key starters and contributors from the past three seasons. Last season, in their limited schedule, the defensive line helped contribute 46 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. Senior Garrett Crall returns as the starting defensive end after missing the first three games last season. Crall accounted for 55 total tackles, 22 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
The Cowboys have seen redshirt freshman DeVonne Harris develop into a high-caliber pass rusher. He will start at the opposite defensive end from Crall. At the three-technique defensive tackle, Ravontae Holt returns after missing the last four games of the 2020 season due to injuries. The Cowboys will return their big nose tackle Cole Godbout, who accounted for 30 total tackles, 13 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack this past season.
Their Tampa two defense utilizes only two linebackers in the middle of their defense. These are linebackers that must be reliable and efficient in making plays in the rushing and passing game. Junior Chad Muma returns as the starting mike linebacker after leading the Cowboys defense in total tackles accounted for (71), solo tackles (33), tackles for loss (8), and sacks (3). Sophomore Chuck Hicks and redshirt freshman Easton Gibbs were great contributors as the weakside linebacker this past season. Hicks started the season before suffering an injury until Gibbs came in and finished the season well. Hicks projects to be the starter, but both players could contribute equally in 2021.
The secondary is a tricky area for the Cowboys to rely on. They return five players who started last season in their five-man Tampa defense. They are not the strongest unit on the Cowboys’ defense, but they have the potential to become a more effective unit in stopping the passing game. The most reliable player last season was free safety Esaias Gandy, who started his first full season.
Gandy accounted for 44 total tackles, 23 solo tackles, and 4.5 tackles for loss last season. While Gandy has the free safety position locked down, senior Braden Smith has the strong safety position locked down. Both players are highly efficient in reading the ball carrier and making the stops quickly.
Last year, the starting cornerbacks were young and inexperienced. This season, junior Azizi Hearn and sophomore C.J. Coldon will be more efficient in man coverage schemes for the Cowboys after leading the defense in pass breakups and interceptions, respectively.
Junior nickelback Keyon Blankenbaker has been a reliable playmaker but has a history of significant injuries, including four games last season. Do not be surprised if redshirt freshman Keonte Glinton steps up his reps count at the nickelback after a surprisingly good season last year.