ShutterSpeed

In my 20-plus years of living in Wyoming, I cannot remember a more heralded coach to assume the reigns of the ‘Pokes than one Dave Christensen.

The boy wizard of offense from Missouri (aka Missoura in some regions) brought a bag of tricks unlike those of the up-the-middle-one-yard-at-a-time approach by his predecessor… old what’s his name? Not coming to me right now.

Anyway, Wyoming opened said bag of trickery against Division I-AA opponent Weber State on Saturday, though it was less than magical. The Cowboys won, mind you, but it was hard-fought for three quarters and even at the very end when the game looked to be out of reach.

After the game, coach Christensen told his players to sing “Ragtime Cowboy Joe” and to do it loud because, “wins aren’t easy.”

They certainly aren’t and Wyoming knows it.

They will face two Big 12 opponents, three in-conference top-25 teams and a couple solid mid-level programs including Colorado State. From what I saw Saturday, and for the past couple years out of these players, I don’t expect the Cowboys to upend anyone they shouldn’t beat (e.g. Texas, Utah, TCU or BYU), but they may have a shot to beat some others like Florida Atlantic or Big 12 small fry Colorado.

Overall, I predict a 4-7 season. This based solely on the Harry Potter factor(s), which are the tricks and magic contained within Christensen’s play calling.

So despite the fact that the first six letters of his name spell the name of another leader of men, and the fact that he will face great adversity, let’s hope that Christensen is not crucified for not remaining unbeaten in’09.

Thanks for looking.