Wyoming another tough test for TU

Shemarr Robinson wouldn't share any details about the University of Tulsa's plan to stop Wyoming's run game.

Wyoming is averaging 245.3 rushing yards a game heading into its matchup with TU on Saturday. But in a conference known for slinging the ball around, the Hurricane's defense, with a three- man front, is designed to stop just that — the pass. So with fewer bodies up front, Robinson, a defensive tackle, was asked at Tuesday's press conference how TU planned around an offense that excels at the run.

“I don't wanna j ust t al k too much on our defense,” Robinson said. “We have a little bit more freedom to fit. That's all I can probably really say.”

Of Wyoming's 184 plays in three games this season, 138 were rushing attempts, or 75 percent. Although the Cowboys excel at running the ball, they average only 81.7 passing yards a game.

“Any team that you can view as one-dimensional makes it easier to play whatever they're doing,” Robinson said. “But we definitely want to stop the run and make them pass. But that's the case for every week, because with a t hree- man front, we would rather know that i t's about to be a pass than playing a play-action and having to rip off and adjust our whole play style in the middle of a play.

“We k n o w o n f i r s t a n d second down they run the ball. No matter if it's first-and-25, they're gonna run the ball. They're not gonna pass unless we make them pass, so that's the goal.”

Although the Hurricane has a much more balanced attack, most of its success has come through the run game, too, this season, minus a disast r ous performance Week 1 against Michigan State. The two teams are different in how they find that success, though. TU spreads out its offense, while Wyoming will run out of heavier formations.

Wyoming's ability to run the ball will also mean fewer o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r t h e TU offense to be productive. The Cowboys have used that strategy and a strong defense to be 3-0 to this point, including a victory against Missouri in Week 1. Opponents are averaging 20.3 points a game against Wyoming.

Tulsa vs. Wyoming

When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday Where: H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa

TV: CBS Sports Network (Cox 249)