Northern Colorado vs Wyoming Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Northern Colorado Bears make the short trip to War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming, to face the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET on MW+. Northern Colorado enters at 1-1 after defeating Chadron State 42-14, while Wyoming is 1-1 following a 20-10 road loss to Utah. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Northern Colorado Takes a Step Forward

Northern Colorado responded to its season-opening loss with a convincing 42-14 victory over Chadron State. The Bears generated 440 total yards, including 271 through the air, while building a 28-7 halftime advantage and controlling the game from there.

Darius Curry completed 18 of 24 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Caden Meis supplied 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Caleb Ramseur led the receiving attack with 96 yards and a touchdown. Northern Colorado averaged more than seven yards per offensive play and finished with six offensive touchdowns.

That performance was encouraging, but the level of competition changes dramatically in Laramie. Northern Colorado now faces an FBS defense that just held Utah to 20 points. The Bears will need Curry to remain efficient while finding enough success on the ground to prevent Wyoming from controlling the line of scrimmage.

Wyoming Defense Keeps Cowboys Competitive

Wyoming couldn’t complete the upset at Utah, but its 20-10 defeat showed why the Cowboys could be difficult to play against this season. Wyoming remained within one possession deep into the fourth quarter before Utah finally created separation.

Kaden Anderson completed 17 of 29 passes for 175 yards, while Samuel Harris led the Cowboys with 63 rushing yards. Wyoming’s offense struggled to generate explosive plays, but the Cowboys protected the football well enough to stay within striking distance against a Power Four opponent.

The defense gives Wyoming a major advantage in this matchup. Holding Utah to 20 points on the road is a considerably stronger defensive test than anything Northern Colorado has faced. The Cowboys now return to War Memorial Stadium, where the altitude and physical style of play should make this a difficult assignment for an FCS opponent.

Northern Colorado vs Wyoming Picks and Prediction

Pick: Wyoming -17.5 or Better

With conventional sportsbook odds not consistently available, Wyoming -17.5 or better is my target. Northern Colorado’s offensive performance against Chadron State was impressive, but moving from Division II competition to an FBS defense is an enormous jump. Wyoming just stayed competitive for four quarters at Utah and should have substantial advantages at the line of scrimmage. The Cowboys aren’t an offense I want laying an enormous number, but anything below three touchdowns provides enough room. Take Wyoming -17.5 or better.

Pick: Under 48.5

The Under 48.5 is my preferred total target. Wyoming’s offensive limitations make it difficult to project a huge scoring output, while its defense should prevent Northern Colorado from duplicating last week’s 42-point performance. The Cowboys should be able to control possession, lean on the running game and gradually create separation without turning this into a shootout. Something around 31-10 or 34-10 fits the matchup. Take the Under if the total is set at 48.5 or higher.

Final Picks: Wyoming -17.5 or better and Under 48.5 or higher