Cowboy Up!

The scrappy Wyoming Cowboys host the Nebraska Cornhuskers in rowdy Laramie, Wyoming at 7:30 eastern time on Saturday.

Nebraska comes into the game ranked 9 th in country and looking to rise as the Big Ten schedule is on its way. The Huskers took down a Washington Husky team that never gave up. The Big Red exploded on offense racking up 464 total yards, but the defense sputtered late allowing 420 yards en route to a 51-38 win in misty Lincoln. The win improved Nebraska to 3-0 on the year with other victories coming against Tennessee at Chattanooga and Fresno State.

The Cowboys of Wyoming are set to host the Huskers after squeaking by the Bowling Green State Falcons 28-27. The Cowboys moved to 3-0 on a last second blocked PAT try by Falcon kicker Kyle Burkhardt. This pits two teams undefeated, one of only 7 games pairing undefeated teams on Saturday. The Pokes also have wins against Weber State and Texas State.

Both offenses come in explosive and balanced. The Cowboys were 10 th nationally going into their game with BGSU and pumped out 437 total yards of offense. Led by true freshmen QB Brett Smith, first true freshmen to start since 1974, the Pokes bring in a potent attack. Smith is completing 62 percent of his passes for 797 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also has ran for another 176 yards and 3 scores. Smith has been pitching to dangerous targets Robert Herron who has 176 receiving yards and Chris McNiel tacking on 139 yards. The rushing attack is by committee with four players over 100 yards of rushing. Ghali Muhammad leads all with 198 yards and two touchdowns followed by Brandon Miller running for 169 yards and a score. Alvester Alexander got his first action of the season at BGSU rushing for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns. With those three backs and the aforementioned Smith the Pokes look confident on offense.

The Huskers have scored 40 or more in all three of their games. Sophmore QB Taylor Martinez has thrown for 490 yards and 3 touchdown strikes on 48 percent passing. Martinez has also rushed for 384 yards and has accounted for 6 touchdowns on the ground. Junior RB Rex Burkehead adds to that with 5 rushing touchdowns and 250 yards. Behind him are three capable true freshmen: Aaron Green, Braylon Heard, and Ameer Abdullah. Receivers to keep an eye out for in this game are junior TE Kyler Reed with his mismatch ability, and speedy freshmen WR Jamal Turner who has found a flow and leads the Huskers in receiving yards.

Through three games these defenses have struggled but have got it done when needed. The Blackshirts of Nebraska come in ranked 66 th in scoring defense after allowing 38 points and 29 points in back to back weeks. Also, the Husker defense has allowed a 100 yard back the last two games and over 400 total yards. Without senior CB Alfonzo Dennard the secondary has looked vulnerable and the pass rush has been weak accounting for no sacks and just 1 hurry in a week two win over Fresno State.

The Cowboys come in ranked 55 th in scoring defense allowing 23 points a game. Elusive defensive end/linebacker Korey Jones could be a game changer having proven himself getting three sacks on consecutive plays against Texas State.

Saddle up folks this one could be an old-fashioned shootout in the plains.

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