LARAMIE - Brandon Stewart refused to yield, even to hard-hitting linebacker Ward Dobbs.

The Wyoming receiver is still paying the price.

Penciled in as a starter in the slot for the Cowboys during fall camp, Stewart's preseason collision and broken bone in his left shoulder have been a significant blow to the passing game - but he's at least getting closer to a return.

The freshman didn't have pads on yet, but he was back on the field running routes and sprints on Tuesday, showing progress from his head-on encounter with Dobbs.

"(Trainer) Robb (Williams) likens his injury to a car wreck, getting T-boned," UW coach Joe Glenn said. "I mean, it broke his shoulder, so it's going to be another couple weeks, I'm sure.

"But just to see him out here running, he's a player. You'll see, he's a real good player."

Stewart clearly wasn't planning on having to wait so long to show that off.

His emergence during the preseason was a welcome surprise for the Cowboys, and Stewart's game-breaking speed surely would have helped an offense that's struggled downfield in the passing game.

He was also expected to have an impact on special teams as a return man, though those plans are on indefinite hold until the shoulder completely heals.

"We're thinking next week," Stewart said. "The X-rays still showed a slight crack, we're doing some lifting this week, rehabilitating and then seeing the doctor Thursday, so hopefully I can come back next week.

"That's what we're pushing for at least."

It's certainly an optimistic perspective, particularly since he's still two weeks short of the six-to-eight Williams indicated the recovery would need.

But Stewart looked good in shorts and a jersey with no helmet, flashing his speed, hauling in a couple balls and going through conditioning at the end of practice.

His stamina isn't quite at the level Stewart needs it to be, but his sling is gone and some of the frustration is fading as he gets closer to getting back on the field.

"It's been pretty frustrating to be honest," Stewart said. "I did work pretty hard, I was here during the summer and there's plenty of other things people could do during the summer besides football. Got my (starting) spot, my parents were excited to see me play, I was excited to play Division I football, but took the hit.

"At first, the first game I was happy we won, but after the game I was just upset with myself because I didn't get to participate in the win. But now, I cope with it a little better knowing I'm coming back eventually, handling it a whole lot better than when it first happened."

The Cowboys are making do in the meantime by focusing more on a power running game, a philosophy that won't instantly change the second Stewart gets back in the lineup.

But he will undoubtedly provide another option for quarterback Dax Crum, which can't be a bad thing.

"My mentality is, I could help in the passing game," Stewart said. "I may not be the biggest guy, but I've got a lot of speed. I feel like I could help, whether it seems like it might be a weak point, I think our passing game is good. We've just got to get on the same page.

"I feel like I could have done things to help the team win, maybe break one or two plays, I feel like I can make a play in open space. When I come back, it might open things up a little more."

That day could be getting closer.

BCS BUSTIN': The Mountain West Conference didn't have to pat itself on the back.

The national media is lining up to do it, and league coaches seem to be enjoying every second of it.

The conference has long touted its parity and ability to compete with the official Bowl Championship Series schools, and last weekend's eye-opening results have won over the skeptics.

During Tuesday's media teleconference, the coaches were asked repeatedly if the league deserves an automatic bid into the BCS - and it's hard to argue right now.

"Going 4-0 against the Pac-10, that's a phenomenal Saturday for the conference," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "We talk about respect and notoriety and so forth, I've said it many times, the only way to get that and earn that is to do what we did on Saturday and go out and beat teams that are in the BCS leagues.

"You can't talk yourself into respectability, you have to play your way into it. I think that's what we did."

The big wins actually forced the Utes somewhat into the shadows last weekend.

UNLV posted one of the biggest wins in its history with a road upset of nationally ranked Arizona State.

BYU throttled UCLA, TCU knocked out Stanford, and New Mexico topped Arizona.

Eventually all those winners will have to play each other, which makes the road to a massive bowl payday more than a little daunting under the current setup.

"I think we as a conference showed that we are a force to be reckoned with," Rebels coach Mike Sanford said. "I think without a question we have one of the top conferences in the country, and I think people need to recognize that."

Apparently they have.

BUMPS AND BRUISES: Monday's MRI on linebacker Brian Hendricks' injured knee was inconclusive, and the freshman will have to undergo another when the swelling goes down.

He's likely out for this weekend's trip to BYU.

FUELING THE FIRE: The playlist probably won't be the same at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, but the music served a purpose anyway.

The Cowboys cranked up their new speakers on Tuesday with some Metallica and hard-hitting rap, working out in a noisy War Memorial Stadium to prepare for their first road game of the season.

Contact sports reporter Austin Ward at (307) 266-0634 or austin.ward@trib.com.

MWC Tracker

ONE TO WATCH: Wyoming at No. 14 BYU, Saturday, 1 p.m.

The Cowboys are massive underdogs - more than four touchdowns already according to the books - but their stingy defense could keep things close and at least leave the possibility open for some magic.

ANOTHER TO WATCH: No. 20 Utah at Air Force, Saturday, 2 p.m.

After last week, no league game deserves the "One to Miss" label. The second pick is what could be the first of several BCS elimination games between MWC unbeatens.

LAST WEEK'S STAR: BYU's Max Hall already got enough attention.

Sure, Jake Scott didn't throw seven touchdown passes in less than three quarters of work - but he might have saved UW's season with his game-winning field goal against North Dakota State.

THIS WEEK'S STAR: Here's the test for Air Force.

If the Falcons are truly back in the league race again this year, their defense will have to shut down the high-powered Utes and quarterback Brian Johnson.

Doesn't seem likely - but that was the theme at the Academy all last season.