WYOMING +11

In these early bowl games, we tend to stray towards the underdogs, particularly when they are in this price range. Sure most are likely to gravitate towards Fresno State in this matchup as they fall in love with the rushing numbers, but what they are overlooking are the serious motivational edges Wyoming has as well as the looming potential for the backdoor cover. Yes, the Cowboys were just 6-6 SU in HC Dave Christensen's 1st year in Laramie and were fortunate to benefit from a 4-0 SU record in games decided by three points or less, but this is also the program's first bowl game in five seasons and just its second since the now defunct Copper Bowl in 1993. Wyoming will be up for this game. Can the same be said for Fresno State, who logged more travel miles this year than Tiger Woods trying to keep track of all his girlfreinds? The Bulldogs played at Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Hawaii and Illinois already this year and thought they would be spending Christmas Eve in Hawaii before Nevada got the shot instead. This will be their second straight trip to this Bowl and last year they lost outright to a Colorado State team, who you guessed it, came in at 6-6 and had not been to a bowl in several seasons. Fatigue might also be a factor here as FSU's regular season ended uncharcteristically late with that weird finale vs. Illinois (that they almost lost). Back to the rushing game, which allegedly favors FSU so much. The Bulldogs defense surrendered 230+ rushing yards in each of their final five regular season games, so Wyoming will be able to run the ball here as well. Also, the Cowboys D-line is made up of mostly seniors and will want to go out with a proud performance. Wyoming is our 10* Bowl Opener.