By Jeff Bugher
jeff@pokesnews.com
Both the Wyoming Cowboys and the ranked (4/6) Texas Longhorns come into this matchup undefeated. The game kicks off at 6 PM Mountain Time and will be aired on the Longhorn Network, and via the radio/stream of the Cowboy Sports Network (CSN). Longhorn Network announcers include Lowell Galindo (Play-by-Play Announcer), Fozzy Whittaker (Color Analyst), and Morgan Uber (Sideline Reporter). CSN announcers include Keith Kelley (Play-by-Play Announcer), Kevin McKinney (Color Analyst), and Erik Pauley (Sideline Reporter). Pregame radio coverage will begin at 4:30 PM, and postgame coverage will end 30 minutes following the end of the game.
Evaluating the Statistics:
We evaluated the 2022 stats to see possible outcomes on Saturday in Austin, Texas. Why not evaluate the 2023 stats? The answer is simple: the 2023 sample is skewed because of the Portland State game, so the bigger picture would be the full 2022 season. Unfortunately, Wyoming is deficit in nearly every category. Stats are not everything though (see the last 2 sections: Observations and Keys to the Game).
Scoring:
Texas dominates the scoring comparison against Wyoming in football. They averaged 35 points per game, while Wyoming trails at 21.4, a difference of 13 points. The total points scored by Texas stand at 448, overshadowing Wyoming's 278 by 170 points. Texas also exceeds in touchdowns, with 55 against Wyoming's 30, a gap of 25. The data shows Texas winning this category.
1ST Downs:
Texas surpasses Wyoming in securing first downs. Texas had 297 total first downs, 124 rushing, and 147 passing, while Wyoming had 208 in total, 112 rushing, and 81 passing. Additionally, Texas benefits from 26 first downs via penalties, compared to Wyoming's 15. The data shows the Longhorns’ ability to convert opportunities into first downs on the field.
3rd Down Efficiency:
Texas and Wyoming show distinct differences in third-down efficiency. Texas attempted 165 third downs, while Wyoming had 175 attempts, giving Wyoming more opportunities. However, Texas outperforms Wyoming in conversion success, boasting a 38.79% success rate compared to Wyoming's 34.86%. The data indicates that Texas is more effective at converting crucial downs. Overall, Texas demonstrates a slightly superior performance in third-down efficiency compared to Wyoming.
4th Down Efficiency:
When comparing the 4th down efficiency between Texas and Wyoming, a notable disparity becomes evident. Texas attempted 22 fourth downs, converting 12 of them, resulting in a success rate of 54.55%. On the other hand, Wyoming attempted only 7 fourth downs, with a conversion rate of 2, yielding a significantly lower success rate of 28.7%. This discrepancy indicates that Texas displays a higher willingness to go for it on fourth down and has a more successful conversion rate in critical situations, with a 25.85% difference in success rates. These statistics suggest that Texas is more aggressive and effective in maintaining possession and sustaining drives when compared to Wyoming in fourth-down scenarios.
Passing and Sacks:
Texas surpasses Wyoming in passing statistics with a notable lead in multiple categories. Texas attempted 101 more passes (405 to 304) and completed 92 more (248 to 156) than Wyoming. Additionally, Texas boasts a significant advantage in net passing yards, totaling 3,138 compared to Wyoming's 1,719. This results in a substantial difference of 1,419 yards. Texas also excels in yards per pass attempt with 8, in contrast to Wyoming's 5.7. The net passing yards per game further emphasizes Texas's dominance, averaging 241 yards compared to Wyoming's 132.2. In terms of passing touchdowns and interceptions, Texas outperforms Wyoming, recording 22 touchdowns to 11 and 7 interceptions to 12. Both teams, however, are evenly matched in sacks, each tallying 19. Texas slightly edges ahead in yards lost due to sacks with 148 compared to Wyoming's 147. These figures highlight Texas's proficiency in passing.
Rushing:
In terms of rushing statistics, there are some notable differences between Texas and Wyoming. Both teams have shown a commitment to the run, with Texas making 470 rushing attempts and Wyoming closely trailing with 479 attempts. However, when it comes to total rushing yards, Texas has gained 2,446 yards, whereas Wyoming accumulated 2,358 yards. This gives Texas a slight edge of 88 yards in total rushing. When considering yards per rush attempt, Texas averages 5 yards while Wyoming is not far behind at 4.9 yards. Additionally, Texas maintains a higher rushing yards per game average at 188, while Wyoming's average is slightly lower at 181.4 yards per game. When it comes to rushing touchdowns, Texas has secured 29, surpassing Wyoming's 16 by a significant margin of 13 touchdowns. Overall, both teams demonstrate a strong emphasis on the rushing game, with Texas holding a slight advantage in several key rushing metrics.
Offense:
When comparing the offensive performance of Texas and Wyoming, it's evident that Texas has a more robust offensive presence. Texas has executed a total of 894 offensive plays, which surpasses Wyoming's 802 by 92 plays. In terms of total yards gained, Texas leads significantly with 5,584 yards, while Wyoming trails behind with 4,077 yards, marking a difference of 1,507 yards. This variance is also reflected in the yards per game statistic, where Texas maintains a notable lead with an average of 430 yards, in contrast to Wyoming's 313.6 yards per game, indicating a difference of 116 yards. These figures underscore the disparity in offensive effectiveness between the two teams, with Texas demonstrating a more potent offensive strategy.
Kicking:
While evaluating kicking, Texas has a slightly higher net average punt yards at 39 compared to Wyoming's 36.7. However, Wyoming has punted significantly more times with 78 kicks, whereas Texas punted 47 times. This led to Wyoming accumulating 3350 punt yards, surpassing Texas by 1441 yards. In field goals, Texas attempted 26 while Wyoming attempted 25, with Wyoming having a slightly higher success rate. Wyoming also had a higher touchback percentage at 44%, compared to Texas's 31%. These stats highlight the nuanced differences in the kicking performance of the two universities.
Penalties:
When comparing penalty statistics, Texas had 23 more penalties and 127 more penalty yards than Wyoming. On average, Texas was penalized for 10 more yards per game compared to Wyoming, suggesting that Wyoming demonstrated slightly better discipline on the field.
Observations:
Wyoming typically has a significantly higher rush yard and attempt stat than the opponents they face based on our statistical comparisons. In this matchup. Texas leads the way with large running stats and very high passing stats making them a very big threat. Stats don’t account for Wyoming’s “Cowboy Tough” play style.
Keys to the Game:
A big part of this game should be transfer running back Harrison Waylee’s hopeful debut after being sidelined while recovering from surgery. Head coach Craig Bohl has said that Waylee should play. Additionally, the entire running back corp should be a big part of the game. Expect to see quarterback Andrew Peasley run the ball and likely pass more including taking risks to help win this game. It will be likely that the Longhorns will stuff the run as much as possible, maybe opening up the lanes for passing the ball. The offensive line led by Frank “The Tank” Crum and offensive guard Jack Walsh will be on point and ready to block for the extensive run game. Don’t sleep on Wyoming’s veteran defense led by linebackers Easton Gibbs, Shae Suiaunoa, offensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole, defensive end DeVonne Harris, and nose tackle Cole Godbout among others.
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