Know Wyoming’s Foe: CMU Chippewas

LARAMIE -- And you thought Wyoming's offense was struggling?

Central Michigan isn't exactly lighting up the scoreboard through two weeks of play, averaging just 10 points per game. Only Washington State is worse at 8.5. The passing attack -- if you dare to call it that -- is netting only 53 yards an outing. Rice is below them at 49.5.

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When it comes to total offense, that number hovers around 213 yards per game. Again, only the Cougars average fewer at 204.

So, what's the deal?

It all starts under center, according to Jay Sawvel. And he would know.

"There are moving parts from last year to this year," Wyoming's third-year head coach said during his Monday press conference. "Last year they had a little bit more stability at quarterback. Right now, they're kind of playing two."

When you have two, you don't have one.

That has certainly been the case for a Chippewa team that just a season ago won seven games and played Northwestern in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

Angel Flores has been ineffective so far through the air, completing just 10-of-19 throws for 71 yards and two interceptions. The senior from Arizona does have some wheels, though. He broke a 50-yard touchdown run in the third quarter last Saturday, helping stave off an upset bid from visiting Colgate.

Flores has amassed 149 yards on the ground on 32 rushing attempts.

Jadyn Glasser has also struggled mightily, connecting on only 5-of-14 passes for 24 yards and a pick. He has minus-2 yards on the ground on 11 carries.

"When you have changes that occur through the course of a season or offseason, you've got to kind of find out who you are early in the year," Sawvel added. "I think maybe they found a little bit more of that in the second half of the game the other day."

CMU had only 71 yards of total offense through the first two quarters of its home opener. That dismal performance also included a missed field goal and a pair of interceptions. The Chippewas trailed 10-0 at the half.

What does this Cowboy defense expect in Mount Pleasant?

"They're going to try to run it right down your throat," said linebacker Steven Perez, referring to a rushing offense that averages nearly 160 yards per game. "They run a lot of QB-Power. They are just going to try and beat you man-on-man. They're physical. They're gonna try to outpower you. They're pulling every play and they are trying to get as many blockers in as they can.

"It comes down to who's more physical and who wants it more. There should be no reason that's not us."

Sawvel and Co. are keeping their eyes on a pair of active linebackers in Xavier White and Mayson Hitchens. Those two have combined for 33 tackles in two games. Linemen Korver Demma and Hunter Zirkle each have a solo sack under their belt.

"They've always been a problem. It's a tough program," said Wyoming offensive line coach Joe Tripodi, who is not only from Michigan but faced the Chippewas numerous times during his nine seasons on the staff at Northern Illinois. "They're going to be physical. Those linebackers are going to get downhill. So, they're going to pose some challenges that way. It should be a physical-type football game."

Justin Taylor is also roaming their secondary.

If the name sounds familiar, it should. The Chicago native was a safety at Wyoming last fall, registering 19 tackles and picking off a pass at San Diego State. Taylor, who began his career at Wisconsin, already has seven tackles and two pass breakups through two games.

Sawvel said don't be fooled by CMU's lopsided 38-7 loss at New Mexico in the season opener. The visitors turned the ball over twice and the Lobos started two drives in Chippewa territory, leading to 10 points.

"I think their whole defense is pretty solid," he added. "... The linebackers, in particular, are very active. I think they've got a couple edge players that are disruptive, as well. In the secondary, they're going to challenge you. They're not sitting back in soft zones and stuff like that."

The Cowboys and Chippewas will meet Saturday for just the fourth time in history. Wyoming holds a slight 2-1 advantage in the series after claiming a 37-14 victory in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Mountain Time and the game will be televised on ESPN-Plus.

Meet the Chippewas:

* Head coach: Matt Drinkall (2nd year) 8-7 overall, 5-3 in MAC play

* Offensive coordinator: Jim Chapin (2nd year) and Derek Fulton (2nd year); Defensive coordinator: Sean Cronin (2nd year)

* Record in 2025: 7-6 overall, 5-3 in MAC

* Offense in 2026: Average 10 ppg, 212.5 ypg (159.5 rush, 53 pass)

* Defense in 2026: Allow 24 ppg, 291.5 ypg (150 rush, 141.5 pass)

* Key Returners/ Newcomers - Offense: Angel Flores (QB - 10-19, 71 yds, 2 INT; 32 rush, 149 yds, TD), Jadyn Glasser (QB - 5-14, 24 yds, INT; 11 rush, -2 yds), Vaughn Blue (RB - 9 rush, 52 yds, TD; 4 catch, 28 yds), Justin Ruffin Jr. (WR - 4 catch, 27 yds), Nasir Williams (WR - 1 catch, 11 yds), Jaden Allen (WR - 1 catch, 10 yds)

* Key Returners - Defense: Xavier White (LB - 18 tackles), Mayson Hitchens (LB - 15 tackles, INT), Darrell Bryant Jr. (DB - 13 tackles, INT, FF), Jaion Jackson (DB - 7 tackles, 0.5 sack, 2 PBU), JJ Douglas (DL - 7 tackles), Justin Taylor (DB - 7 tackles, 2 PBU), Jaxon Cherry (DL - 7 tackles, 0.5 sacks, FF), Korver Demma (DL - 7 tackles, sack, FR), Hunter Zirkle (DL - 5 tackles, sack, FF, FR)

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