LARAMIE — With all that is new for the University of Wyoming football team this season, the one thing that was expected to remain constant was the defense.

With eight starters back and former linebackers coach Marty English promoted to defensive coordinator, the Cowboys were expected to run a 3-4 defense: three linemen and four linebackers.

Through most of the team’s 10 games that has been the case. But not all the time.

UW (5-5 overall, 3-3 Mountain West Conference) has gone with a 4-3 look the last two games.

Ankle injuries to the starting inside linebackers, sophomores Brian Hendricks and Gabe Knapton, played a factor in the switch.

Hendricks is doubtful and Knapton should play in Saturday’s home finale against No. 4 TCU (10-0, 6-0).

So did the personnel of UW’s last two opponents, No. 19 Brigham Young and San Diego State.

First-year coach Dave Christensen is a fan of the 4-3, but he isn’t about to scrap something that has worked for much of the last three seasons.

“We’ve can’t create a new defense; we’ve got to do what we do,” Christensen said.

And the 4-3 is what UW can do.

That scheme has seniors John Fletcher and Mitch Unrein at the ends and senior Fred Givens and true freshman Mike Purcell inside.

Unrein is a defensive end in the 3-4, so the 4-3 isn’t much of a change. But there is a difference.

“Sometimes we’re dropping into coverage on some pressures,” he said. “That’s different than what we’ve been doing, but I kind of like getting back there. Hopefully I can get an interception.”

Unrein has yet to intercept a pass in his career.

Fletcher gets to line up on the end of the line against a tackle or tight end in the 4-3, but in the 3-4 he is a defensive tackle and normally goes up against a tackle or guard.

“I like both of them,” he said. “I like playing inside and on the edge.

“I would have to say I like being out on the edge a little bit more. I’ve got a little bit more freedom to get up field and rush the passer in the 4-3.”

It’s been tough to see the immediate results of the 4-3 as compared to the 3-4. UW lost 52-0 to BYU, and it scored 24 fourth-quarter points to beat San Diego State 30-27.

The 4-3 should be effective against the run and ideally puts pressure on the quarterback.

But in those two games BYU ran for 231 yards and San Diego State had 157. And UW had one sack against BYU and none against San Diego State.

The 4-3 also has tested the depth of UW’s defensive line.

Fletcher, Unrein and senior Mike Neuhaus are the only proven guys outside. Inside, sophomore Marcus Felker spelled Givens and Purcell against San Diego State. That was the most playing time Felker ever has seen, and Christensen said he will continue to see action.

It would help if sophomore nose guard Alex Stover could get back in the lineup. He has missed most of the season with a groin injury and is out again this week.

No matter the defense UW runs, it will have a challenge against TCU.

The Horned Frogs lead the Mountain West Conference in scoring (39.2 points per game) and total offense (467.6 yards per game).

“Both of our defenses can work,” Fletcher said. “We’ve just got to play mental error-free football.”

Added Unrein: “It doesn’t matter to me what we play. Technique-wise it’s exactly the same. We still have to play our man.

“I kind of like 3-4 better because we’ve played it so much more. But I’m starting to like the 4-3.”

NOTES: Wyoming fans who would like to make a donation to Toys for Tots this Holiday season may do so at this Saturday’s game. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, as well as monetary donations will be accepted at all gates to War Memorial Stadium. All donations of toys will remain in Albany County, and will be distributed to children within the county.