Prime-Time First TD Bets — Monday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
Welcome to the sports betting world, the state of Wyoming. To celebrate the inclusion of the wonderfully beautiful state, we’re previewing the Wyoming Cowboys’ first game of the season against Montana State.
Montana State welcomed new head coach Brett Vigen from North Dakota State. He inherited a very good FCS team capable of running with many FBS programs.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have a dominant rushing attack and will look to continue their trench play this season.
We have you covered from every angle of this matchup. Let’s dig in.
Montana State Bobcats vs. Wyoming Cowboys Week 1 Odds
Here is a look at the Week 1 betting odds between Montana State and Wyoming odds courtesy of BetMGM.
- Wyoming -17.5 (-110)
- Over/Under 44.5 (-110)
- Moneyline -Wyoming -1100, Montana State +700
Montana State at Wyoming game preview
Here’s a look at the preview between Montana State and Wyoming for Week 1.
Wyoming offense vs. Montana State defense
The Wyoming offense almost completely relies on their running game. Defenses don’t worry that the unit will catch them off guard as the passing game is incredibly inefficient. But Montana State must be consistent in their run gap assignments to weather the ground game.
Quarterback Sean Chambers and rushers Xazavian Valladay and Trey Smith are one of the best three headed backfield monsters across the nation. The hope is Chambers will prove more accurate throwing than 2020’s pair of passers. Head coach Craig Bohl has done well even without a legitimate throwing threat.
Montana State is replacing six defensive starters, which is highly concerning since the team also missed the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Can they appear sharp so early in the year?
If Wyoming does choose to throw more often, the Bobcats have a great pass rush that could swing this game into a big upset.
(FTN’s Gilles Gallant breaks down the arrival of sports betting in Wyoming.)
Montana State offense vs Wyoming defense
Montana State will also look to run the ball and win in the trenches. Wyoming prevents big plays effectively, and I can’t see a lot of natural explosive plays occurring. The big plays will likely be limited or be from miscommunications.
This is good news for the Bobcats, though, if they can run efficiently. Getting into a high scoring game is bad for their ability to cover and ultimately, win. There’s experience across the offense but they’re breaking in several new starters.
I’m not optimistic the Bobcats can win without a terrific passing threat or true star back. This is a good, not great FCS offense.
Betting trends for Montana State at Wyoming
Montana State has lost 11 of their last 12 games against FBS opponents, but they have covered in four of their last six. Wyoming has hit the under in five straight games.
CFB betting picks – Montana State at Wyoming
Montana State will keep it closer than Wyoming likes but ultimately falls short. I’m taking the points and avoiding a well-set total.
Best bets: Montana State +17.5 (-110)
