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Pokes Authority live chat with Wyoming beat writer Ryan Holmgren (Oct. 28, 2015)
UW beat writer Ryan Holmgren chats about the Cowboys' upcoming game at Utah State as well as the Pokes men's basketball team.
3rd & 7 37yd
3rd & 7 37yd
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I want to start out with a thank you for the Miller pick last week. Paid off nicely
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Ha, no problem! Injuries are killing Somewhere Over Dwayne Bowe. Currently on a two-game skid :(
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Shameless plug: If you haven't already, please do me a favor and "like" my new Facebook page: www.facebook.com
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I can't as I join these chats from work but will try to remember to get on it this evening.
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Thoughts on the MSU-UND game coming up? (realize this is a Wyoming room everyone)just happen to live in Bozeman now)
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I've got to give the edge to MSU. UND just seems to be reeling lately.
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Have you had a chance to see smith in practice this week?
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Yep, just briefly yesterday. Yesterday's practice was the only one open to media this week, and of course about 15 of the 20 minutes I saw were stretching and warmups.
During practice this year, Smith's arm has definitely been a bit more erratic than Coffman (or Allen when he was healthy). I'm curious to see how a week at QB1 of preparation benefits him, though. -
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Neither Knestis nor Wick have been cleared to return yet, and I'd be surprised if they play again. After this week, there's only three games left. And having sat out the past month-plus, I'd think they've got to be a bit out of game shape since they haven't been able to practice.
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Here's the story I wrote yesterday on the possibility of Wick getting a medical redshirt: trib.com
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I hope they work some things in the game plan to help smith get a fast start. Maybe a QB power or two..
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Yes, however the only thing about running Smith is that if he gets injured, there's only Aaron Young left on the roster at quarterback. WR Tom Thornton has been banged up recently and didn't travel to Boise State, but he does know the system having playing QB last year.
Beyond that, your next-best option might be junior tight end Jacob Hollister, who was a preferred walk-on QB at Nevada out of high school. Another tight end, Josh Harshman, led Natrona County to a state title last year as a QB/LB. Hope it doesn't come to that, obviousl. -
Sweet I must have missed that. Knestis it would seem has a better chance at a med red didn't only play in the opener?
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Both Knestis and Wick should qualify for a medical redshirt. The rule is the injury has to occur in the first half of the season, and you can play in a maximum of four games. Wick played in four games, while Knestis played in two.
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Are you still hearing good things from the coaches on the recruiting trail. I saw the walk on LS commit this morning an always important spot to have in good hands!
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Haven't heard much recently, but I know they'll have a handful of guys on campus next week for the Border War. Chandler Garrett, UW's first verbal commit, will be in Laramie that weekend on an unofficial visit.
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Yes I agree about being carful with Smith but you also have to go to his strength, which is running the ball. Kinda a catch 22 with the way the QB spot has gone for the pokes this year.
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Definitely a catch 22. Bohl said Monday that he doesn't play to adjust play-calling based on a lack of depth at quarterback. So I'd expect to see Smith run a decent amount, as he did against EMU and Boise State. That said, offensive coordinator Brent Vigen said if it got down to Aaron Young, they might have to be a little more cautious.
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The Border war is always fun I know the guys coming in will have fun!
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I'm looking forward to it. Depending on who is healthy by Nov. 7, Wyoming could have a chance in that game. Obviously need Coffman and Gentry back, though. Gentry still might be a long shot, though.
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Do you have a sense if Cam will be able to come back this year and do you know how far we are from seeing Tanner back out there?
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Cam will be back this year. It's his final go-round. I think he'll return for the CSU game, barring a setback. Gentry is still probably a few weeks away. The worry with him is that if he comes back to early, since there was a tear in his shoulder (Bohl didn't say that and I haven't seen anyone else report that, but that's the injury), another hit could leave permanent damage.
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With the year Tanner's had, it might be better to wait until next season to return at full strength and make a push to potentially get either drafted, signed to a free agent contract or at least get a few tryouts. Tough situation, especially since UW is now officially out of bowl contention.
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I have been impressed with the D the last couple games. Have you gotten that vibe from talking to the guys that they can see the progress and that things are starting to click?
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Yes, absolutely. Last week they gave up 34, but very few big plays. Boise State had to put together 14- and 15-play scoring drives. Credit to the Broncos for finishing those drives off with seven points, but also credit UW for forcing Boise State to play mistake-free for that long.
And then obviously Nevada was a nice outing and the first three quarters at Air Force were solid. So yeah, three nice games in a row defensively. -
I think with some returning starters and increased depth the D could be much much better next season.
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No doubt about that. Here's who has started on defense for UW:
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Freshmen: Epps, Pownell, Makransky, Wingard, Hull, Jennings and Malauulu.
Sophomores: Priester, Kamana -
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Every key player except for Yarbrough (big loss) and Hala'api'api returns.
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Do you know when UW might here about Josh Medical Redshirt? Have you heard how Chase is doing?
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Not until after the season with Josh, but I heard from a source that he's recovering really well — to the point that he could return, but obviously shouldn't in order to keep his medical hardship waiver intact.
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Chase is still a couple of weeks out. If you see him play again this year, it'll be against UNLV, but not before then.
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Late to the chat, sorry! Really enjoyed your piece on Lieberman. I expect him to surprise a lot of people. He had moments of greatness last year, but I think his newfound confidence will be a springboard for him this season
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Thanks, Evan. He's certainly in the running for a starting role, but even if Trey Washington III ends up starting, Lieberman will have some solid minutes this year.
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Thanks for the time Ryan better get back to it!
GO POKES!!!!!! -
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Reminder: I'll have my video live chat via Periscope again this week.
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Preview guide comes out Nov. 8!! A lot of hard work went into that, and I think the final product will illustrate that. You'll definitely want to pick up a copy.
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OK, got about 10 minutes left here. Any last questions?
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Just got here a few minutes ago so it may have been asked... but what does WYO need to do to have the best chance to win in your opinion?
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Honestly, probably get healthy. I just don't envision that happening this week without Coffman or Gentry. If those guys were playing, UW would maybe have a chance. But right now it's a 28-point underdog.
To be competitive, it needs to protect the football and record a few takeaways on defense. That hasn't happened this year, though. -
The scenes on the field may be ugly, but enjoy Logan! Make sure you get a scone at Angie's and maybe a shake at the Bluebird. If you're low on cash, free samples at Gossner's are always nice, ha.
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Awesome! That's great to hear. Always appreciate food recommendations.
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See you next week. I'll try to be on closer to noon next time
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All right, folks. I'm going to wrap this up. Busy day ahead as I've got to finish all my normal work in one less day this week.
Thanks for joining this week, and as always, keep reading the Casper Star-Tribune!