Fresno State vs Wyoming NCAAF Handicapping
Undefeated Fresno State has moved up the college football rankings, and will roll into War Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, ranked 16th in the nation to take on Wyoming, who have lost 19 straight games against top 25 opponents since 2002 and will be under the direction of a new defensive coordinator Jamar Cain.
No. 16 Fresno State at Wyoming
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013
Time: 10:15 p.m. EST
Venue: War Memorial Stadium
City: Laramie
O/U Odds: 79
Spread: Wyoming +10
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The Bulldogs (8-0) have all but finalized their bid for a BCS bowl, but a win in Wyoming on Saturday would do it.
And while Fresno State hasn’t won its games with flash, its solid style of play has earned it eight straight wins for the first time since 1989.
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The Dogs’ have had their share of dramatic finishes this season, positing a couple of one-point wins and an overtime victory at San Diego State two weeks ago.
They did however thump Nevada last week, behind another solid outing from quarterback Derek Carr, who ranks second nationally in both passing (382.6 yards per game) and touchdown throws (28).
Thanks to a trio of wide receivers that has combined for 195 catches, Carr threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-14 home victory over Wyoming last season.
The Bulldogs’ are equally as impressive on the other side of the ball too, as the pass defense ranks 10th in the league and is led by safety Derron Smith, who has 11 career interceptions.
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That defense will be tested under the big sky in Wyoming as the it faces a Cowboys offense that is averaging over 500 yards per game. That is, if Wyoming can get back on the rails after losing two straight while giving up more than 50 points for the second consecutive game in a 51-44 loss at San Jose State on Oct. 26.
The team’s loss to the Spartans resulted in the firing of defensive coordinator Chris Tormey, who has been replaced by Cain on an interim basis.
It will be Cain’s near impossible challenge to slow down a Fresno State offense that ranks sixth nationally in total offense (539.9 yards per game) and eighth in scoring (43.9 points).
But, if the Cowboys can find a way to get it done, it will allow its offense to get a chance to keep this one within reach. However, if they allow Fresno State’s explosive offense any big plays, it could mean trouble for a Cowboys defense that allowed six plays of more than 30 yards against San Jose State.
Matt’s Free Prediction
The teams are meeting in Laramie for the first time since 1996, when both were members of the Western Athletic Conference.
Unless the Bulldogs have a meltdown, I just don’t see the Cowboys being more than a speed bump on Fresno State’s offensive super highway in this one.4
Fresno State 52, Wyoming 31
