- Matchup: Wyoming Cowboys vs North Dakota State Bison
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Venue: Fargodome, Fargo, ND
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Odds/Point Spread: Bison favored by 19.0 points
- Total Points Over-Under: 45.5
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The matchup at Fargodome will feature the North Dakota State Bison (4-0) facing off against the Wyoming Cowboys (2-2) on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Sportsbooks have placed the Bison as 19-point favorites, with the total points set at 45.5.
The Wyoming Cowboys enter this contest with a record of 2-2 for the season. In their recent outing, the Cowboys secured a victory against the Hawaii Warriors, winning 27-10. During this game, they executed 61 plays and totaled 387 yards. The Cowboys’ rushing attack was strong, amassing 183 yards on 38 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. On defense, Wyoming allowed 102 rushing yards on 23 attempts, giving up an average of 4.4 yards per carry. Additionally, they permitted 28 completions on 44 attempts for 226 yards, achieving a completion percentage of 63.6%.
This season, the Cowboys have accumulated a total of 1,304 yards. In terms of scoring, they have registered 2 passing touchdowns and 6 rushing touchdowns, although they have also turned the ball over 8 times. Offensively, Wyoming has achieved 73 first downs and has incurred 23 penalties for 194 yards. They average 160.3 rushing yards per game, placing them 70th nationally. Overall, the Cowboys are scoring an average of 17.8 points per game.
<pDefensively, Wyoming ranks 50th in Division 1 in terms of points allowed, surrendering 20.5 points per game. They allow an average of 4.9 yards per rushing attempt and have conceded an average of 183.5 rushing yards per game, totaling 734 yards over four games. In the passing game, Wyoming has allowed 706 yards, ranking them 39th in the nation, with an average of 176.5 passing yards a game and a completion percentage of 62.9%. Ultimately, they give up an average of 360.0 total yards per game, ranking them 79th overall. This includes yielding 7 touchdowns through the air and 3 via rushing.
The Bison enter this contest undefeated at 4-0 this season. In their last game, North Dakota State achieved a convincing 31-10 victory against the Sacramento State Hornets. The Bison’s run defense held opponents to 26 rush attempts for 90 yards (3.5 yards per carry). Their pass defense showcased its strength as well, allowing a 62.5% completion rate—yielding 240 yards on 25 completions out of 40 attempts. North Dakota State amassed a total of 362 yards, running 59 plays for an impressive average of 6.1 yards per play. They rushed for 4.5 yards per attempt, tabulating 152 yards over 34 carries.
Regarding scoring, the Bison rank 47th in Division 1 with an average of 35.0 points per game. Their offense averages 370.5 total yards per game, ranking them 89th nationally. North Dakota State has incurred 244 yards in penalties across 28 infractions, positioning them 55th in Division 1 regarding penalties. They have thrown 2 interceptions while not losing any fumbles, achieving a total of 76 first downs this season. The Bison have recorded 847 yards through the air, averaging 211.8 passing yards per game, placing them 88th in Division 1, while averaging 158.8 rushing yards per game with a total of 635 yards.
The Bison’s defense allows only 12.3 points per game, which ranks 12th in the nation. They have conceded 401 rushing yards (100.3 yards per game) as well as 3 rushing touchdowns this year. In the passing game, they have allowed 3 touchdowns and an average of 154.5 yards per game, positioning them 14th in Division 1. Their defense has been tested with 234 plays this season, ranking 29th overall, and they have collected 3 fumbles and 7 interceptions, giving up a total of just 49 points this year.
Who will prevail in this crucial matchup between the Cowboys and Bison?
Recommendation: Back the Bison -19.0
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