Wyoming CB welcomes man coverage challenge
LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Antonio Hull wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's the funnest thing ever because I'm a competitor," Hull said. "I like to be on the island. We play our safeties hard on the run, so I know I'm out there and I accept the challenge."
The Wyoming sophomore cornerback is referring to the man-to-man coverage the Cowboys play in the secondary. A big reason for that has been Wyoming's concerted effort to stop the opposition from running the ball.
Wyoming's rushing defense is third in the Mountain West at 139.4 yards per game. That has played a key role in the Cowboys' 5-2 record and 3-0 mark in the conference heading into its home game Saturday against No. 13-ranked Boise State (7-0, 3-0).
Last season, where Wyoming finished 2-10, it allowed 225.2 rushing yards per game.
However, Wyoming's defense ranks last in the MW in passing defense (299.4 ypg). That has some fans wondering what's wrong with the secondary, and, in particular, Hull and junior cornerback Rico Gafford.
Both have started every game at the cornerback spots, and they have seen the majority of the snaps in games this season.
Cowboy cornerbacks coach John Richardson said both players play a lot of man-to-man coverage. Hull plays on the boundary side, where - more often than not - opposing offenses put their best wide receivers because the field is shorter and often gets more man-to-man coverage. Gafford plays the field side, where there is more room to roam, which utilizes his speed and quickness.
Hull is tied for second in the MW with three interceptions, and is tied for sixth with seven pass breakups.
Eleven of Wyoming's 15 turnovers forced this season have been interceptions. The Cowboys also have 15 quarterback sacks.
Richardson said Hull has allowed only two touchdowns through Wyoming's first seven games.
"Man coverage is not an easy task, and we're putting a lot on (Hull's) plate," Richardson told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle (http://bit.ly/2f7HJSm). "Things we always talk about within the (cornerbacks) group is that nobody remembers your successes, they only remember your failures. We keep battling through that.
"You're not in it for the glory, because man coverage isn't always glorious."
Richardson used Wyoming's 35-26 home win over Air Force on Oct. 8 as an example of Hull's perseverance, and also what Hull described as his "short-term memory."
Air Force scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass in which Hull was defending on the play and got beat. Hull bounced back after that with two interceptions, including one with less than two minutes to play that secured the victory.
"I've improved a lot, and I think I am where I thought I would be at this point of the season," Hull said. "I know I need to continue to improve mentally and make sure I get our schemes down, along with my man coverage and locking down receivers."
Wyoming's entire defense faces arguably its biggest test so far this season against Boise State, which leads the MW with 320.6 passing yards per game and 18 touchdown passes. The Broncos also are second in total offense (481.6 ypg).
Sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien leads the league in passing (294.9 ypg) and touchdown passes (15). Senior Thomas Sperbeck and junior Cedrick Wilson have combined for 74 catches for 1,310 yards and 13 touchdowns.
"We're going to have to bring our 'A' game, but we're going to prepare, and I'm confident we're going to execute," Hull said.
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Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com