The Mountain West Conference has quickly become top-heavy as the likes of San Jose State, Boise State, and UNLV have begun to pull away.
Well, this matchup involves a few teams trending in the opposite direction, but it could give us one of the more competitive games on a loaded slate.
The San Diego State Aztecs (2-3) travel to Laramie, Wyoming, to take on the Wyoming Cowboys (1-4). Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports. San Diego State is a 2-point favorite on the point spread, while the over/under is 42.5.
Last Saturday, San Diego State snapped a three-game losing streak by winning over Hawaii. However, they are not alone in gaining momentum, as Wyoming picked up its first win of the season two weeks ago against Air Force.
The Cowboys rode high into their bye week and are looking to come out hot after having ample time to prepare. So, which side should you be on for this Mountain West clash? Let's find out in my San Diego State vs. Wyoming predictions and college football picks for Saturday, October 12.
San Diego State vs Wyoming Odds, Spread, Pick
| San Diego State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 42.5 -110 / -110 | -130 |
| Wyoming Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 42.5 -110 / -110 | +110 |
- San Diego State vs Wyoming spread: San Diego State -2
- San Diego State vs Wyoming over/under: 42.5 points
- San Diego State vs. Wyoming moneyline: San Diego State -130
- San Diego State vs Wyoming pick: Wyoming ML (+110)
My Wyoming vs San Diego State best bet is on the Wyoming moneyline, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
San Diego State vs Wyoming Preview
San Diego State Football
When you look at the Aztecs' offense, one guy stands out: running back Marquez Cooper. Cooper has had 52% of the Aztec touches through his 129 carries and 10 receptions.
Cooper has been effective with his workload as well. He comes in averaging 4.6 yards per carry and reached paydirt five times. However, Cooper's numbers are still inflated because of the huge performance he had against Texas A&M Commerce to open the year, where he rushed for 223 yards on 27 carries.
Since then, Cooper has averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. He will have to contend with a Wyoming defense that is better than the numbers show against the rush. They rank 79th in defensive rushing success rate and 40th in tackling.
This game may fall on Danny O'Neil's arm. O'Neil has been solid and will have a good matchup against the Cowboys secondary. However, if they can't run the ball on early downs, the Aztecs have struggled to keep drives going, ranking 103rd in third-down conversion rate.
Wyoming Football
The Cowboys were defeated by a wide margin in three of their first four losses, and while some of that is certainly on the defense, part of it is on the offense, which was not meeting expectations until last week.
Many came into the season high on Wyoming's dual-threat quarterback Evan Svoboda after he showed some flashes last year. However, he could not get things going through the air, and things began to click against the Air Force — Svoboda completed 71% of his passes and ran for two scores to lead the Cowboys to their first win.
His mobility will be key, as San Diego State's secondary has been stout. However, the Aztecs have struggled to slow down rushing attacks.
The Aztecs rank 130th nationally in Defensive Line Yards and 89th in yards per rush allowed. This matchup should give the Cowboys backfield, which has combined to average just 2.5 yards per rush, some life.
Aside from Svoboda, Wyoming's key factor will be Sam Scott. The junior has taken over the starting job by averaging 4.5 yards per carry and is coming off his best performance yet.
Given the extra time to gameplan for this matchup, we should see the Cowboys continue their offensive momentum.
San Diego State vs Wyoming Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how San Diego State and Wyoming match up statistically:
San Diego State Offense vs. Wyoming Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 126 | 79 | |
| Line Yards | 45 | 89 | |
| Pass Success | 108 | 115 | |
| Havoc | 97 | 124 | |
| Finishing Drives | 119 | 108 | |
| Quality Drives | 121 | 123 |  |
Wyoming Offense vs. San Diego State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 128 | 106 | |
| Line Yards | 127 | 130 | |
| Pass Success | 129 | 33 | |
| Havoc | 81 | 80 | |
| Finishing Drives | 102 | 71 | |
| Quality Drives | 118 | 69 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 70 | 40 |
| PFF Coverage | 12 | 111 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 128 | 42 |
| Middle 8 | 59 | 100 |
| Seconds per Play | 23.9 (14) | 26.9 (60) |
| Rush Rate | 56% (61) | 59% (35) |
San Diego State vs Wyoming Prediction
This matchup has the potential to be a rock fight, as both of these teams are bottom dwellers when it comes to offensive rankings. However, an offensive struggle is what will keep Wyoming live as a home 'dog.
They have a significant edge coming off a bye following a successful performance on both sides of the ball. We should see them control the ground game on both sides and limit San Diego State's chances to exploit their secondary.
Back the Cowboys at home.
Pick: Wyoming ML (+110)
San Diego State vs Wyoming: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY |
| Date: | Saturday, Oct. 12 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS Sports Network |
Wyoming vs San Diego State is scheduled for 3:30 PM EDT live from Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
San Diego State vs Wyoming Weather
