top of page
Writer's pictureJeff Bugher

Giddy Up: What Needs to Change Before It’s Too Late?


Photo by Ian Cadena, PokesNews.com Staff
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." – Albert Einstein.

This famous quote perfectly defines the growing frustrations in Laramie as Wyoming football stumbles through a season that should have been built on continuity and growth. Head coach Jay Sawvel stepped into a situation that most new coaches would dream of—an intact team with minimal losses to graduation and the transfer portal. Instead of a rebuild, Sawvel inherited a program that appeared primed for another successful year. Yet, here we are, staring down a pile of questions, mounting losses, and fan frustration.


The issues plaguing this team are glaring. The offense, once reliable under quarterback Andrew Peasley, now stumbles under new leadership. Wyoming's most significant loss on offense was Peasley and Frank Crum, and on defense, linebacker Easton Gibbs, and NT Cole Godbout. These losses are notable but not insurmountable. So, what has changed?


The production and stats aren’t there. Penalties, blown opportunities, and missed assignments now define what should be a well-oiled machine. A lack of discipline has plagued the team. Blaming individual players is easy, yet when the same mistakes happen week after week, the focus shifts to the coaching staff.


The elephant in the room is Wyoming's new offensive strategies, which were touted to inject even more life into the offense, yet the new schemes have delivered more confusion than results. While bold, the decision to scrap huddles has led to miscommunication and chaos. NFL teams huddle to give the team clarity, focus, and a moment to regroup. The fast no-huddle approach isn't working, leaving Wyoming’s offense in turmoil. The lack of cohesion has been evident throughout the season so far, and without significant changes, it’s hard to see the team turning things around. Why isn't the team utilizing Sam Scott more? He has clearly performed; sure, we saw him on Saturday night. Why hasn't he been utilized more?


Defensively, the situation isn’t much better. The unit has seen uncharacteristic struggles with missed tackles and penalties. Wyoming’s defense has historically been a strong point for the team, but this season has seen breakdowns in key moments, allowing opponents to capitalize. It doesn't help when there are injuries.


The season’s stakes are higher than ever. A failure to course-correct will not only cost Wyoming games but could lead to much bigger losses. Players, especially those with talent and potential, won’t stick around if they believe their development is being stunted. The transfer portal looms as a serious threat, and once players begin to exit, the cracks in the program could widen rapidly. Wyoming’s NIL fundraising could also suffer, as fans and donors grow weary of supporting a team that seems stuck in neutral. And season ticket sales? Forget about sellouts if this trend continues. Frustration breeds apathy, and apathy can empty a stadium faster than a string of losses.


This season’s opponents aren’t pushovers. Arizona State, Idaho, BYU, and North Texas have combined for a 13-3 record, proving that Wyoming has faced tough competition. Even in the face of tough competition, Wyoming has undisciplined play, lackluster performances, and confusion on both sides of the ball. Wyoming has always prided itself on being a team that plays with heart, grit, Cowboy Tough, and discipline. This season, that identity is slipping away.


Conference play begins on Saturday against Air Force, followed by a bye week. To salvage a shot at a bowl game, the ship needs to be sent in a different direction. The time to "Giddy Up" is now!


It’s time for Sawvel and his staff to reassess their approach. This team has the potential to be great, but something fundamental must change to avoid a season that will spiral into a disaster. A turnaround is possible only if the coaching staff can see what’s broken and make the necessary changes. Otherwise, we may be watching history repeat itself—over and over again. And as Einstein pointed out, that would be insanity.


Listen to this article on our podcast!

 

Don't forget to sign up for our email list, and follow us on our socials!


Subscribe to receive our newsletter here (no spam, we promise): Subscribe



X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/Pokes_News


Proud Advertising Partner:



Comentarios


bottom of page