Aggies to play in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
For the first time in Utah State University history, the football team will go to its fifth-straight bowl game.
The Aggies will travel to Boise, Idaho to take on Akron in the 19th annual Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
For USU, it’s the fourth overall appearance in the Potato Bowl and the third time in just five years.
“We gladly accept the invitation to represent Utah State University and the Mountain West Conference in the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl,” said third-year Utah State head coach Matt Wells. “This bowl game is a great reward for our team and its accomplishments this year, and solidifies the strength and consistency of this program.”
Utah State entered the 2015 season as one of just four FBS programs to win at least 30 games and record three bowl victories in the past three years, joining Clemson, Michigan State and Oregon. USU is also looking to expand the current record of three consecutive bowl wins with another win in Boise.
“On behalf of Utah State University, we are thrilled to represent the Mountain West Conference at the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl,” said USU vice president and director of Athletics John Hartwell. “Utah State has a great history and relationship with both the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and the city of Boise. The proximity of the bowl will give our loyal fans a great opportunity to witness the Aggies play in a school-record fifth-straight bowl game.”
Akron is 7-5 on the season and finished 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference. Currently riding a four-game winning streak, the Zips only lost to bowl-eligible teams this season. They ended the year with a 20-0 shutout win at home over Kent State.
“We are excited to prepare for a quality Akron team that had an outstanding season,” Wells said. “Our staff has great respect for Akron head coach Terry Bowden and the Zips team with the success they had this season.”
The bowl appearance is Akron’s second since moving to Div. I play in 1987. The Zips’ first bowl appearance was the 2005 Motor City Bowl in Detroit. The game is the first meeting between the two schools.
“We are excited to be going to Boise to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl,” Bowden said in a press conference on Sunday. “It’s been around for a long time … It will be an exciting place for our players to go. We obviously are excited for our players to go out there as a reward for their accomplishments.”
The Zips feature a third-ranked rushing defense that allows just 89.8 yards per game. They are also ranked 17th in total defense, giving up 328.5 yards per game. Senior linebacker Jatavis Brown is the star of the defense and was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and earned first team honors.
Utah State enters the game with the 14th ranked pass defense, allowing only 180 yards per game while also holding a top-40 rankings in 16 different categories. Senior linebacker Kyler Fackrell and junior Nick Vigil lead the Aggie defense. Fackrell ranks No. 1 in the nation with five fumble recoveries and Vigil is tied for fifth in the nation in total tackles at 11.7 tackles per game.
“We are really excited about this year’s matchup between Utah State and Akron,” said Kevin McDonald, executive director of Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. “It will be great to have Utah State return to the bowl since they have a fantastic regional fan base and always bring excitement to Boise. We are also thrilled to host Akron for the first time and look forward to their big defensive play on the field.”
— kalen.s.taylor@gmail.com
Twitter: @kalen_taylor