Wyoming's Staff, Players Have 'Full Faith' in Landon Sims

LARAMIE -- Max White's expression said it all.

After bolting out to the right flat the senior running back glanced behind him into the offensive backfield. It appeared he was potentially awaiting a quick pass. Instead, he helplessly watched as his quarterback took an unexpected shot to the midsection, courtesy of an untouched cornerback blitz.

Get our free mobile app

White's hands immediately grasped both sides of his helmet.

"The back missed the pick up on it," Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel said postgame, just moments after his Cowboys moved to 2-0 on the season after polishing off visiting Northern Iowa, 31-7.. "We're supposed to pick up the guy, we didn't pick him up and he blows up the quarterback."

Kaden Anderson writhed in pain on the turf inside War Memorial Stadium as Jack Kriebs pounced on the loose ball at the Cowboys' 15-yard line. Jonathan Cabral-Martin delivered that devastating blow.

Anderson eventually rose to his feet and entered the medical tent before heading to Ivinson Memorial Hospital to undergo further testing.

Sawvel called it an "upper-body injury." Specifics, he added, were not readily available.

Landon Sims entered the game on the ensuing drive and led the Cowboys on three second-half drives. The sophomore signal caller, who spent last season at East Central Community College (Miss.), completed all three of his throws for 23 yards. He also rushed for 16 more yards, including a nifty first-down scamper on a 3rd-and-12.

Sims was signed this offseason, Sawvel said, so he had an emergency back-up with experience on this roster.

That time could be now.

"I think everybody in the program -- and I said this in, really, August -- I think, has a real confidence in Landon Sims," Sawvel said. "... But, you know, hopefully Kaden is all right and back. That'll be something that will kind of get to everybody on Monday."

NORTHERN IOWA GAME COVERAGE VIA 7220SPORTS:

* Tuck's Take: True Test Awaits Stingy, Revamped Wyoming Defense

* Rants and Raves: Northern Iowa Edition

* Cowboys Roll Northern Iowa in All Three Phases, 31-7

* Turning Point, Unsung Hero and What's Next For UW Football

* Wyoming QB Leaves Opener With 'Upper-Body Injury'

* LIVE FILE: Wyoming Cowboys vs. Northern Iowa Panthers

* Gear Up For Game Day: Northern Iowa

Just three weeks ago Sims said though he appreciates the staff's confidence in him, this is Anderson's team.

"I hope nothing happens to Kaden," he added back on Aug. 20. "I hope he has the best year possible. I hope he does great things this year.

"I'm here. I'm supporting Kaden."

Sims threw for 1,760 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall, completing nearly 60% of his attempts. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Alabama product, who suffered a pair of left ACL tears during his first two junior college seasons, also rushed for 269 yards and crossed the white stripe three times.

"Full faith in him and everything that he's going to be asked to do," senior tight end John Michael Gyllenborg said Saturday, adding Sims is one of his roommates, along with offensive lineman Caden Barnett and edge rusher Tyce Westland.

Chris Durr Jr. called Anderson once of his best friends and said he almost shed a tear after witnessing that violent hit. Though this could be a tough pill to swallow if the starter misses an extended period of time, the sophomore wideout also said he has trust in Sims.

"I believe in Landon, a lot," Durr said. "So, hopefully we can get some reps with him this week and we have a great week of practice."

Sawvel has raved about Sims' work ethic, saying he often sees the quarterback in the meeting rooms late at night, watching film. His athleticism, he added, is deceptive. He has all the tools.

"The offense doesn't have to change with Landon," Sawvel said. "You know, Landon probably adds an element where, he's fast."

No. 25 Utah pays a visit to the high plains next Saturday for a rivalry revamp. If Sims is indeed under center, Sawvel said 6-foot-4 sophomore Gage Brook will serve as the back-up. Behind him, the state's top recruit, Gillette's Mason Drube.

"We'll have a complete conversation as to, you know, does that involve Mason a little bit more?" Sawvel added, referring to the talented true freshman. "You know, look, Kaden may be practicing on Monday, for all I know."

MORE UW FOOTBALL COVERAGE VIA 7220SPORTS:

* Wyoming Legends Recall '93 Barnburner Against Northern Iowa

* Josh Allen Announces His No. 17 Wyoming Jersey Will Be Retired

* Wyoming Cowboys in the NFL: Week 1

* 3 Keys to a Wyoming Cowboys Victory vs. Northern Iowa

* Tyce Westland -- Quietly -- Continues to Carve Out His Path

* Know Wyoming's Foe: Northern Iowa Panthers

* Northern Iowa Notebook: Pesky FCS Opponent on Deck

* Wyoming's Revamped Offensive Line Keeps QB Clean in Opener

* 'Small-School' Linebacker Steals Spotlight in Shutout