Washington State 2024 Opponent Scouting Report: Wyoming

Jared Miller | Aug 25, 2024

Sep 16, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Harrison Waylee (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

The regular season finale will bring the Cowboys to Pullman.

Who/When/Where: On November 30 the regular season will come to a close with defending Arizona Bowl champion Wyoming stopping by Martin Stadium to battle the Cougars for the first time since 2018. The Cowboys, picked to finish near the middle of the Mountain West this year, are somewhat of a question mark heading into this season. With a new head coach and a new QB but returners in other key positions, it's anyone's guess on just how formidable this team will be by season's end.

Offensive Players to Watch: Harrison Waylee (RB), Evan Svoboda (QB), John Michael Gyllenborg (TE)

Defensive Players to Watch: Shae Suiaunoa (LB), Jordan Bertagnole (DT), Wrook Brown (N)

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With last year's starting signal caller Andrew Peasley out the door in Laramie, it will be his former backup, Evan Svoboda (#17), that's expected to take over under center for the Cowboys in 2024. Svoboda showed in ten games last fall, completing 23 passes for 200 yards. Now, though, many are anticipating that he'll cut it loose as a starter and could be in for a big year. Svoboda's arm is strong and he can hit his receivers in stride on throws that seem effortless at times.

Where he can really shine, though, is in how quickly he releases the ball or take off and run. Svoboda will not typically stay in the pocket for any extended time, making it difficult to bring him down if the protection is there. Washington State defenders will need to be ready for him to make split-second decisions and react accordingly.

On the ground it'll be standout running back Harrison Waylee (#4) once again. As a junior last season, Waylee was the workhorse, rushing for 947 yards and five touchdowns in ten games. He's a speedster when he gets in space and if he gets the right angle on defenders it's usually over. Waylee does an excellent job of anticipating where tacklers are coming from and is often one step ahead of defenders who are closing in his direction. His ability to cut through lanes is among the best of any ball carrier the Cougars defense will see this season.

While Wyoming does have plenty of talent at receiver, the main pass-catching target to keep an eye on will be junior tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (#84). He's a towering presence, standing at 6-5, that the offense utilized a lot last year. Gyllenborg hauled in 23 catches for 360 yards and three scores. It'll take guys like WSU's Kyle Thornton to stymie the big-bodied TE and slowing him down will be crucial. With the team's two leading receivers in front of him from last season gone, Gyllenborg could be in for a career year.

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When Washington State has the ball, linebacker Shae Suiaunoa (#43) will need to be a primary focal point. Suiaunoa was a force to be reckoned with on the Cowboys defense last year, authoring 93 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, picking off a pass and knocking away two more. He's as athletic as they come and hits as hard as anyone on that side of the ball for the Pokes. 2023's star backer Easton Gibbs was the only one who had more stops than Suiaunoa and he's gone now meaning that the defense is Suiaunoa's show to run.

If the Cougars are able to effectively get by Suiaunoa, their next problem will be nickel Wrook Brown (#2). The junior led the team with three interceptions last year and has proven himself a real threat on the back end. Brown is fast and his closing speed is excellent when in pursuit. He is no stranger to bringing the ball carrier down at or behind the line of scrimmage from his secondary spot. Brown will try and rip the ball away in the process of making the tackle as well, meaning that ball security will be paramount with him around.

Grad senior Jordan Bertagnole (#96) will be the main concern in the trenches. The 295-lb DT is Wyoming's anchor on a stout defensive line and is coming off a season that saw him make 60 stops, a pair of sacks and force a fumble. Bertagnole is not afraid to throw up his arms on passing plays with the intent of knocking it down; something he did a handful of times in 2023. He has great push at the line and can quickly become a pinch point in the pocket if he's not properly blocked.

Final Analysis: Last year Washington State's run defense surrendered an average of 150.9 yards per contest. If they cannot stop Waylee then their chances of ending the season with a win go down drastically. Waylee is, as of right now, Wyoming's best player on offense and shutting down that run game will be no easy feat. The unit will also need a healthy respect for Svoboda's passing abilities too, though. Mitigating the damage from Suiaunoa and Bertagnole on the other side will be equally important. Keeping the pocket clean will go a long ways in helping the offense keep pace with the Cowboys. WSU is in for a heck of a challenge in their final regular season game.