<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Idaho Archives - The Utah Statesman</title> <atom:link href="https://usustatesman.com/tag/idaho/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://usustatesman.com/tag/idaho/</link> <description>USU's Student Newspaper</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:27:39 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cropped-screen-shot-2017-10-19-at-4.33.29-pm-32x32.png</url> <title>Idaho Archives - The Utah Statesman</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/tag/idaho/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>BYU-Idaho students, admin react to rumors of students purposely contracting COVID-19</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/byu-idaho-students-admin-react-to-rumors-of-students-purposely-contracting-covid-19/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jacee Caldwell]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:26:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[antibodies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Biolife]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BYU]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BYU admin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[contracting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[East Idaho News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exposing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Idaho]]></category> <category><![CDATA[infection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[plasma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rexburg]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rumors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Salt Lake Tribune]]></category> <category><![CDATA[students]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22111616</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho sent out a warning to their students on Oct. 12 after rumors surfaced of…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/byu-idaho-students-admin-react-to-rumors-of-students-purposely-contracting-covid-19/">BYU-Idaho students, admin react to rumors of students purposely contracting COVID-19</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho sent out a warning to their students on Oct. 12 after rumors surfaced of students intentionally contracting COVID-19. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The university said they were </span><a href="https://www.byui.edu/covid-19-updates#sf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“deeply troubled”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by the rumors and warned that if anyone was caught contracting COVID-19 intentionally, or exposing others to it, they would be immediately suspended from the university. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the statement, the university was informed that students were hoping to contract the virus so they could sell their plasma, which would contain COVID-19 antibodies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is currently no physical evidence of any student trying to contract the virus.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For students attending the university, like sophomore Jeorgina Castillo, this announcement brought a lot of anger. Castillo said that she believes this issue could cause BYU-Idaho to shut down, which is something she’s not OK with. Castillo hopes that students, even from other universities, will take this warning seriously. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The university was quick to take action on the rumor. The statement also warned that they would be “actively seeking” for such evidence. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rumors surrounding this activity came as COVID-19 cases started to skyrocket in Madison County where BYU-Idaho is located. According to </span><a href="https://www.eastidahonews.com/2020/10/byu-idaho-issues-stern-warning-about-intentionally-contracting-covid-19/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">East Idaho News</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, this county has the highest infection rate across the entire health district.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the news report, “The outbreak is so bad that data collected and updated by </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/23/upshot/five-ways-to-monitor-coronavirus-outbreak-us.html?fbclid=IwAR0TOVcjOI5zi9k1CLEs5TOkfbNcvAVl344-7-78SBMUnhcLZhG1RDibapM"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the New York Times</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> lists the Rexburg metro area as having the highest number of new cases, relative to its population, in the last two weeks.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Biolife, a donation center 40 minutes away from campus, is offering $200 per donation for people with the antibodies compared to $20-$50 per donation regularly. Biomat USA is another center paying extra for antibodies. Although that may seem like a lot of money, it is very short-lived considering that people are only eligible to donate while the antibodies remain in their system.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vlasta Hakes, a spokeswoman for Grifols, a parent company to Biomat USA, another plasma donation center, spoke to the </span><a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2020/10/13/byu-idaho-says-students/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Salt Lake Tribune </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">about the situation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hakes said the idea of intentionally contracting this infection was “ludicrous” and “</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">there’s no way to tell how sick someone might get from COVID-19. Students could be risking their life — and potentially infecting others — for a little extra cash.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">BYU-Idaho spokesman Brett Crandall said they have no more information at this time and the university currently has no way of knowing for certain if students are contracting the virus intentionally. However, the statement does warn that reckless behavior and disregard for health has severe consequences in the community and doesn’t just affect the individual.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="mailto:Dallas9201@gmail.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dallas9201@gmail.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> @JaceeCaldwell</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified Grifols as a parent company to Biolife. Grifols is the parent company of Biomat USA.