Wyoming is coming off a disastrous two-win season under Craig Bohl, the FCS coaching icon who was plucked from North Dakota State to revive the Cowboys program. Instead, they have just six wins in two seasons. Injuries on both sides of the ball played a huge role last year, as they often were forced to start players who were way down the depth chart. Wyoming’s offense will be highlighted by running back Brian Hill, who quietly had one of the best seasons in the country last year with 1,631 yards. Northern Illinois similarly battled injury issues, particularly at quarterback, and managed an 8-6 season that was sub-par by its recent standards. Wyoming’s style of play dictates my position on the Under here. Bohl favors a plodding, pro-style attack that milks the play clock and game clock, limiting possessions for both teams. Hill will no doubt see a ton of action. Also, a defense that was torched for numerous big plays last year will take a more conservative approach, as it developed late last year, to limit the Huskies’ explosive plays. Wyoming has to shorten the game in order to be competitive here. I’m not sure the Cowboys will cover, but I think they’ll send it Under while trying.

Northern Illinois kicks off the season as a double-digit road favorite at Wyoming, which may lead you to look at taking the points. However, I think that is a mistake because my simulations give the Huskies a 69 percent chance of covering this number. The Cowboys opened last season by failing to beat the line in three of their first four games, and I see that pattern continuing as they lose to NIU convincingly at home.