Longhorns Are 'Different Animals' This Year, Says Wyoming Coach Craig Bohl

The Texas Longhorns must avoid the classic self-inflicting "rat poison" against the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns are receiving tons of national praise after taking down the then-No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide, 34-24, in Tuscaloosa this past weekend.

Some would argue that the No. 4-ranked Longhorns have yet to prove themselves as College Football Playoff contenders. With just two games under their belt, this is obviously understandable as they head into Saturday's home matchup with the Wyoming Cowboys.

But for one of the most respected coaches in the country, it isn't a question on whether or not the Longhorns are legit. Wyoming coach Craig Bohl is heaping praise on Texas as his team looks to pull off the road upset.

“Really impressive team,” Bohl said Monday. “I think they deserve to be in the conversation of the national championship. We’ll get their best shot I’m sure, and we’re going to give them our best shot. Excited about the game."

© Aaron E. Martinez, USA TODAY

While some coaches might prop up their opponent in order to instill some of that classic self-inflicting "rat poison," Bohl seems genuine with his comments toward Texas.

Regardless, the Longhorns will need to block out all outside noise - both the good and bad - in order to enter Saturday night with a clear head. The Cowboys have already proven they can pull off a Big 12 upset, so any lack of focus could be Texas' downfall.

Wyoming began its season with an impressive 35-33 double-overtime win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a team that beat Texas last season. After being able to assess both teams, Bohl called the Longhorns "different animals."

“It’ll be interesting to see how the Big 12 shakes out. This team we’re playing, they’re different animals," Bohl said. " ... And how they would match up against Texas Tech, I don’t know. Texas Tech played pretty well against Oregon. So that’s why we play the game, and we’re excited about it.”

The Longhorns will look to live up to Bohl's championship-level praises on Saturday when the two teams kickoff from DKR at 7 p.m. CT.