By Luke Fletcher ｜ Ft Collins, Colorado

Wyoming is gearing up for a tough matchup this Saturday in Fargo, facing what could be the hardest game on their 2026 schedule. Currently, the Cowboys hold a 2-2 record overall and are 1-0 in Mountain West play, thanks to a solid 27-10 win against Hawai‘i. On the other side, they’ll be up against the unbeaten North Dakota State, which is making waves in its first season in the FBS, boasting a 4-0 record and also sitting at 1-0 in the Mountain West. This game not only marks their first Mountain West home game but also kicks off the “Battle of the Basins,” featuring a unique traveling trophy shaped like an oil drill bit. As the Bison are favored to win, fans can catch the action on October 3, 2026, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. EDT, in the Fargodome, broadcasted nationally on The CW.

This game is pretty unique since NDSU, now part of the Mountain West Conference at the FBS level, is favored by almost three touchdowns against a well-established FBS team. It’s also NDSU’s first home game in the Mountain West. To make things even more interesting, there’s a new trophy on the line called the Battle of the Basins, which weighs 28 pounds and stands 21 inches tall, featuring a replica oil drill bit to celebrate the oil industries in both states. Plus, there are strong coaching connections, as NDSU’s head coach Tim Polasek used to be Wyoming’s offensive coordinator, at the sam time that Jay Sawvel was the defensive coordinator, under former HC Craig Bohl, who has a legendary history with both teams.

Wyoming Has to Survive the Fargodome

North Dakota State has long established itself as a formidable force in college football, particularly at the Fargodome, where they’ve dominated with a remarkable 38-2 record in home playoff games during their FCS championship run, securing 10 national titles. Now, Wyoming is set to become the first Mountain West team to face this challenging atmosphere. However, the situation is more complex than just an FCS powerhouse stepping up; NDSU has already shown it can thrive in the FBS. The Bison kicked off their season with convincing wins against Jacksonville State (33-7) and Fordham (38-0), followed by a road victory over Air Force (38-32) and a solid win against Sacramento State (31-10). Currently, they boast an impressive average of 370.5 yards per game while allowing just 254.8, leading the Mountain West in total defense. In contrast, Wyoming’s offense averages 326.5 yards, but they give up 360.0 yards defensively.

Wyoming Must Make NDSU Play Its Game

This matchup isn’t ideal for Wyoming, as they really don’t want to get into a high-scoring game. The Cowboys are only putting up an average of 17.8 points per game, while NDSU is scoring around 35. With just two passing touchdowns in four games, Wyoming’s running game becomes crucial. They need to control the clock, keep the chains moving, and turn this into a gritty, physical battle that gives them a shot in the fourth quarter. If NDSU dominates possession and Wyoming keeps going three-and-out, it could spell trouble. The game plan should be straightforward: run the ball well, protect the ball, convert on third downs, and make NDSU earn every yard. The undefeated Bison are playing top-notch football, boasting a +8 turnover differential and three defensive touchdowns already. Their offense, led by quarterback Nathan Hayes, averages 35 points per game with a strong running game and a solid offensive line. On the defensive side, they shine by allowing just 12.3 points per game and effectively shutting down opponents’ rushing attacks, with key players like safety Marion Moore and pass rusher Kelton McCaslin making big plays.

The Defense Gives Wyoming a Chance

Wyoming is doing a solid job of stopping big plays, sitting at 23rd in the nation for that stat. Their linebacker group, featuring Gary Rutherford with 30 tackles and Steven Perez with 20, is particularly impressive. This strong defensive performance is a key reason to take the Cowboys seriously, as they’re only giving up 20.5 points per game and recently held Hawai‘i to just 10. Linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz is stepping up as a crucial player, and the front seven will need to be at their best for the upcoming game.

On the other hand, NDSU has proven they can put points on the board, but Air Force showed that they can be vulnerable, scoring 32 points and making a significant comeback after being down 35-13. Wyoming needs to find a way to create that same pressure without letting the game slip away early.

The Biggest Question: Can Wyoming Throw It?

NDSU is likely to stack the box and challenge Wyoming to make plays on the outside, which could be the turning point of the game. The Cowboys have struggled this season, throwing five interceptions compared to just two touchdown passes. With NDSU’s defense already racking up seven interceptions, Wyoming needs to avoid being predictable or careless with the ball. They don’t need to rack up 300 passing yards; instead, a few big completions, especially on early downs, could keep NDSU from focusing solely on the run. If Wyoming can’t stretch the field, their running game will quickly be stifled. The Cowboys have a strong run-first approach, led by backs Samuel Harris and Markell Holman, but quarterback Tyler Hughes has had a tough time, with only 656 passing yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. Currently, Wyoming is struggling to score, averaging just 17.8 points per game, placing them near the bottom of the FBS.

An Opportunity for Wyoming

The betting odds show just how tough the challenge is, with NDSU being a 17.5-point favorite. However, for Wyoming, this game is about more than just the numbers. After a shaky 2-2 start, their win against Hawai‘i has given them a boost of confidence. Facing an undefeated NDSU team in Fargo will really help them gauge their position in the Mountain West. The Cowboys can’t afford to play it safe and wait for NDSU to slip up; they need to be bold, taking risks with deep passes, being aggressive on early downs, and seizing any chance to gain an edge.

The Cowboys’ tough, physical approach makes it hard for NDSU to pull ahead quickly. However, the real game-changer is how well each team can score. NDSU has shown a knack for racking up points efficiently, while Wyoming struggles to generate big plays in the passing game. If Wyoming can manage to win the turnover battle and connect on a couple of significant passes, the fourth quarter could turn into a nail-biter.

For a game being marketed as the first Battle of the Basins, that would be a pretty good way to start a new Mountain West rivalry. However I Predict: North Dakota State 27, Wyoming 17. Go Pokes!