Dec. 19, 2009 | 4:30 PM EST on ESPN
News Mexico Bowl
Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (6-6)
Opening Line: Fresno State -10.5
New Mexico Bowl Prediction
Game Preview: If you are going to play in an inconsequential bowl game it is probably better to be early in the bowl season. This way your team hasn’t gotten too out of rhythm and can stay reasonably motivated even though the opponent might not be exciting. This should be the case for the New Mexico Bowl. One the one hand Wyoming is likely thrilled to be in a bowl game. They do not often play in the postseason even though it seems that almost every team goes bowling. On the other, Fresno prides itself as being a bit bigger than its station and is willing to challenge anybody, anytime, anywhere. Can they get up for a face off with the Cowboys? That is a primary concern in handicapping this game.
Fresno State Preview: The Bulldogs love to run the ball. Ryan Matthews has been on fire almost all year averaging over 100 yards a game. They can also balance their attack when need be but with Pat Hill at the helm they are not against running it down your throat. Unfortunately, their defense doesn’t always hold up its end of the bargain. As much as they can run the ball they are easy to run on giving up over 200 yards a game. Despite their lack of defensive might it is hard to see this game becoming a back and forth running contest.
Wyoming Preview: Kudos to the Cowboys for grabbing the six victories needed to be bowl eligible. 4 of their 6 losses were to top 25 teams including two of the current unbeatens Texas and TCU. These blowouts skew their stats dramatically but the fact is they have only outgained one opponent all season – San Diego State. This wreaks of a team that has been very lucky and /or opportunistic which might not carry over to the post-season. The fact that they do not have a lot of experience with bowl games should make bettors nervous too. The Cowboys might just be happy to leave Wyoming in Winter.
Game Prediction: I don’t expect this one to be close. Fresno will do what it does best and ride Matthews early and often. I think it will be 14-0 at the end of 1 and not get any closer than that throughout the contest. Wyoming may be improving but the Bulldogs will be too much to handle similar to the other good teams that are on their schedule.
Score Prediction:
Fresno State – 42
Wyoming – 17
Pick: Grab the Bulldogs but do it soon as I think this will go up as game time approaches.
Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Trends:
- Fresno State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Fresno State’s last 6 games
Wyoming Cowboys Betting Trends:
- Wyoming is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
- Wyoming is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Wyoming’s last 9 games
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