Wyoming Football: Will Cowboys surprise Mountain West in 2021?

How will Wyoming football fare in 2021?

The Cowboys have the potential to make a deep run into contention for the Mountain West Conference title. They have the talent and the coaching to make a deep run if they can remain healthy. The health and consistency of their playmakers have been the main reason why they fall short of winning the Mountain title.

They have a winnable non-conference schedule, but they will have a tough road when they reach conference games. They have a young, but experienced team that helps the Cowboys compete for the Mountain title. Time will tell if they have the skill and development to win their second divisional title.

• Game 1: Montana State (W) – The Cowboys will have a reunion for coach Vigen before they get their first dominant win of the 2021 season.
• Game 2: at Northern Illinois (W) – Northern Illinois is not the high-caliber team they used to be when they were constant threats to power five conferences.
• Game 3: Ball State (W) – Ball State is more formidable than Northern Illinois is in the MAC, but they don’t have the talent and development that the Cowboys have this season.
• Game 4: at Connecticut (W) – After voluntary missing out on the 2020 season, the Huskies will be out of rhythm to create consistency against Wyoming.
• Game 5: at Air Force (W) – The Falcons reloading on the offensive side of the ball as the Cowboys look to shut down opposing offenses this season.
• Game 6: Fresno State (L) – The Bulldogs look to have a highly efficient passing offense and pass rush heavy defense this season, which will cause trouble for the Cowboys.
• Game 7: New Mexico (W) – Last season, the Cowboys edged out a 17-16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wyoming football looks to make a bigger example this season with a bigger win.
• Game 8: at San Jose State (L) – San Jose will return a loaded defense and a surprisingly explosive offense, they will be tough to beat on the road.
• Game 9: Colorado State (W) – The Cowboys defeated the Rams last season with a 34-24 score. The Cowboys will look this game by more than two possessions.
• Game 10: at Boise State (L) – Despite a new coaching staff, the Broncos look to utilize the high-caliber talent they have recruited.
• Game 11: at Utah State (W) – The Cowboys catch a break after losing two of their last three games.
• Game 12: Hawaii (W) – Wyoming football finishes the season with a strong presence on the defensive side of the ball.

Prediction: 9-3 (5-3 in MWC play)

The Cowboys will finish the 2021 College Football season with a surprising battle for the Mountain division title. Their non-conference schedule is nothing for the Cowboys to be scared of. It will be the beginning of the conference schedule where Wyoming faces its true test. They will have some tough matchups at Air Force and against the New Mexico Lobos. They might have some stables in-between, but they may not be up to the task against a surging Fresno State, at San Jose, and at Boise State.

It is tough to predict variables such as injuries and whether or not a player can be relied on consistently. This was the biggest problem of the Cowboys last season as their star players and vital role on both sides of the ball were injured. Head coach Craig Bohl isn’t going to let excuses like COVID-19 and injuries ruin their potential successful 2021 season.

The Cowboys have some players that are considered preseason all-conference players like running back Xazavian Valladay, center Keegan Cryder, and linebacker Chad Muma. They will likely have more all-conference players as the season continues and concludes.

Wyoming will need to be leaders to help with the development of the talent surrounding them. If the Cowboys play as an efficient team, they could upset the Boise State Broncos and become Mountain Divisional title winners.