Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes ran riot against Northern Illinois: 183 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns and, oh, just another 196 yards through the air. He completed 16 of 19 passes during the Cowboys’ best offensive afternoon of the season. Wyoming plays host tonight at War Memorial Stadium for Friday’s 9 p.m. ET Cowboys and Coal blackout, with Air Force making the hop/skip/jump trip to Laramie. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Air Force Falcons.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Wyoming vs. Air Force prediction, preview
Air Force quarterback Evan Medders has been sensational since starter Liam Szarka’s season-ending leg injury. He ran for 114 yards in his first start at Northern Illinois, then 152 against UNLV. Trailing the Rebels entering the fourth quarter, Medders scored on a 32-yard run to put the Falcons ahead for good. The Falcons finished four second-half touchdown drives, with three covering at least 75 yards. Wyoming coach Jay Sawvel, of these quarterbacks, says Medders is faster than Szarka, and it’s hard to disagree.
Wyoming’s run defense recently hemorrhaged yards to Northern Illinois, for whom Telly Johnson Jr. ripped off a 26-yard run in the first quarter and gained 28 on the first snap after halftime. Johnson Jr. finished with 139 yards on 16 carries. Air Force fullback Owen Allen should be able to hammer that same interior after grinding 96 yards on 19 carries against UNLV. RB Rocco Conti added 103 yards on 12 totes, including a 50-yard explosive. Wyoming has to handle the fullback and assign somebody to Medders; the Falcons can hurt them through either runner. That’s their whole schtick.
At San Jose State, Tyler Hughes rushed for 92 yards despite taking six sacks behind a struggling Cowboys offensive line. Eric Richardson caught five passes for 77 yards against NIU, including a 40-yard gain, and can stretch the field for this squad. Against a similar dual-threat, Air Force allowed 78 rushing yards to UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold; they let let UNLV cash nine conversions on 13 third downs. Hughes can exploit the same weakness.
Air Force vs. Wyoming pick, best bet
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun frequently sends his offense back out on fourth down, especially fourth-and-shorts; the Falcons have converted a sparkling 13 of 15 attempts this season. They also held UNLV running back Jai’Den Thomas to 48 yards on 17 carries, so Wyoming’s run game faces an uphill climb tonight. Despite those aforemenioned rushing yards, Hughes threw for a meager 114 yards on 24 attempts at San Jose State, and Wyoming finished a 16-play possession by settling for a field goal. I expect some Wyoming possessions to end in kicks as the offensive spacing shortens.
Wyoming should score enough to demand another evening of high expectations for Evan Medders. Air Force’s willingness to use fourth down makes the Cowboys defense earn every return of the ball, though, and their front has already struggled against decent rushing attacks. I expect the Falcons to finish enough long drives in the end zone to cover the 5.5, here.
Best bet: Air Force -5.5 (-105).
Projected score: Air Force 30, Wyoming 20.
Best Bet: Air Force -5.5 (-105) at Wyoming
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
