LARAMIE, WY — Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel spoke to the media on Monday to address the recent loss to Idaho Vandals, and he also spoke about the upcoming game against BYU this weekend at War Memorial Stadium.
Reflecting on last Saturday, "We're disappointed in our results Saturday. We left too many opportunities on the table," Sawvel said. "When you look back at most games, there’s a swing of about 5 or 6 plays that could change the outcome. We need to handle those situations better,” Sawvel said.
Regarding BYU, Coach Sawvel had this to say, "We've got a really good football team in BYU. Coach Satyaki is someone Coach Poll always spoke highly of, and he's done a great job there. They’ve put themselves in a good position this year," Sawvel noted.
Facing BYU on Saturday
The BYU Cougars, led by quarterback Jake Ratzlaff, present several challenges. "Ratzlaff is playing at a really high level with a strong arm and good mobility. They also have talented running backs like LJ Martin, Hinckley Ropati, and Miles Davis. Their receiver Chase Roberts and tight end Keanu Hill are big threats that we’ll need to deal with," Sawvel continued. "Their offensive line is experienced and has the size that’s a staple of their program. This will be a huge challenge for us."
On the defensive side, Sawvel spoke about BYU's defense's strengths. "They're big up front with strength, active linebackers, and a very good defensive coordinator in Jay Hill. This will be a tremendous challenge for us."
Jay spoke about how important this game is to Wyoming. "We’re going to do a few things to make sure the players understand the importance of this game. It’s a special game for our players, our program, and the state. BYU is not on our future schedule, and this could be a significant moment for everyone involved."
Injury Updates
Isaac White suffered a concussion and won’t be available this week, but he should be cleared soon barring any setbacks. Dawaiian McNeely, who had a dislocated thumb last weekend against Idaho, will be able to play this week. John Michael Gyllenborg is expected to practice and might be available, while Caleb Cooley has a high ankle sprain and will be out for a while. DeVonne Harris is progressing, and we hope to see him…”
Defensive Line Performance
"It's crucial for everyone to play well up front. We need to improve in finishing blocks and playing with the right angles. There were plays where we missed crucial blocks, which led to fewer yards gained." “…We need to handle those situations better and improve our overall execution."
Execution
Yet the reality of where the team stands is still right in front of Sawvel "We’re 0-2, and we need to execute better. Positionally, we need to work on pad level and run gaps. At corner, we’re too grabby at times, and at quarterback, we need better accuracy and fundamental execution. Every position has details that need to be addressed." Sawvel continued, "It’s about repetition and experience. Our skill receivers are new and need to adjust. We need to coach better and make progress with each game."
Maintaining Composure Against BYU
“I'm not going to worry about whether we're going to be up to play this week. I don't think that will be the issue. I think there's a valid point there to where we're making sure that we're assignment sound, that we're staying within the rhythm of what we need to do offensively and defensively and doing the things that we're supposed to do." Sawvel do always worry about that when you do get into a charged up game in that regard, that especially players who don't have the level of experience of others. I'm not going to worry about FIA as much as I will worry about, you know, another guy who hasn't played in that type of environment."
John Hoyland
One positive aspect brought up was John Hoyland, who recently set a school record. "John Hoyland's been great. And the fact that you know, he's made big kicks, he's made long kicks, he's kept us alive in certain games. There's been times that I put him out there for a 53-yard or the other day, but it's 4th and 10. I didn't have much choice. But what happens is, he's went out there on the field at times for 55-yard field goals, and him making that has kind of propelled us to some emotion and those types of things. He's a great person. I love having him in the program."
Team Mindset
I told them, 'Look, the team we played Saturday, nobody has blown out in the last two years, you know, so you're not. This wasn't going to be something we're going to come out and be up 21-0 just because we wanted it to be that way.'"
Turnovers and Defensive Strategies
Sawvel said, "The turnover thing is a source of frustration. You just have to keep playing. You have to keep playing. You have to keep playing hard....and part of it too is had we... scored with three minutes to go Saturday, and we take the lead...."
Substitutions and Penalties
On the issue of penalties, Sawvel was clear about the need for improvement. "The substitution thing, that's going to get handled, you know, real quickly....first one was on a field goal, and that will never happen again. Like in terms of, you know, that's pretty simple, and that one got addressed there, and that will that won't happen. The other one, if I remember right, when we had to burn one was an offensive situation."
*All information from Jay Sawvel's weekly Monday press conference; this is essentially a summary with quotes. These press conferences only allow in-person media attendees.
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