The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is set for an intriguing matchup as the Wyoming Cowboys (3-4) host the Colorado State Rams (2-5) on October 25, 2023, at 19:30 EDT. This game, taking place at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming, will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
Both teams are looking to improve their standing in the conference after recent losses. Wyoming aims to bounce back from a narrow 24-21 defeat against Air Force. Quarterback Kaden Anderson showcased his skills in that game, throwing for 211 yards with a completion rate of 79.3%, including one touchdown and one interception. Running back Samuel Harris contributed significantly, rushing for 83 yards on 17 carries while also adding four receptions for 42 yards.
On the other hand, Colorado State is coming off a 31-19 loss to Hawaii. Quarterback Jackson Brousseau completed 15 of 29 passes for 176 yards, including a touchdown. Despite the setback, he maintained a solid performance without any interceptions. The Rams’ rushing attack featured Lloyd Avant, who rushed for 50 yards on eight carries.
Team Statistics and Key Players
Analyzing the teams’ overall performance, Wyoming averages 365.6 yards per game, ranking 88th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Their passing game accounts for 215.6 yards per game, placing them 87th, while their rushing attack adds 150.0 yards, ranking 73rd. Scoring-wise, the Cowboys average 20.0 points per game, which is 116th in the nation.
In contrast, Colorado State’s offense ranks lower, averaging 332.4 yards per game, which is 110th in the FBS. Their passing game is particularly struggling, contributing only 184.1 yards per game (111th). The Rams score an average of 21.9 points per game, putting them at 108th overall.
Defensively, Wyoming allows 348.1 yards per game, ranking 49th, while Colorado State’s defense is less effective, giving up 409.7 yards per game, which ranks 109th. The Cowboys excel in pass defense, allowing only 179.9 yards per game (26th), but struggle against the run, permitting 168.3 yards (100th). Colorado State’s pass defense is ranked 94th, allowing 236.9 yards per game, and they rank 105th against the run.
Turnover Margins and Upcoming Games
In terms of turnover margins, Wyoming finds itself in a challenging position at 109th with a -4 margin, while Colorado State is significantly better at +3, ranking 40th. This difference could prove crucial in determining the outcome of their upcoming matchup. Furthermore, Wyoming struggles in the red zone, scoring on only 76.5% of their trips, which ranks them 114th nationally. Colorado State’s time of possession averages 27:28, placing them 122nd in the FBS.
The key players to watch will include Wyoming’s Kaden Anderson, who has passed for 1,480 yards this season with nine touchdowns and six interceptions, and Samuel Harris, who has rushed for 398 yards. For Colorado State, Jackson Brousseau has thrown for 741 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions, while Jalen Dupree leads their rushing attack with 429 yards.
Following the October 25 contest, Wyoming will travel to San Diego State on November 1, while Colorado State will host UNLV on November 8. Both teams are eager to secure a victory to improve their chances of bowl eligibility as the season progresses.
