Nevada vs. Wyoming Prediction, Game Preview

Nevada vs. Wyoming prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Wolf Pack and Cowboys.

When: Saturday, Oct. 22 – 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
TV Broadcast: ESPN2

The good news for Nevada (3-4) is that it’s 2-1 after losses this season. The problem is there have been too many opportunities to grow that record. After falling on the road in back-to-back games to Purdue and Hawaii, the Wolf Pack answered with a home win versus Fresno State. But last weekend saw Nevada take another loss on the road when it lost to San Jose State, 14-10. Brian Polian’s squad made a comeback attempt in the second half but fell short after the Spartans recaptured the lead with 50 seconds left in the game.

As for the Cowboys (4-2), they’re looking to win three straight games for the first time this season. A road loss to Eastern Michigan on Sept. 23 led to a road win at Colorado State and a home win over Air Force. Wyoming is coming off of its bye week, but the 35-26 win over the Falcons saw the Cowboys control the game from start to finish.

The all-time series between the two teams sits even, 3-3. The Wolf Pack had won two games in a row until last season when the Cowboys won, 28-21.

What To Know About Nevada

With six guys lost for the season and at least another one close to being added to that list, the Wolf Pack is certainly banged up. However, even in the loss to San Jose State, it was able to run the ball with James Butler. He rushed for 94 yards on 20 carries. Butler also added 92 receiving yards and a touchdown on three catches. His 46-yard touchdown catch was the only scoring throw Tyler Stewart made. The Nevada quarterback completed 9-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two interceptions.

Defensively, the Wolf Pack allowed 279 yards of total offense, forced a fumble and recorded four sacks. Two of those sacks, though, were made by Jarid Joseph. Nevada has forced 11 fumbles on the season and recovered seven of them, but it has only picked off two passes — one each for Jaden Sawyer and Kendall Johnson.

What to Know About Wyoming

Josh Allen hasn’t been stellar from the pocket this season, but he certainly had a great game against Air Force. He completed 15-of-27 throws for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Tanner Gentry, Jake Maulhardt and Jacob Hollister each caught one of those touchdown passes and combined for 105 receiving yards on seven receptions.

Allen also did work with his legs, too. He rushed the ball 13 times for 74 yards, but it was Brian Hill who really found some momentum carrying the rock. On 29 attempts, Hill rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown. His one-yard touchdown run with 2:01 left in the fourth quarter helped close out the win against the Falcons. Hill has rushed for 721 yards and eight touchdowns on the season.

Advantages

Offense: Wyoming – Allen hasn’t been the best quarterback he can be, but he was pretty damn good against Air Force. Hill has been solid all season. This goes to the Cowboys.

Defense: Nevada – The Wolf Pack is ranked No. 90 in total defense, and the Cowboys are ranked No. 91. Go find a coin and flip it. But Joseph’s ability to rush the passer gives it to Nevada.

Special Teams: Wyoming – Cooper Rothe has missed five field goals, but Brent Zuzo has missed four field goals and an extra point. Close your eyes, spin around five times, and point. You’ll end up looking at the Cowboys here.

Coaching: Wyoming – Craig Bohl has his guys playing well and looking for a third straight win. This goes to Wyoming.

Matchup To Watch

Brian Hill/Josh Allen rushing attack vs. Nevada defense

Allen may not be as pristine with the football when he drops back, but it’s his running ability that really can cause trouble for Nevada. If the Wolf Pack can limit the Wyoming quarterback when he pulls the ball down, it’ll just have to work on bottling up Hill. The two of them can both go over 100 yards rushing if given daylight, and they can work the clock all the way down, keeping the Nevada offense watching from the sideline. Maintain gap control and wrap up, Wolf Pack.

Betting Odds

Spread: Wyoming -4.5
Over/Under: 53