The ‘Grand Canyon State’ of Arizona is where Craig Bohl rode off into the sunset of retirement following a victory against Toledo in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl in Tucson last December. Coincidentally, the Cowboys will start their 2024 campaign this Saturday in the same state, albeit in Tempe against Arizona State University this time. For first-year head coach Jay Sawvel, he hopes to pick up where the team left off last December.
"Yeah, game week. We're all excited for that," Sawvel said, about the anticipation of the start of a new season. "I think probably like every coach would say right now, it's time to play a game, and it's time to... get a feel for where you're at as a program, especially going on the road, playing a quality opponent."
Although Arizona State had their struggles last year with a 3-6 overall record, Sawvel acknowledged that the team they face on Saturday night will be different. "They've got some really good players back from last year," he noted. "I think they got two outstanding coordinators. Brian Ward does a very good job with their defense—they're multiple in what they do, a lot of pressure at times."
Sawvel highlighted a few key players to watch on the Arizona State roster, including defensive back Shamari Simmons. "I think #7 Shamari Simmons is an extremely good player—very physical, very fast, and very impactful in a number of different ways," he said. He also mentioned Keyshaun Elliott, a linebacker transfer from New Mexico State, and Sam Leavitt, who was named the Sun Devil’s starting quarterback last week.
On the offensive side, Sawvel highlighted running back Cam Scattebo, calling him "one of my favorite people I've watched on video in recent times because he's so versatile." He added, "He runs it, he can throw it. He's a very physical football player... if he wanted to come here, you sign me up for that too," Sawvel quipped. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, a receiver transfer from Colorado, also caught Sawvel's attention. "We're expecting a lot out of them," he said. Additionally, Sawvel noted that Arizona State has starters back on the offensive line.
A reporter asked about Sawvel’s nerves coming into the game as a first-time head coach. We also submitted this question to the University of Wyoming Media Relations department on Sunday before the press conference.
"I don't know," he said when asked about his nerves. "I guess it'll fluctuate. Last week was really difficult to get a lot of sleep... there were a lot of things going through my mind... You start just replaying game scenarios in your mind."
Sawvel admits he has sleepless nights, yet he’s looking forward to the challenge. "The thing that happens with it the most is the fact that it's a players' game," he emphasized. "Our job as coaches is to give them the best opportunity to be able to perform to their best... If we don't succeed, it's going to be because I didn't do a good enough job with that. But the bottom line is if we do succeed, it's going to be because of the players... my job is just to try not to screw it up."
As Saturday approaches, Jay Sawvel has his sights set on accomplishing the task at hand. He hopes to start where the team left off last year, but this time, it will be with many new faces, including a new starting quarterback under center.
A win in Tempe will do just that.
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