October 8, 2024 |
Photo – Cowboys celebrate a play – Courtesy gowyo.com
The Wyoming Cowboy football team returns to action on Saturday following last week’s much needed bye.
Wyoming will face San Diego State. Both teams are 1-0 in conference play. The Aztecs, 2-3 overall, defeated Hawaii 27-24 on Saturday at home to end a three-game losing streak.
Running back Marquez Cooper ran 109 yards and two touchdowns in the matchup. True Freshman starting quarterback Danny O’Neil managed the ball, completing 24 of 34 passes (70.5%) for 224 yards. O’Neil ran for one touchdown.
The new-look Aztecs are finding their way under first-year head coach Sean Lewis. Saturday’s matchup in Laramie with the Cowboys will be a big test for both teams.
Wyoming’s first year head coach Jay Sawvell gave his overview of the big game on Monday, saying his team is excited to play.
The Cowboys are still banged up going into this week. Sawvell checked through the injury report.
With that bit of bad news, the head coach clicked through the report.
Punt returner Caleb Cooley is back. In 2022, Cooley appeared in three games before a season-ending injury. Last year, Cooley appeared in 13 games as a punt returner and reserve wide receiver. He recorded eight punt returns on the season for 34 yards. In the game at Texas, Cooley returned two punts for 17 yards. He also added 14 yards in the win over Nevada. Cooley will be available on Saturday.
Caleb Driscoll is out. The senior full back from Gillette is a key piece of the special teams unit. Wyatt Eckler is out. Ben Florentine is out with a lingering injury from the Air Force game.
Defensive end Dvonne Harris will return to practice this week, but likely won’t play on Saturday. Harris started all 13 games last season. Coach Sawvell said Harris will be available for the San Diego State game.
Also available will be strong safety Andrew Johnson, a senior from Cheyenne, who injured a finger in the Air Force win. If Johnson sees play, he’ll be wearing a cast after having a pin inserted into the finger.
The big offensive guard, 6′-5″, 300-pound Wes King is out.
Another big offensive guard, 6′-3″, 310 pound Jack Walsh is also out. Walsh started all 13 games last season.
Defensive end Tyce Westland is out.
Senior Strong safety Isaac White is also out.
Look for younger players to step up Saturday.
The Cowboys will look to improve to 2-0 in conference action when they host San Diego state Saturday afternoon in the War. Kickoff is set for 1:30 here on Bigfoot 99.
The Aztecs have been advised to bring oxygen and beet juice, which can help alleviate high altitude sickness and improve physiological responses at 7,100 feet.
