Wyoming University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

• Run/Pass %: 58/42
• Run/Pass Attempts: 402/289
• Points Per Game: 19.2
• Points Allowed Per Game: 30.3

Key Returning Players:
• Alvester Alexander, RB: Leading returning rusher with 792 yards on the ground and 14 TDs as well as 15 catches for 134 yards. He was the best player on a team that did not win very many games or score many points in 2010.
• Brian Hendricks, WLB: Leading returning tackler with 80 tackles, .5 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery. He played very well on a defense that gave up 30 points per game in 2010.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Adam Pittser, QB: This 3 star quarterback out of Illinois will be in the running to win the starting job in 2011. At 6-1, 200 pounds, it would be nice if he were a big taller but he should fit in nicely in the pro-style offense of the Cowboys.
• Korey Jones, LB: This 3 star juco transfer has blazing speed (4.5 40) to go with nice size being 6-2, 215 pounds to be a force at OLB. He could end up starting this fall and making a lot of plays from the SLB spot. 

Overall Assessment:
Last season was yet another disappointment for the Cowboys as the offense never got into gear only scoring 19 points a game and being outscored by 11 per game. In order to get closer to bowl eligibility, Wyoming must start winning the turnover battle and start making big third down conversions on offense. There is some talent for the Cowboys and if they can gel properly, things could get quite interesting. They have games versus Nebraska, at SDSU, at home versus TCU, at Air Force, and at Boise State in 2011. Those 5 games will be difficult if not impossible for them to win but every other game is up for grabs. Overall, expect small steps forward but not enough to get Wyoming back into the bowl scene in 2011.