Wyoming Cowboys (0-0) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (0-0)
August 31, 2024 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: Arizona State Sun Devils -6.5 / Wyoming Cowboys +6.5; Over/Under: +47.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate an Arizona State vs Wyoming prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup.
Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Preview
The Arizona State Sun Devils were 3-9 (2-7) last season and they finished tied for ninth in the PAC-12 with Washington State and Stanford. Arizona State won their first game of the season against Southern Utah, but they lost the next six games. In those six games, the Sun Devils did compete well with Oklahoma State, California, Colorado, and Washington. The Sun Devils picked up two wins against Washington State and UCLA, but they were blown out against Oregon and Arizona to end the season. ASU allowed 49 points or more in three of their last four games.
Arizona State is led by Coach Dillingham, who is a young, very energetic coach who did a very good job of being competitive last season. Sam Leavitt is expected to be the starting quarterback for this game, but I have some serious questions about the offensive line. At running back, Cam Skattebo can be used in a number of different ways and he had a great 2023 season. Arizona State’s defense did have some solid games last season, but they also had a few terrible ones. The Sun Devils need to improve their defense, especially as they try to figure out their passing offense early in the season.
Wyoming Cowboys Betting Preview
The Wyoming Cowboys went 9-4 (5-3) last year and they finished tied for fourth in the Mountain West standings. Wyoming won a thrilling game against Texas Tech to open the season and they beat Portland State in their second game, before losing a tough game at Texas. The Cowboys won the next three games, but they lost to Air Force, Boise State, and UNLV in three of the four games after that. Wyoming did finish the regular season with wins over Hawaii and Nevada, then defeated Toledo in the Arizona Bowl by a score of 16-15.
Wyoming will have a new head coach this season after the legendary Craig Bohl retired, but the philosophy should stay close to the same, as Jay Sawvel has been the DC since 2020. Wyoming does return their leading rusher from last season, but their starting quarterback only had 38 passing attempts in 2023. Defensively, the Cowboys were able to generate quite a few turnovers last season, which covered up for some glaring holes.
Why Arizona State will beat Wyoming
- Wyoming has lost 17 of its last 18 games as a road underdog.
- Arizona State has won seven of its last eight season openers.
- The favorite has covered the spread in five of Wyoming’s last six games.
- Wyoming has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Wyoming has lost the first half in each of its last four road games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Arizona State’s last 15 games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Wyoming’s last four games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona State was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.
- Arizona State was one of only 22 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
- Wyoming ranked T4th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.692).
- Wyoming was one of only 13 FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing at HT last season.
Arizona State vs Wyoming Prediction
Arizona State only had three wins last year, but they were very competitive against some solid teams and could have easily had five or six wins. I really like the coaching staff for ASU and I do think they will turn it around, but the quarterback is a question mark.
Wyoming is dealing with a lot of change when you factor in a new coach and a practically new quarterback, so I am not eager to back them on the road against a power-four opponent. Both teams have some unknowns, but I am going to take Arizona State to get a convincing win in week one.
