New Mexico Bowl Predictions: Temple vs. Wyoming Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Friday, 16 December 2011 02:50

Our 2011 New Mexico Bowl predictions will break down the game between Temple and Wyoming.

The New Mexico Bowl will pit the Temple Owls (8-4) against the Wyoming Cowboys (8-4), and our preview will make sure everyone makes the correct picks for this December 17th game.  These college football squads haven’t played one another since Wyoming beat Temple 38-23 back in 1990, and this ESPN-televised game looks to be a competitive one.  Start time of the New Mexico Bowl is set for 2:00 PM ET on Saturday and it will be the first of 3 games played that day.

Wyoming has the superior road record at 4-2, compared to 3-2 for the Owls, yet Temple is the team that 5Dimes Sportsbook thinks should be favored.  The Owls are at -7 on the point spread, while the college football odds on the total show the line at 50.  Wyoming has been 7-5 against the point spread this year while Temple comes in at 8-4.

Temple’s Offense vs. Wyoming’s Defense:

The Owls run for 256.7 yards a game while scoring 30.1 points on average, but they are fairly one-dimensional and lack much of a passing attack.  That being said, they have enough to threaten opposing defenses into a bit of honesty, and I doubt they’ll have much trouble implementing their offense against a poor Wyoming defense.  The Cowboys allow 231.4 rushing yards per game, but did manage to limit a heavy run-based team in Air Force to just 17 points earlier this year.  Temple can put up some points when they get the run going, and I don’t see any reason to make predictions on that not happening on Saturday.

Wyoming’s Offense vs. Temple’s Defense:

The Cowboys also pack a potent rushing attack that averages 186.8 yards per contest, but they are able to back it with a passing threat.  Despite gaining over 200 yards per game through the air, Wyoming actually only averages 27.0 points.  Taking away the run really limits what the Cowboys can do on this side of the ball, and Temple has the defense to do just that.  The Owls only allow 13.8 points per game they are solid at stopping both facets of the offense.  I’m not counting out the improving Wyoming offense, but they’ll have to work hard and get some breaks if they want to score much of anything.

Temple vs. Wyoming Predictions in the New Mexico Bowl:

Predictions in the New Mexico Bowl call for Temple’s ability to run to be the key factor.  The Owls will go on long, time-draining drives that will keep their defense fresh.  Wyoming might be able to hang around for a while but ultimately I expect them to get behind a few scores and have to abandon the rushing attack that they’ve come to depend on.  Temple will force some turnovers here and I don’t see them having much of a problem getting the victory.

Bet on the Temple vs. Wyoming game at 5Dimes Sportsbook and get a 50% cash bonus on the New Mexico Bowl simply for using our link to get signed up!

Temple 30

Wyoming 17