NIU Huskies vs Wyoming Cowboys Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: NIU Huskies vs Wyoming Cowboys

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, WY

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Cowboys (-8.5)

Total/Over-Under: 40.5

The NIU Huskies (0-5) are on their way to War Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026 where they will take on the Wyoming Cowboys (3-3). Wyoming opens this matchup as 8.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is 40.5.

The NIU Huskies head into this game 0-5 this season. The last time they took the field, the Huskies played against the Air Force Falcons and walked away from this one with a loss by a score of 28-7. In all, they tallied 43 plays which gave them 253 yds. The NIU Huskies ended up running the ball 23 different times and totaled 113 yds, which is an average of 4.9 yards per attempt. Against the run, the Huskies conceded 439 yds on 67 attempts, which is 6.6 yards per run allowed. NIU surrendered 0 completions on 1 attempts for 0 yards, and a completion rate of 0.0%.

Regarding scoring, the NIU Huskies hold an average of 12.4 points per game. As a team they maintain an average of 86.0 yards in the run game which has them sitting 136th in D-1. The Huskies have attained 1,454 total yards for the season. In terms of getting in the endzone, NIU has earned 3 touchdowns through the air and 4 rushing touchdowns. NIU has recorded 84 1st downs, and they have been flagged for 26 infractions for 231 yards. They have turned the ball over 7 times.

The Huskies are sitting in 130th in college football when it comes to team defense, conceding 34.6 points per game. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 5.2 yards per rush and 211.4 yards on the ground per contest so far this season. Overall, they have allowed 1,057 rushing yards through 5 games. In terms of yards through the air, the Huskies have conceded 926 yds which puts them in 24th in D-1. They have conceded 185.2 yards per game via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 70.1%. During this campaign, they have given up 396.6 yards per contest which puts them 112th in college football. They have surrendered 11 touchdowns through the air as well as 9 touchdowns on the ground.

Get all of our College Football Picks Today

The Cowboys head into this game 3-3 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Cowboys walked away with a victory by a final of 16-13 when they faced the San Jose State Spartans. Wyoming ran for 4.4 yards per carry, finishing the game with 231 yards on 53 attempts. The Cowboys ended up finishing with 345 yds while running 77 plays (4.5 yards per play). The Cowboys secondary conceded a completion percentage of 68.4%, surrendering 251 yards on 26 out of 38 through the air. Wyoming conceded 28 rush attempts for 75 yards (2.7 yds per rush).

Regarding putting points on the board, the Cowboys are ranking 136th in the country by scoring 14.5 points per outing. The Wyoming Cowboys have an average of 301.8 yards/outing, which ranks them 129th in D-1. The Wyoming offense has totaled 307 penalty yds on 34 violations, which is good for 84th in Division 1 in terms of making mistakes. They have tossed 7 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 4 fumbles and they have recorded 102 first downs. Over the course of the season thus far, the Cowboys have racked up 829 passing yards as well as holding an average of 138.2 passing yards per contest, which ranks 132nd in D-1. They maintain an average of 163.7 yards per game on the ground and have rushed for 982 yards for the season.

Wyoming has allowed a total of 1,029 rushing yards (171.5 yards/game) as well as 7 touchdowns via the rush on the campaign. They have allowed 7 touchdowns through the air and 190.7 yards per game, ranking them 45th in Division 1. Over the course of the season, they have given up 123 points. They have totaled 1 fumble and 3 picks for the season. The Cowboys defense has taken part in 398 plays, which is good for 112th in the nation. The Cowboys are giving up 20.5 points per game, which has them ranked 44th in the country.

Who will win tonight's Huskies/Cowboys college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Cowboys -8.5

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Get college football picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bets by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.