Quarterback Colby Kirkegaard of Wyoming and center Michael Husar of the Air Force Academy play different positions but find themselves in similar situations this week.
They’re hoping to help lead their teams to huge upset wins Saturday.
Wyoming plays at Michigan State, a 28-point favorite, while Husar and the Falcons host Boise State, a 13-point favorite. No. 9 Michigan State is the cream of the Big Ten and Boise State appears to the best of the Mountain West.
“We respect who they are, but we’re not afraid of them,” Kirkegaard said of the Spartans. “It’s a great opportunity to play against a highly ranked opponent.”
Husar points to leadership from AFA coaches as key to preparation being at a high level this week.
“I think we’re more experienced and a more mature team this year,” he said.
The Falcons (2-1, 0-1 Mountain West) are trying to rebound from a 2-10 season a year ago.
“Boise State is one of the 15 most talented college teams in the country,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “We like challenges, but Boise State is a really gifted group.”
Air Force is coming off a bye week. The Broncos (3-1, 1-0) defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 34-9 last weekend.
Wyoming coach Craig Bohl lets his vote in the coaches poll reflect his view of Michigan State.
“I’ve got both Michigan State and Oregon in my top 10,” Bohl said. “We’re making some mistakes on the field, but our players are going to play as hard as they can.”
Oregon blew out the Cowboys on Sept. 13.
Wyoming (3-1, 1-0) escaped with a 20-19 victory over Florida Atlantic last weekend. The Spartans coasted to a 73-14 triumph over Eastern Michigan. Their only loss was 46-27 at Oregon, a team that defeated the Cowboys 48-14.
Stop the run, please. Northern Colorado coach Earnest Collins Jr. knew where to start in practices this week after the Bears’ 46-7 loss at Northern Iowa last weekend. UNC’s defense surrendered 310 yards and three touchdowns on the ground to the Panthers.
“We have to do a better job defending against the run,” Collins said. “The thing I appreciate about our players is they got down big on the scoreboard, but they didn’t quit in the second half.”
The Bears (1-2) can expect the same challenge Saturday at Montana (2-2) in the Big Sky Conference opener for each team.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@ denverpost. com or /irvmoss
