The October 25, 2025 edition of the Border War between the Colorado State Rams and the Wyoming Cowboys at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie promises to deliver another gritty and emotional chapter in one of the Mountain West’s oldest rivalries. These two programs, separated by just over 60 miles of interstate, always bring added intensity to their meetings, and this year’s matchup is no exception. Colorado State enters the game searching for stability after a turbulent season that saw head coach Jay Norvell dismissed earlier in the month, while Wyoming looks to capitalize on its home-field advantage and maintain momentum in the Mountain West standings. The Rams come in with a 2-4 record, struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball. They average 22.3 points per game on offense while allowing 26.3 points per game defensively, numbers that illustrate their inability to finish drives and their tendency to give up big plays at critical moments. Their offense, led by quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, has shown flashes of efficiency, particularly in the short passing game, but turnovers and third-down inefficiency (converting just 35% of attempts) have plagued them. The running game, powered by Vann Schield and Kobe Johnson, averages a modest 4.3 yards per carry and has been serviceable but not explosive. Wide receiver Tory Horton remains the focal point of the offense, leading the team in receptions and yards, but opposing defenses have increasingly focused on limiting his deep-ball opportunities, forcing Colorado State to rely on underneath routes and short-yardage gains. Defensively, the Rams have had some bright spots—linebacker Jack Howell leads the unit in tackles, and the front seven has improved against the run—but inconsistency in the secondary continues to cost them in key moments. The defense gives up 5.3 yards per play and has struggled to generate turnovers, a trend that must change if they want to pull off the upset in Laramie. On the other sideline, Wyoming enters the rivalry matchup with a 3-3 record and the confidence that comes from playing at War Memorial Stadium, one of the most challenging venues in college football due to its high altitude and unpredictable winds. The Cowboys’ identity under head coach Jay Sawvel remains rooted in physicality and discipline.

Their offense has been steady, if unspectacular, averaging 19.8 points per game and 5.4 yards per play. Quarterback Andrew Peasley brings veteran poise to the position, completing over 60% of his passes for roughly 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns while minimizing turnovers. Wyoming’s strength, however, lies in its ground game and offensive line, led by running back Harrison Waylee, who averages nearly five yards per carry and serves as the team’s offensive catalyst. The Cowboys’ ability to run between the tackles and control time of possession has kept them competitive in every game. Defensively, Wyoming is as tough as ever, allowing just 22.3 points per game and limiting opponents to 5.0 yards per play. Linebackers Easton Gibbs and Shae Suiaunoa anchor a fast, physical defense that prides itself on sound tackling and gap control. The Cowboys excel in forcing opponents into third-and-long situations, a strength that could spell trouble for a Colorado State offense already struggling to sustain drives. Special teams are another advantage for Wyoming, with kicker John Hoyland continuing to be one of the most reliable in the conference. Strategically, this game will hinge on tempo, turnovers, and physical control. Colorado State will try to spread Wyoming’s defense horizontally and create space for Horton and its running backs, while Wyoming will look to impose its will through the trenches and control clock with methodical drives. From a betting perspective, Wyoming’s 3-3 ATS record and home dominance make them a slight favorite, but rivalry games tend to defy trends. Expect a low-scoring, defensive battle defined by field position, where Wyoming’s physicality and altitude advantage give them the edge late. If Colorado State can limit mistakes and find early offensive rhythm, they can make it close—but Wyoming’s stability and toughness should ultimately carry them to another hard-earned Border War victory.

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