Laramie, WY – Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel addressed the media on Monday, emphasizing that his young offense is on a path of steady improvement. He highlighted the progress of tight end Jake Wilson and fellow tight end Kyle Frendt, noting that both are gaining confidence in their roles.
Developing the offensive line
Sawvel also named several offensive‑line prospects—Josiah Petaia, Kalvin Janssen, Giovanni Panozzo and Braylon Jenkins—who he believes will help the quarterback grow alongside graduate transfer Tyler Hughes. “The quarterback is going to grow with that group, and the whole offense will,” Sawvel said, adding that the team will get better as the season unfolds.
Current record and offensive production
Through two full seasons and three games, Sawvel’s record stands at 8‑19 overall, with just four Mountain West victories in 15 attempts. The Cowboys are currently 1‑2, and the offense is averaging 14.7 points per game, a statistic that places Wyoming near the bottom of the FBS rankings. Despite the numbers, Sawvel remains untroubled. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” he remarked, referring to the potential he sees in his players.
Addressing fan concerns
Fans have expressed frustration over missed tackles and offensive miscues, especially after a 24‑10 loss at Central Michigan. Defensive linebacker Gary Rutherford acknowledged the criticism, noting that outsiders often lack insight into the team’s internal dynamics. “Fans are just going to be fans. They see the outside stuff, which is understandable,” Rutherford said.
Rutherford also praised Sawvel’s passion, calling him a “good dude” who cares deeply about the program. He believes the coaching staff has a clear plan and that the team must unite to execute it.
Locker‑room policies and focus
In an effort to limit distractions, Sawvel announced on his weekly radio show that the locker room will no longer allow cell phones. Running back Markell Holman described the change as an “opportunity to lock in” and block unwanted voices.
Upcoming matchup
Wyoming travels to Hawaii for the 30th meeting between the Cowboys and the Rainbow Warriors. Wyoming holds a 17‑12 series lead. Despite recent injuries to cornerbacks Tyson Shamsid‑Deen and Kendall Griffin, Sawvel expressed optimism about the team’s attitude and preparation. “We’re going to be better this week than what we were last week,” he said, emphasizing a play‑by‑play focus rather than worrying about the opponent.
Looking ahead
With nine games remaining—eight of them conference contests—Sawvel and his staff are focused on building consistency and confidence. The goal of competing for a Mountain West title remains alive, according to players and coaches alike. As Sawvel put it, “We have to play one play at a time and not worry about anything else to it. But we’re going to be a lot better.”
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
