Fresno State vs Wyoming Prediction: Can Fresno State Earn 15th Straight Win?

The Mountain West only has three games on this week’s college football slate. But one of those games will be featured on FOX in primetime. The game will be the Fresno State Bulldogs against the Wyoming Cowboys.

The Bulldogs are sitting at No. 24 in the NCAAF rankings in the AP Poll with an undefeated 5-0 record. Meanwhile, Wyoming is 4-1, with their lone loss coming on the road against Texas.

We’re about to witness an absolute battle in the Mountain West.Take a look at our Fresno State vs Wyoming prediction for this primetime matchup slated for FOX.

Fresno State, Pay Up!

The Fresno State Bulldogs hired Jeff Tedford in 2021, signing a “university-friendly contract” well below market value to return to his alma mater after a health-related incident kept him away from the sideline.

The university has a track record that typically doesn’t pay up for its athletic department. They cut back by $4 million a year due to the impacts of revenue lost during COVID-19.

Since then, Tadford and Fresno State have had two Mountain West championships in four seasons. Despite that, he’s 6th in the Mountain West in salary.

That begs the question. If Fresno State doesn’t give Tedford a new and improved contract extension, could he move to a university willing to pay you with a competitive deal?

A few Fresno beat reporters believe that the Fresno State has discussed extending Tedford. But nothing has formally been offered. Tedford’s base salary is just $1.55 million. He’s behind Craig Bohl of Wyoming by nearly $1 million annually.

Brett Brennan of San Jose State, Barry Odom of UNLV, Andy Avalos of Boise State, and Jay Norvell of Colorado State are all ahead of Tedford in salary. They don’t have the resume that Tedford has.

Tedford’s salary should probably be in the $3 million range. He’s got his boys ranked in the AP Top 25 right now.

Wyoming’s Smashmouth Football Style

The Wyoming Cowboys play a “smashmouth” style of football. They’re dominant in the trenches and believe they have what it takes to defeat Fresno State.

After all, Fresno State has wins over Arizona State, Kent State, and Nevada, with a combined score of 109-19. However, those three teams have a combined record of just 2-13. Fresno State hasn’t played the most enticing competition.

Wyoming’s strength of schedule has been better, which included a win over Texas Tech and a road loss to Texas, which was 31-10.

The Cowboys are very physical. They’ve got an incredible group of linebackers who are solid up front and always physical at the line of scrimmage.

Wyoming has a lot of comparisons to Fresno State, and those more challenging games on the schedule could prepare Wyoming to escape Fresno State in front of their home fans.

A Wyoming win would call for a field storm moment. That rarely happens in Mountain West play.

Take a look at our Fresno State vs Wyoming prediction for Saturday’s rivalry matchup.

Fresno State vs Wyoming Prediction

The Fresno State Bulldogs are 5-point favorites against the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday. Meanwhile, the total is sitting at 44.

Fresno State has won each of their last ten games since last season. The Bulldogs are on a 14-game winning streak dating back to last year.

However, against the NCAAF spread, the Bulldogs are only 3-2. Most recently, the Bulldogs were 25.5-point favorites against Nevada but only won that game 27-9.

On the other hand, the total has hit the Over in three of their first five games this season.

Wyoming is 4-1 this season, but only 2-2-1 against the spread. The Cowboys recently lost against the spread to New Mexico after being 14.5-point favorites. They only won that game by nine points at home.

Wyoming has gone 4-0 at home, with the only loss coming against Texas on the road. They’ll be home for this bout against Fresno State.

Although the Cowboys hit the Over last week, they’ve only hit the Over in three of their last ten games dating back to last season. The Under has also hit in three of the five games this season.

Finally, Fresno State has covered four straight games in 2017 against Wyoming. The Bulldogs have been favorites in all four of those games.

Fresno State’s Quality Defense

The Fresno State Bulldogs need to win every game this season and then have a lot of luck to rise in the NCAAF championship odds. The Cincinnati Bearcats were the only team to ever make it into the CFP without being a part of a Power Five Conference.

The defense would be the reason for Fresno State to go undefeated. The Bulldogs have held teams to 282 yards per game, including 188.8 yards in the air and 93.2 yards on the ground. The secondary is elite, and the run defense has been super good at the beginning of the year.

But the strength of schedule is a concern for the Bulldogs.

Wyoming will be its most challenging task to date. The Cowboys have earned 324.6 yards per game on offense but have rushed for over 180 yards this season.

The Bulldogs have missed a lot of tackles this season. They’ll have to take on Harrison Waylee of Wyoming, who has already rushed for 457 yards, three touchdowns, and averages 8.6 yards a carry.

Because Wyoming runs so much, they’re able to limit turnovers.

Mikey Keene Should Have A Big Night

Fresno State’s offense runs well with Mickey Keene under center. The sophomore quarterback has thrown for 14 touchdowns and four interceptions but nearly has 1500 passing yards in five games.

The offense has earned 304.8 yards in the air and another 120.2 yards on the ground.

Like Fresno State, Wyoming also has a terrific secondary. They’ve held teams to 223 yards per game in the air but have given up 162 yards on the ground.

It’s not because the run defense is poor. It’s due to missed tackles and a game against Texas. Fresno State likely won’t have as much success rushing the football against Wyoming.

However, the Cowboys have an average pass rush that typically isn’t super dominant. Fresno State should give Keene enough time in the pocket to make a few big plays down the field.

That’ll be the difference. Grab Fresno State at -5.

For NCAAF betting news, odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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