</em></strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/byu-idaho-students-admin-react-to-rumors-of-students-purposely-contracting-covid-19/">BYU-Idaho students, admin react to rumors of students purposely contracting COVID-19</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>I’m one of the students who walked out, but I’m an LGBT supporter</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/im-one-students-walked-im-lbgt-supporter/</link> <comments>https://usustatesman.com/im-one-students-walked-im-lbgt-supporter/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shelby Smith]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2017 23:22:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Letters to the Editor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Aggie]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aggie life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aggie strife]]></category> <category><![CDATA[all voices matter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chelsea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chelsea heaton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[class]]></category> <category><![CDATA[classmates]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cousin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[deserving of love]]></category> <category><![CDATA[disagreement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[editorial]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gift]]></category> <category><![CDATA[had a feeling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[human]]></category> <category><![CDATA[i don't regret walking out]]></category> <category><![CDATA[i walked out]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Idaho]]></category> <category><![CDATA[letter to the editor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LGBT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lgbt presentation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lgbt rights]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lgbt supporter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lgbtqia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mormon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[palpable peer pressure]]></category> <category><![CDATA[peer pressure]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shelby Stoor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[student life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USU]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Utah State]]></category> <category><![CDATA[walk out]]></category> <category><![CDATA[walking out]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://usustatesman.com/?p=22012250</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The editorial was written in response to another letter submitted on Tuesday by Chelsea Heaton regarding whether or not USU…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/im-one-students-walked-im-lbgt-supporter/">I’m one of the students who walked out, but I’m an LGBT supporter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>The editorial was written in response to<a href="https://usustatesman.com/usu-students-feel-safe-disagree-class-right/"> another letter</a> submitted on Tuesday by Chelsea Heaton regarding whether or not USU students should voice their dissenting opinions about members of the LGBT community. </i></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recently, a letter to the editor for the Statesman was written about how students should feel comfortable to disagree in class. The author wrote that she recently attended a class in which a guest speaker came in to discuss LGBT and how there was “palpable peer pressure” filling the room. Not only was there obvious discomfort, but three students actually chose to leave the class. I am one of those three students.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now, I know I just instantly lost some readers because of anger, sadness and disappointment in me being “intolerant” or many may see me as “hypocritical.” And if you do see me that way, I’m fine with that. But you don’t know me and you should not judge my character on this one issue. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before I continue, I want to tell you about myself. First off, as I’m sure you’ve already guessed, I am a Mormon. However, I also support LGBT rights. Many people seem to be under the impression that these two things can not coexist, but I am here to tell you that it is very possible and actually, rather common. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although my religious beliefs may lead me to believe something different on a spiritual level, that does not make me believe that the LGBT community shouldn’t have the same human and legal rights — as any other individual in our society. Nor does it make me intolerant, regardless of what you may say. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the past week since the lecture, many people asked me why I chose to leave when I am a strong supporter of LGBT rights and always have been. Choosing to leave was not a decision I made lightly. Many readers seem to be under the impression that the three of us who left heard the words “LGBT” and walked straight out the door. That was not the case. We did not leave until about fifteen minutes into the lecture. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now I can not speak to my classmates reasons for leaving, or for staying, but I left for two reasons. The first was simply because of a feeling I had that what was happening was not right. I might receive condemnation for that, but that is fine with me. The second was due to the way the information was presented. With all due respect to the presenter, the lecture had more of a feeling of being “preached” to or having information “shoved down our throats” rather than a discussion. Although I know this was not their intention, some things that were said made it seem like those who disagree with the LGBT lifestyle are wrong and that they should change their beliefs. Asking someone to change their beliefs to fit your lifestyle is not right, no matter your sexual orientation. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My cousin, AC Ivory, came out to our family just a few years ago. In a conservative, Mormon family, I can not begin to even imagine how difficult this was for him. Being able to do that takes a great deal of bravery and confidence in yourself. AC and I had the chance to talk about this situation, and this is what he had to say. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was not in the room so I cannot have an opinion on the actual content talked about in the room. If you and your friends were not comfortable with what was being presented, you were right to walk out. I have also walked out on lectures that I didn’t agree with. There is nothing wrong with that,” he said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As far as acceptance goes, AC is very grateful to me and my family for our acceptance of who he is, regardless of our religious beliefs. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I appreciate your acceptance and openness. Not everyone is </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">—</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> obviously. It means a lot. Regardless of what anyone believes, what race they are, what religion they are, what sexuality they are, etc., we are all human and we all deserve to be treated equally. It means a lot that you reached out to me and I love you and the rest of the family. I feel like our family has been very accepting and loving towards me, even after coming out,” he said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A close family friend, Sadie Somsen, was raised in the same small town Idaho community as me. Sadie and her brothers grew up with my dad. They were all taught the same values when it comes to loving and serving those around you. In a largely Mormon community, coming out for Sadie was not easy either. But I like to believe that it is good hearted people like my family who made it a little easier for her. