The Utah State Aggies battle the Wyoming Cowboys this week in a game that will feature the country’s fourth-leading rusher, Brian Hill (1,061 yards, 3 TDs). Utah State (4-3) comes into this game looking to continue its recent success. The team has won three of its last four. The game will air Friday, Oct 30 at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESP2.
In last week’s matchup, Utah State had an ugly loss against San Diego State 48-14. Hunter Sharp had a good performance in the loss, grabbing four receptions for 63 yards and one TD. Devante Mays had a great game as well, adding 88 rushing yards and a TD on 15 carries. Wyoming also struggled, losing big against Boise State 34-14. Jake Maulhardt had a solid performance for the Cowboys, pulling in six receptions for 76 yards and one TD.
A close score is not projected this week when the Cowboys, a big 23-point underdog, take on Utah State.
With a 4-3 record both Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS), the Aggies will look to improve as they head into Week 9. In their five most recent matchups, the Aggies went 3-2 for both SU and ATS. Utah State has averaged 34 points per game over the last five weeks, higher than its season average of 28.3. During their last five games, the Aggies have also improved their pass coverage, giving up an average of 224.8 passing yards. It is critical for the Cowboys to prepare for Utah State’s big-play defense, which ranks sixth in the nation with 2.4 turnovers per game. In the second quarter, Utah State is a tough test, putting up 13.6 points per game.
In the other locker room, the Cowboys fare well ATS, sitting at 5-3. However, they are only 1-7 SU this season. The Cowboys have a good SU record over the last five games (1-4), but played better than expectations, earning a 4-1 record ATS for those betting with them. Wyoming’s defense ranks in the top half of the nation for passing yards allowed and will look to bolster its statistics this week against the 109th-ranked passing attack of the Aggies, which only averages 172.4 yards through the air per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State
Notes
Utah State is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah State’s last 5 games.
Utah State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah State’s last 6 games when playing Wyoming.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wyoming’s last 6 games when playing Utah State.
Wyoming is 1-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Utah State is 3-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
The Utah State defense has forced an average of 2.6 turnovers per game this season. Wyoming is 0-4 SU when turning the ball over at least 2.0 times in a game.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Utah State is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its 74th-ranked rushing attack will face the 113th-ranked run defense of Wyoming, while its 29th-ranked rush defense will look to contain the 72nd-ranked running game of the Cowboys.
