The next time someone rips into the college football bowl season refer them to 2017 Arizona Bowl. At first glance it didn’t seem to be a big deal. New Mexico State and Utah State are hardly name brands. Yet to New Mexico State it may as well have been the Super Bowl. For the first time in 57 years the Aggies made the post season. And their 26-20 overtime win over Utah State was the biggest in their history. But what now for the Aggies with the college football betting odds? They have never sustained success.
Wyoming Cowboys vs. New Mexico State Aggies
Date and Time: Saturday, August 25, 2018, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Aggie Memorial Stadium. Las Cruces, New Mexico
College Football Betting Online Odds:
Wyoming -5½ (-110)
New Mexico State +5½ (-110)
Wyoming vs. New Mexico State TV Coverage: Check Listings
New Mexico State Aggies
Doug Martin has an ugly 17-44 record as New Mexico State’s head coach. But that does not actually reflect reality. He took over a gutted-out program that finished 1-11 when he arrived after 2012. Martin has had a long and painstaking rebuild. But the administration stuck with him. And tasted the glory of a bowl win as a result. The Aggies finished hot with the college football betting odds.They lost only five out of 13 games vs. the spread. But this year brings new difficult challenges.
Upsets for The Aggies
The Aggies must replace a three-year starting quarterback. As well as a four-year starting running back. Larry Rose III nearly rushed for 1000 yards in 2017. Tyler Rogers passed for 4016 yards. Those are big gaps to fill. Also problematic is that New Mexico State is now an independent. Without a league it is even more difficult to sustain success. There will be no league TV checks for the Aggies to cash. On the positive defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani returns. He engineered a vastly improved unit last year. Which was the difference in gaining a bowl bid.
Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming coach Craig Bohl has been the long-sought answer for Wyoming. After two bad years at the start his program kicked into gear. He has produced two straight bowl seasons. And it was a bedrock defense that got them into the post season last year. Quarterback Josh Allen has departed. He did not exactly light up the scoreboard. But he was experienced. Who takes his place is still in debate. The top two running backs do return. So the defense will need to carry the program early on. A retooling offense will need to catch up by conference time.
Upsets for The Aggies
Wyoming had a profitable sportsbook online record of eight payouts in 13 games. Bohl has stepped up recruiting. The strong defense is indicative of that. The Cowboys have the talent to compete for the Mountain Division title. Which they have never won in their history. The leadership of Bohl has helped turn the corner. Wyoming has the look of a climbing program.
Matchup to Watch
Kudos to Doug Martin and New Mexico State. They were a Cinderella story with the college football betting odds. But an opener against Wyoming is not going to be easy. This matchup may feature a lot of defense. Look for New Mexico State to hang within the number. Wyoming’s offensive woes are not good for a lay.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
New Mexico should have the emotional edge opening at home.
College Football Betting Online Pick: New Mexico State Aggies
College Football Betting Online Score Prediction: New Mexico State 24, Wyoming 21
Catch highlights of New Mexico State’s thrilling bowl win last year!