Utah State vs. Wyoming Prediction, Game Preview


Utah State vs. Wyoming prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Aggies and Cowboys.


When: Saturday, Nov. 5 – 10:15 p.m. ET
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming
TV Broadcast: ESPN 2

Utah State (3-5) was riding a three-game losing streak before it snapped it with a 38-20 win over Fresno State two weeks ago. Last week, though, the Aggies found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. They hosted San Diego State and fell, 40-13. Utah State took an early lead against the Aztecs but was then outscored 40-6 to close the game.

As for Wyoming (6-2), it had a huge, huge win last week when it took down then-No. 13 Boise State at home, 30-28. The Cowboys won the game with 1:25 when they forced a safety. That victory made it four straight wins for Wyoming, who had started out 2-2 before the streak began. Aside from the win over Boise State, the Cowboys also took down Colorado State, Air Force and Nevada in the prior three games.

The Aggies have taken the last four games from the Cowboys, and it’s Utah State who owns the all-time series, 38-24-4. Last year’s matchup in Logan ended in a 58-27 win for Matt Wells’ team.

What To Know About Utah State

Kent Myers has been the Aggies’ dual-threat weapon all season, and he held true to that in the loss to San Diego State. Myers completed 11-of-26 passes for 181 yards, a touchdown and a pick. His lone touchdown throw went to Jaren Colston-Green, who finished with two catches for 30 yards. Myers also ran for 26 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

That 10-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was the only one Utah State scored on the ground. Damion Hobbs added 23 yards on six carries, and Devante Mays, who had been injured for quite some time, was given eight carries for 19 rushing yards.

What to Know About Wyoming

The Cowboys got yet another solid performance from Josh Allen against the Broncos. He hit on 18-of-31 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Allen found Jacob Hollister six times for 144 yards, and two of those catches were for scores. Tanner Gentry also caught a touchdown pass, and he ended up with six receptions for 73 yards.

When Wyoming needed to run the ball, though, it looked no further than Brian Hill. He took 28 carries for 146 yards for an average of 5.2 yards per attempt. His longest run went for 27 yards. Allen couldn’t let Hill have all the fun, though. The Cowboys’ quarterback ran 11 times for 53 yards.

Advantages

Offense: Wyoming – Myers can be a problem in the air and on the ground, but the same can be said for Allen. Utah State’s home run hitter (Mays) is still on the mend and working his way back, but Hill has consistently been running the ball well. The edge goes to the Cowboys.

Defense: Wyoming – The Cowboys just held Boise State to 28 points. Maybe this is an impulse, but the advantage goes to Wyoming.

Special Teams: Utah State – Cooper Rothe has missed six field goals for Wyoming, whereas Brock Warren has hit 8-of-10 field goals for the Aggies.

Coaching: Utah State – Considering the Aggies have won the last four games, the edge goes to Wells. But Craig Bohl has done a great job this season.

Matchup To Watch

Wyoming running game vs. Utah State defense

A big part of what makes the Cowboys dangers is their ability to move the ball on the ground. If the Aggies can spy Allen and keep him from getting up the field with the rock, and then combine that with a bottled up Hill, they may be able to pull this one out. However, that’s a big “if.” Hill has been providing a lot of pop out of the backfield. And if Allen can move the chains with his legs, that will create more opportunities for him to do so with his arm.

Betting Odds

Spread: Wyoming -5.5
Over/Under: 55.5

Utah State vs. Wyoming Prediction

Again, maybe this is a hangover from the win over Boise State, but the Cowboys have been playing great football lately. Allen is going to keep it going and will throw for another three touchdowns in this matchup versus Utah State. He’ll hit the 200-yard mark through the air, but Wyoming will also get a few big plays on the ground from Hill. Utah State, for the second straight week, will get on the board first thanks to Myers, but the Cowboys are going to end up on top.

Utah State vs. Wyoming Score Prediction: Wyoming 28, Utah State 21

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