LARAMIE — Something happened Saturday at the end of Wyoming’s loss to second-ranked Texas that I had never seen here. The Wyoming fans gave their players, fresh off a 41-10 loss, a standing ovation.
The Cowboys lost, but they weren’t beaten. In light of Wyoming’s game at Colorado on Saturday afternoon, that should be noted.
In as desperate need of a win as any program in the country, 0-2 Colorado will face a 1-1 Wyoming team that’s not what anyone expected in August. Under first-year coach Dave Christensen, the Cowboys are playing smart, disciplined football.
The defense under Marty English, the lone holdover from Joe Glenn’s jettisoned staff, gave Texas fits. Longhorns backs had only one gain of at least 10 yards until midway through the third quarter. Without blitzing, Wyoming managed to pressure quarterback and Heisman Trophy contender Colt McCoy, who had one of his worst first halves in memory.
“It’s a credit to them,” McCoy said. “Their front four, No. 91 (tackle John Fletcher), he played with a high motor the whole game. He’s really talented. He was back there all night long.”
Has any Colorado player received any compliments from a Heisman Trophy candidate lately? The most disappointing program this side of Charlottesville, Va., is a seven-point favorite Saturday, but Wyoming should not be overlooked.
The offense has improved speed at tailback, and junior college transfer Robert Benjamin is a sound, smart quarterback. He has thrown 52 passes without an interception.
And remember, Christensen, as Missouri’s offensive coordinator, put up 58 and 55 points on Colorado the last two years.
Colorado gets help with the return of suspended wide receiver Markques Simas, whom ex-Buffs tell me has better hands than anyone they’ve seen. Tailback Rodney Stewart should be healthy. But if Wyoming gets an early lead, the Folsom Field crowd will turn on the Buffaloes.
Think they booed in the loss to Colorado State? After what happened at Toledo, Buffs fans would turn into Phillies fans circa 1969 if the home team struggled.
CU fans know what lies ahead in the following three games: at West Virginia, at Texas, Kansas. If they don’t win Saturday, the Buffs could be looking at 0-6 and would have to go on the road to Kansas State for their first win.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, would return to Laramie to more cheers.
