Oregon Ducks

Wyoming needs improved running vs Oregon to help QB Allen

Published Sep. 15, 2017 12:26 a.m. ET

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AP

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) Wyoming can boast a talented quarterback in Josh Allen, but coach Craig Bohl knows an arm without legs won't win many games.

While Allen is considered among the top NFL quarterback prospects in college football, Wyoming is among the worst teams running the football.

''No matter how talented Josh's arm is, for us to become one dimensional is going to be a problem for us,'' Bohl said.

With Pac-12 powerhouse Oregon (2-0) coming to Laramie on Saturday, Wyoming is particularly concerned about improving the running game.

Wyoming (1-1) gained just 65 rushing yards in a 27-0 win last Saturday against Gardner-Webb while Allen passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns. When adding in the 59 net rushing yards against Iowa in the first game, Wyoming is averaging 62 yards per game, which ranks 123rd among major colleges.

The Cowboys, who are starting two true freshmen offensive linemen and a new group of running backs this season, are averaging just 2.1 yards per carry.

Bohl uses words like ''unacceptable'' and ''abysmal'' to describe the run game.

During his weekly news conference on Monday, Bohl noted that Oregon's offense is balanced with a strong running game and prolific passing attack.

Oregon ranks in No. 13 in the nation in passing offense with 360 yards per game and No. 16 in rushing offense with 274.5 yards per game.

While Allen's passing causes stress to opposing defenses, Bohl said a strong rushing attack is important for situations like running out the clock with the lead.

''There comes a time when we have to be balanced,'' he said.

To bolster the offensive ground game, the Cowboys have switched linebacker Trey Woods to running back. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Woods is expected to bring a more physical style of play to the position.

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More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25 .

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