| | By Ed Graney
Special to ESPN.com
Season notes:
1999 record: 7-4, 4-3.
Coach: Vic Koenning, first season
Starters returning: 9 (4 offense, 5 defense)
Outlook:
Koenning is known most for defense. That's ironic when you consider Wyoming's biggest question is whether or not it will ever find the end zone. Jay Stoner is a three-year starter at quarterback, and gone (thankfully) is that wacky triple-shoot offense of last season. Instead, the Cowboys return to a more traditional approach of multiple formations, similar to the scheme run by former head coach and current Purdue boss Joe Tiller.
The offensive line (four sophomores, one junior) is terribly young and there are new faces at running back, fullback, tight end and both receiver spots. The Cowboys won't change much defensively, not with former coordinator Koenning running the team. The coach isn't as concerned with the number of new players on this side,
perhaps because of leaders like seniors Al Rich (177 career tackles) at strong safety and Jeff Boyle (6-1, 295) and Patrick Chukwurah (6-2, 230) up front.
The good: Kicker Aaron Elling and punter Tom Waring return. The bad: Elling's leg was more like a 2-wood off the tee last year, slicing its way to 11-for-21 on
field goals. Waring (41.6 yards per attempt) is a master at using altitude for his benefit.
Keep an eye on:
Stoner. He has thrown for 6,122 career yards and 27 touchdowns, and should leave school as the Cowboys' all-time passing leader. Wyoming needs his experience most as it attempts to blend so many new skill players into the offense. Stoner's ability to lead the group and make good decisions (he also has 27 career interceptions) could ultimately decide the team's fate.
It's a good season if:
Wyoming pulls off a winning record. Like San Diego State, the Cowboys could go either way in the conference standings. Stoner is solid, but
that many inexperienced players touching the ball is never welcomed. Wyoming appears to sit atop the fence of 6-5 or 5-6.
Ed Graney covers college football for the San Diego Union Tribune | |
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