In their only game against a NCAA FBS team in the 2008 football season, the Bison head to Laramie, Wyoming to face off against the Cowboys at 7000+ feet (highest elevation in all of NCAA) and at War Memorial Stadium.
Though Wyoming isn't that well known, they sport a tough 3-4 defense that ranked 22 in the NCAA last year in total defense and sacks. Most likely this will be the toughest opponent the Bison see this season.
The Bison did beat a similar quality opponent last year in the MAC Champions Central Michigan 44-14, so its not out of the question for the Bison to win, but injuries in last weeks game left them slim at a few positions, including RB Tyler Roehl. Elevation also could play a factor.
If Nick Mertens can get the passing game going against the Cowboys, the Bison defense should be able to limit an offense that has lacked a passing game so far this season posting only 111 yards vs. Ohio, and 76 vs. Air Force last weekend in a 23-3 loss at home.
NDSU Coach Craig Bohl has shown a knack for getting his teams ready to play in big games and in big game situations, and I suspect this team will act no differently in keeping the game close enough to win despite a couple of key injuries. This is also the type of matchup between teams that match up so well against eachother that we could see some overtime. I'm just not sure yet if Nick Mertens is Steve Walker despite his stellar play so far, and Wyoming pulls it out late in the game. But I can also see the Bison winning.
NDSU Bison 16 - Wyoming 17.
***UPDATE***
I hate to say I was right after listening to this game on the radio, but after dominating much of the first 3 quarters, a Nick Mertens interception in Bison territory as the Herd tried to drive for a game winning score with 1 minute left in a 13-13 game sets up the cowboys to kick a game winning field goal with 7 seconds left and they pull out a 16-13 comeback victory at home in regulation. Talk about predicting a game....'Til next time...
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