Air Force/Wyoming Preview

Game Time:

Saturday, November 17th at 2:00 PM (Mountain)

Television:

ESPN News

The History:

These teams have met on the football field 56 times. Air Force has won 28 times. Wyoming has won 25 times. Strangely, these teams have tied 3 times. In more recent years, Wyoming has won 4 of the last 5 games. Overall though, this series has been a pretty even one through the years. A series that goes back to 1957 - a game that ended in a 7 to 7 tie.

The Matchup:

With Sean Chambers at QB, the Cowboys offense is a run-first offense. The Wyoming offense is still led by Nico Evans, the MWC rushing leader. Sean Chambers just gives opposing defenses more to defend as Chambers is a rushing threat from the QB position. In the last three games, Chambers has rushed for 100 yards while Nico Evans has rushed for over 100 yards as well. While Wyoming likely won’t throw the ball much, play-action opportunities will be available as defenses gear up to stop Evans and Chambers in the running game. This will be an interesting matchup against a strong Air Force rushing defense. The Falcons have the 22nd ranked rushing defense in the country.

On defense, the Cowboys will be going up against the triple-option of Air Force. While you always need to respect the pass, Air Force will get the bulk of their yardage on the ground. Air Force has the 7th ranked rushing offense in the country. Meanwhile, Wyoming has the 19th ranked rushing defense. Another interesting matchup between two strengths.

The Outcome:

Both teams are 4-6. The winner has a shot at 6-6 and bowl eligibility. The loser will finish the season with a losing record. That’s not to say that either team will have a bowl offer should they get to 6-6, but it’s still better than a losing season. This looks like a very even game. Air Force runs the ball well and is good at stopping the run. Wyoming is pretty much the same team. The spread has Wyoming by 2.5. Considering Wyoming is at home, that means this is basically a toss-up. Ultimately, I expect this to be a very close game decided late. Considering Wyoming is coming off a bye week and is playing at home, I’ll go with the Cowboys to win it in overtime. Though, I’d not be surprised by an Air Force win.

Air Force 20, Wyoming 23 in OT