Pokes 18-point underdogs, for now, in opener

CHEYENNE -- The last time the Wyoming Cowboys were a double-digit underdog at home against a non-conference opponent was when the Oregon Ducks paid a visit to War Memorial Stadium in 2017.

Justin Herbert and Co. walked out of Laramie with a dominating 49-13 victory.

Las Vegas believes Missouri will be even better against this current crop of Cowboys. The line, as of Tuesday, is fluctuating between -17.5 and -18 for the home team.

Guess how much the players care?

"We can't control that," Wyoming running back Xazavian Valladay said Monday afternoon. "They are a team just like us. Plus, it's the first game of the year. You saw what happened this weekend."

The sophomore, of course, was referring to the Arizona-Hawaii and Florida-Miami games during zero week.

The Wildcats were favored by 10.5 points heading into Aloha Stadium.

No. 8 Florida was supposed to knock off their underdog neighbors to the south by at least a touchdown.

Instead, the Rainbow Warriors narrowly escaped their home opener with a 45-38 win, hammering Arizona QB Khalil Tate at the goal line to preserve the upset win over a Pac-12 opponent.

The Gators, well, let's just say they had some trouble with the young, upstart 'Canes. Florida was able to bank on an experienced defense to pull out a 24-20 win in Orlando.

So, what does it all mean?

Nothing.

Here's a good example of when Vegas got it all wrong.

In 2016, the 13th-ranked Boise State Broncos rode into Laramie as a 14.5-point favorite. Josh Allen and the Pokes stunned the college football world, knocking off their MWC rival, 30-28.

There's a flip side to this, too.

Remember when Wyoming opened the season against North Dakota of the FCS? Then the next week lowly Eastern Michigan came to Laramie?

The Cowboys were an 18-point favorite against the UND -- and 11.5 against the Eagles.

Wyoming got blown out in both.

So, what does this all mean?

Nada.

Sorry for wasting your time.