For more than a century, the Wyoming Cowboys and Colorado State Rams have faced off in one of college football’s most storied rivalries, the Border War. This Friday night, the tradition continues on CBS Sports Network.
Who will emerge victorious this time? Our Wyoming vs. Colorado State preview covers it all—from the latest betting odds to what lies ahead for both teams in the 2024 college football season.
Wyoming vs. Colorado State Betting Preview
All Wyoming vs. Colorado State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Colorado State -12.5 - Spread
Colorado State -9.5 - Moneyline
Colorado State -325, Wyoming +260 - Over/Under
46.5 points - Game time
8 p.m. ET - Location
Canvas Stadium | Fort Collins, CO - Predicted Weather at Kick
30 degrees, clear to partly cloudy, 5 mph winds - How to Watch
CBS Sports Network
Friday night marks the 116th edition of the Border War, as Colorado State and Wyoming bring their rivalry into the 2024 season. The Rams hold a narrow 59-51-5 head-to-head advantage after 115 editions, but the Cowboys have won the last three, including the last time they met in Fort Collins.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
However, in the midst of two very different seasons, Colorado State is a comfortable favorite. The Rams have won all six games this season when expected to and against much tighter odds than they’re given in this one. Although Wyoming has overcome underdog status twice this year and covered the spread in four games, everything here favors another Rams win in 2024.
Wyoming’s Winning Probability
According to the CFN FPM, Wyoming has a 17.4% chance of beating Colorado State on Friday night. While our metric has been largely accurate in projecting a difficult season, the Cowboys did win against our odds against the Air Force Falcons and New Mexico Lobos.
- at Colorado State: 17.4%
- vs. Boise State: 5.6%
- at Washington State: 5.2%
If those win probabilities were to hold true, the Cowboys would end the year with a 2-10 record, including a 2-5 record in the Mountain West. Taking over from Craig Bohl was always going to be difficult, and so it has proved for Jay Sawvel in his first year.
Colorado State’s Winning Probability
Conversely, Colorado State has an 82.6% chance of beating Wyoming on Friday night. Our metric has been in lockstep with the Rams this season, accurately projecting each of their six wins and three losses while having a spread line closer to the actual result in the Rocky Mountain Showdown than the oddsmakers.
- vs. Wyoming: 82.6%
- at Fresno State: 57.4%
- vs. Utah State: 75.1%
If those win probabilities were to hold true, the Rams would end the year with a 9-3 record, including a perfect 7-0 conference record. Jay Norvell’s team has their destiny in their own hands. Win all the games above, as projected, and they’ll be in the Mountain West Championship Game against all preseason bets.
Prediction for Wyoming vs. Colorado State
Just 65 miles separate Wyoming and Colorado State, but the gap between the two teams this season feels far wider. While the Rams remain in contention for a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game, the Cowboys are left playing for pride after falling short of bowl eligibility.
In a rivalry game, though, pride can be a powerful motivator. Can Wyoming channel that into their third win of the season, building off the momentum from a victory over New Mexico? Or will Colorado State stay on course for a shot at the Mountain West title? This Border War matchup promises intensity—so who holds the advantage, and where will the key battles take place?
It’s easy to dismiss Wyoming’s chances based on their record and lackluster rankings on both sides of the ball. But rivalry games are unpredictable, and the Cowboys’ win over New Mexico hinted at the potential for a much stronger performance.
Harrison Waylee’s return against the Lobos brought a new dimension to Wyoming’s offense, as he bulldozed his way to 170 rushing yards and a touchdown. His blend of power and explosiveness has been sorely missed, and his presence transforms an offense that averages just 21.6 points per game. Meanwhile, quarterback Kaden Anderson delivered the Cowboys’ most impressive aerial performance of the season, adding a spark they desperately needed.
While Wyoming’s offense showed signs of life, their defense has been a glaring weakness. Historically a gritty, hard-nosed unit under Craig Bohl, this year’s squad has surrendered 31.7 points per game. They’ve been burned by big plays both on the ground and through the air, undercutting their otherwise impressive performance as the Mountain West’s second-best red zone defense.
Colorado State is more than equipped to exploit these defensive lapses. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi ranks fourth in the conference for 30+ yard passing plays, and receiver Caleb Goodie has emerged as a dynamic weapon in the passing game, helping mitigate the absence of Tory Horton.
But the real X-factor for the Rams lies in Avery Morrow’s ability to generate explosive plays on the ground, paired with a defense that doesn’t shy away from physicality. Ranked second in the Mountain West for forced fumbles, Colorado State’s defense could prove decisive.
These elements position the Rams as favorites to claim the 2024 Border War and keep their championship aspirations alive.
Prediction: Colorado State 31, Wyoming 17
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