LARAMIE — The numbers aren’t good, and the coach’s assessment isn’t favorable either.
Through two games, Wyoming’s defense has given up an average of 35.5 points, 242 rushing yards and 470 total yards per game. It also allowed No. 14 Texas and Toledo to convert 50 percent of their third downs and all four of their fourth-down tries.
And the defense has forced just one turnover, none in a 34-31 home-opening loss to Toledo last weekend. The Cowboys’ only takeaway this season was a fumble recovery by senior defensive end Miraldo Michel at Texas, but the ball hit the field when Longhorns quarterback David Ash mis- handled a shotgun snap.
Wyoming (0-2) hasn’t intercepted a pass, and the only forced fumble was on special teams by sophomore receiver Dominic Rufran against Toledo. The Cowboys have just one quarterback sack and six tackles for loss in two games, among the worst in the 120-team Football Bowl Subdivision.
Wyoming coach Dave Christensen said mental errors held back the Cowboys against Toledo, which threw for 300 yards, ran for 204 and went 11-for-21 on third and fourth downs. First-year defensive coordinator Chris Tormey said the mental errors took place all over the field.
“I don’t think there was one position that was immune,” he said. “We’ve got to do a better job of recognizing formations, getting lined up and being assignment sound.”
