Utah State vs. Wyoming Odds
| Utah State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 44.5 -112o / -108u | +172 |
| Wyoming Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 44.5 -112o / -108u | -210 |
The Mountain West Conference gives us another great matchup to round out the Week 8 slate, as the Utah State Aggies will take on the Wyoming Cowboys.
These teams are both entering this matchup off a victory, but the Aggies had much more trouble than expected with a lowly Colorado State program. They were forced down to their third-string quarterback in the matchup, but he stepped up and got the job done.
However, the Aggies may have even more upside with their newly-anointed starter.
The Cowboys got back on track last week, as they ran over New Mexico. This week will be interesting for the Wyoming offense, though, as it will be strength against strength on that side of the ball.
How does all this factor into the matchup? Let's take a closer look to find out.
Utah State Aggies
As I mentioned in the open, the Utah State Aggies are looking down the barrel of starting third-string quarterback Bishop Davenport this week. Logan Bonner is out for the season and Cooper Legas sustained a concussion last week and is questionable.
However, the possibility of Davenport starting is not a bad thing.
The true freshman brings a whole different element to this offense, as he is very mobile. After taking over last week, he rushed for 29 yards on 11 carries, including the game-winning score.
The Aggies have become much more of a run-heavy offense since Bonner's injury, and the addition of Davenport could give them some explosiveness.
In addition, he and Calvin Tyler Jr. should be able to find some creases, given the Cowboys are 80th in Rushing Success Rate and 94th in Defensive Line Yards.
While Davenport is unproven as a passer, he has an excellent matchup to get his feet wet through the air. Wyoming is 99th in Coverage and 82nd in opponent completion percentage.
There is a tremendous amount of upside with the Utah State offense in this matchup.
Wyoming Cowboys
Now, if you think the Aggies are a run-heavy offense, the Cowboys are the team that could one-up them in that category. Wyoming runs the ball at the 21st-highest rate in the country and its bell cow is junior Titus Swen.
Swen has had a solid season on the ground — as he comes in averaging 4.4 yards per carry — but he has not found the end zone in over three weeks. However, that could change here, as the Aggies have deceiving numbers against the run.
As you'll see down below, Utah State's metrics against the rush are excellent, as it's 46th in Rushing Success Rate and 24th in Defensive Line Yards. However, the Aggies are also 109th in opponent yards per rush and 102nd in rushing yards allowed per game.
It may not be a bad idea for Wyoming to put the ball in the hands of quarterback Andrew Peasley, though. He has shown flashes this season of being able to connect down the field.
In addition, the Aggies' ranks of 110th in Pass Coverage and 105th in Pass Rush point toward more openings in the secondary than the counting stats portray.
Utah State vs. Wyoming Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Utah State and Wyoming match up statistically:
Utah State Offense vs. Wyoming Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 97 | 80 | |
| Line Yards | 54 | 94 | |
| Pass Success | 91 | 57 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 47 | 121 | |
| Havoc | 50 | 103 | |
| Finishing Drives | 114 | 99 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Wyoming Offense vs. Utah State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 96 | 46 | |
| Line Yards | 80 | 24 | |
| Pass Success | 109 | 47 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 15 | 105 | |
| Havoc | 53 | 47 | |
| Finishing Drives | 76 | 85 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 62 | 131 |
| PFF Coverage | 110 | 99 |
| SP+ Special Teams | 36 | 24 |
| Seconds per Play | 23.1 (14) | 28.3 (100) |
| Rush Rate | 57.1% (41) | 59.5% (24) |
Data via CollegeFootballData.com (CFBD), FootballOutsiders, SP+, Pro Football Focus, and SportSource Analytics.
Utah State vs. Wyoming Betting Pick
A matchup that, on paper, presents a lot of questions for both offenses may actually lead to a lot of upside.
Davenport at quarterback for the Aggies makes them a bit dynamic and gives them the ability to create explosive plays.
On the other side, Wyoming should maintain a steady rushing attack, but if it's established well, there will be openings down the field with a play-action pass.
So take the over, and enjoy this exciting offensive matchup.
Pick: Over 43 (Play to 44) |
