Wyoming (7-5) and Georgia State (7-5) will play one another when they face off in the 2019 Arizona Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Tuscon.
How They Got Here: Wyoming
Wyoming opened the year 3-0, From there, the Cowboys won three of their next five to get to 6-2.
When Wyoming lost starting QB Sean Chambers, it forced backup Tyler Vander Waal into the starting role. With Vander Waal as the starter, Wyoming lost three of its last four games to finish 7-5.
On defense Wyoming is allowing 17.8 PPG, which is 11th best in the country. They are currently on a thirteen game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher. They are sixth in the nation against the run, allowing 99 YPG.
How They Got Here: Georgia State
Georgia State upset Tennessee 38-30 in Knoxville in Week 1. The win was part of a 2-2 start. After a four-game winning streak in October, Georgia State closed out the regular season by losing three of four games.
Dan Ellington threw for 2,291 yards and 21 touchdowns during the regular season. Georgia State is 4-1 this season when Ellington racks up 200 or more passing yards. His main target, Cornelius McCoy, has 679 receiving yards and four touchdowns on the season.
Players To Watch
Wyoming: Tyler Vander Waal
It has been a disappointing season for Wyoming’s backup quarterback. After a promising start, its been all downhill since Vander Waal was named the starter. Even with Wyoming’s top-rated defense, they will need their QB to show up in this game.
Georgia State: Tra Barnett
Wyoming will look to extend their streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher. Barnett ran for over 1,300 yards and 12 TDs on the season. If Georgia State can get Barnett rolling, they should win pretty easily.
Gambling: Wyoming -7 O/U 48
I’m taking Georgia State +7 and the under. Wyoming just doesn’t have the offensive power to keep up. They will have to rely on their defense. But I like Georgia State on offense in this game and believe they should be able to win outright or cover in the 2019 Arizona Bowl.
You can view our other 2019 bowl previews here.
