New Mexico Bowl Preview (Fresno v. Wyoming)

The New Mexico Bowl features a Fresno St team that has been trying to break though to the next level, and a Wyoming squad that won just 4 games a year ago. This game will be a battle between the dynamic Fresno St offensive attack and the much improved Cowboy “D”.

It’s hard to know if the Bulldogs will “get up” for this game since their pre-season expectations were certainly higher than the 8-4 record they finished with. However, after losing 3 of their first 4 games to Wisconsin, Boise St and Cincinnati, the Bulldogs closed out their year on a 7-1 run.

They have plenty of weapons offensively, with QB Ryan Colburn leading the way. In Colburn’s first season as a starter, he has amassed 2333 yards while throwing for 18 touchdowns. Much of Colburn’s success is due to the fact that Fresno has one of the best running backs in all of college football. Although Ryan Mathews isn’t a household name, he has put together a remarkable season for the Bulldogs. He has rushed for 1664 yards and 17 touchdowns in his Junior season. This ranks in the top 5 in all of division 1 football. He should have another solid performance in the New Mexico Bowl, but Wyoming’s defense will make him work hard for every yard.

The Cowboys have taken a different path to this bowl game. After a 4-2 start, Wyoming faced the toughest part of their schedule and won just 2 of their final 6 games. A huge win against a solid Colorado St team in the final game of the season is what allowed Wyoming to be bowl eligible. They are not a great team, and play in a weak conference, but they certainly earned their stripes this year.

Expect a high scoring affair as the posted total for this match-up is currently at 55 points. The Bulldogs are a decisive favorite at -11, but Wyoming’s defense has the potential to keep this one close. Tune in Saturday as the Bowl season kicks off with what should be an exciting New Mexico Bowl.

Related posts:

1. Fresno St & N. Illinois Battle in Humanitarian Bowl
2. Boise St hosts Fresno St in WAC Friday Night Showdown
3. 2011 Music City Bowl Preview
4. 2011 Poinsettia Bowl Preview
5. Music City Bowl Preview: Clemson vs. Kentucky

Comments