Star-Tribune Editorial Board

If you can't get pumped up about this year's Wyoming Cowboys, War Memorial Stadium probably isn't the center of your universe on Saturday afternoons.

UW's season begins Aug. 30 at home against Ohio. A win would get Coach Joe Glenn's sixth season off to a strong start.

After a promising 4-1 beginning, last season ended on an extremely sour note for Glenn and his squad, which lost six of the last seven games.

Wyoming was even shut out by Utah, 50-0. With a 43-point lead in the third quarter, Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham rubbed in the humiliation by ordering an onside kick. An upset Glenn made an obscene gesture, which was captured for posterity by the cameras. The coach's middle finger was featured on TV sports shows throughout the country.

Glenn's initial response was to plead ignorance and a poor memory, which nobody bought. He did finally apologize with sincerity, but a distracted UW ended the year with losses to its two biggest rivals, BYU and Colorado State.

But those bad memories will fade as the new campaign begins with the first fall practice this afternoon in Laramie. The program has 16 returning starters and 43 returning lettermen. There's a lot of competition at quarterback, but sooner or later a leader will emerge from the pack.

This is a make-or-break year for Glenn, who despite the unfortunate Utah incident remains popular. He has spread a lot of goodwill around the state since coming here from Montana, but even die-hard fans won't wait forever. After compiling a 26-33 record in his first five seasons, he will likely need a winning season to keep some observers from calling for his head.

Even though Glenn's teams have sometimes struggled on the field, Wyoming can be proud that the team - thanks to the coach and his staff - properly focuses on academics. Glenn makes sure his players stay out of trouble off the field, as well.

What can Wyoming fans do to help the Pokes this season? For starters, show up at the stadium. With a schedule that includes seven home games, UW will play before friendly fans in a majority of its contests.

It shouldn't be hard to get people in the seats for Mountain West Conference opponents. But other nonconference home games, including North Dakota State and Bowling Green, will likely be a tougher sell.

If the long drives and/or inclement weather keep you from attending the home games, there's a much better chance that you'll be able to see the MWC's channel - "the mtn." - at home this season.

And, of course, keep on top of everything that's happening with the team by reading the Star-Tribune's in-depth coverage throughout the year.

Here's to a winning season, with the only extended fingers representing that Wyoming is No. 1.

University of Wyoming football fans have a lot to look forward to this season.

What do you think?

We welcome viewpoints from our readers on this and other issues.

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