Wyoming vs. Missouri: Game Preview, Kick Time, TV & Radio Schedule, Livestream, Prediction
The Cowboys begin 2019 with a rematch against the Missouri Tigers. Here’s how to watch and the keys to a potential upset.
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Cowboys vs. Tigers, part II.
WEEK 1: Missouri Tigers vs. Wyoming Cowboys
WHEN: Saturday, August 31 — 5:30 PM MT/6:30 PM CT
WHERE: War Memorial Stadium; Laramie, WY (29,181)
TV: CBS Sports Network
STREAM: fuboTV
SERIES RECORD: Missouri won the first and only matchup against the Cowboys last season, 40-13.
WEBSITES: GoWyo.com, Wyoming | MUTigers.com, Missouri
GAME NOTES: Wyoming | Missouri
ODDS (via OddsShark): Missouri -17.5
FEI Projection: Missouri by 15.4
2018 STAT PROFILES: link
Three Keys to a Wyoming Win
- Establish the run
Missouri will see a much different opponent than they saw last September in Columbia. With Sean Chambers holding the keys to the offense, the Cowboys had a much more dynamic attack. As a dual threat, Chambers diversified the run game while allowing the offense to have manageable third down opportunities. His passing ability is still a bit of an unknown, but he did complete 60% of his attempts without throwing an interception in his four games last season. If the Cowboys can create a threat to the Tigers run defense, the offense should be able to put up some points.
- Disruption on the defensive line
The Cowboys’ biggest question mark entering the season on the defensive side of the ball is on the line. While they had a formidable starting four of Josiah Hall, Garrett Crall, Javaree Jackson and Ravontae Holt, there were serious questions about the depth. With Holt suffering a torn ACL in fall practices, redshirt freshman Mario Mora will be forced into a starting role. If the defensive line can’t get the job done, linebackers Logan Wilson and Cassh Maluia will be in for a long evening.
- Elite Secondary Play
Missouri will be looking to throw the ball and Wyoming’s strength on defense is their secondary, with cornerbacks Tyler Hall and Antonio Hull and safeties Alijah Halliburton and Rome Weber. The Cowboys secondary will be tested with the multiple weapons on the Tigers offense and they will need an elite performance to keep the Cowboys in the game.
Prediction
Wyoming will benefit from the environment and typical first game jitters, but the Tigers have too much talent. Both fan bases will leave this matchup satisfied; Missouri will avoid a slip-up in a tricky road opener and the Cowboys will look the best they have against a P5 opponent in the Bohl era.
Missouri 34, Wyoming 26