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The world we live in is vast and ever-changing,” she said. “That being said, a lot of opinions of right and wrong are shared and discussed. I personally have had many of these discussions with many different people. My ‘lifestyle’ has been a point of some of these discussions. I believe and live my life with those same core values I was brought up with. Love one another, like I have loved you. I have only been greeted with love and respect from the Stoor family.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sadie knows the importance of choice for herself and for all of us. She told me when I asked her opinion on my choice to leave that she hears and understands both sides.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We are all human, and to share who I am with those I love is a gift, not a requirement. I also believe that it is a beautiful thing to have a choice. Some of the cruelty I have heard I have chosen to walk away. As should be everyone’s option, actually it IS everyone’s option,” she said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the letter to the editor was posted, readers instantly began attacking the writer as being unkind, intolerant and homophobic. While I think these accusations are hasty (and a form of intolerance themselves), I also see why people would react in this way to her words. However, it was one letter, written by one student stating her opinion on the fact that we should feel free to disagree. And she is absolutely right. Disagreement is a good thing, but many people see those who disagree with them as being ignorant and unkind. That is where the problem lies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I do not regret walking out of that lecture. As I have questioned myself over the past week, I have come to know that was the appropriate decision for me in that moment. I still love and accept the LGBT community and hope that one day, the intolerance they face from so many people is put to an end. And I hope that those of you reading this will extend that same love and acceptance not only to me, but to everyone. Because we are all human and we are all deserving of love and of having the right to choose.</span></p> <p><i>— Shelby Stoor is a freshman that loves all things Utah State. She enjoys spending her free time writing, binge watching Grey’s Anatomy and traveling to Idaho to be with her family.</i></p> <p><a href="mailto:shelbstoor11@aggiemail.usu.edu"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">shelbstoor11@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></i></a></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">@shelbstoor11</span></i></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/im-one-students-walked-im-lbgt-supporter/">I’m one of the students who walked out, but I’m an LGBT supporter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://usustatesman.com/im-one-students-walked-im-lbgt-supporter/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>15</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Column: Small town girl takes on big city</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/column-small-town-girl-takes-on-big-city/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kortni Wells]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:28:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aggies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Collegiate 4H]]></category> <category><![CDATA[column]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Idaho]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kortni Wells]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel column]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USU]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Utah State]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Western National Roundup]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://usustatesman.com/?p=22011530</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Kortni Wells is a junior majoring in print journalism. Her adventurous life includes making and decorating cheesecake, planning thrill-seeking adventures,…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/column-small-town-girl-takes-on-big-city/">Column: Small town girl takes on big city</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Kortni Wells is a junior majoring in print journalism. Her adventurous life includes making and decorating cheesecake, planning thrill-seeking adventures, and of course, lots of naps. </em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What’s a small town Idahoan girl to do in the big city of Denver, Colorado? </span></p> <p>More than she ever thought possible.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I find the most excitement leaving Logan for even just a weekend, if that tells you how much I get out. A couple months ago, I was given the opportunity to apply for a little thing called Western National Roundup held in Denver, Colorado.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Western National Roundup is open to youth 4-H and FFA members who are in between 14 and 19 years of age. This year there were over 1,100 youth in attendance from 33 states, as well as a delegation from Alberta, Canada. Delegates are chosen by winning their home state’s contest, or being chosen as a delegate in their home state. Competitions held at roundup include horse and livestock judging, livestock quiz bowl, hippology, horse demonstrations and public speaking, parliamentary procedure, family consumer science presentations, skillathon, and bowl, consumer decision making, public speaking (prepared and impromptu), and meats identification.Delegates practice good sportsmanship, public speaking, and professionalism that will carry them forward. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Collegiate 4-Hers of Utah State were accepted to facilitate some of the contests. This was my first year experiencing all that Denver had to offer, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. There were chances to meet other Collegiate 4-Hers from different universities, swap 4-H stories of our experiences, develop better friendships with my own fellow Collegiate 4-Hers, and explore in a place I’ve never been before. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The theme of this year’s contests was titled, “Level Up your Leadership,” aimed at helping encourage delegates and participants to take their leadership skills to the next level. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There were several souvenirs bought, new food place to try, and many new things to experience, that wouldn’t have really been possible without this experience. We also had the opportunity to attend the National Western Stock Show, which is one of the biggest livestock shows( the biggest I have ever attended). Although we weren’t there for the “meat” of the Stock Show, the cattle portion, it was fun to attend my first ever llama show. Who knew you could show a llama? Right? I just discovered that too. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As one fellow Collegiate 4-Her recently recounted, we definitely learned all about llamas while we were there. Honestly the only thoughts I had was that I suddenly felt that I was an extra in “The Emperor’s New Groove.” And, because of the loopy tiredness I felt through that whole week, I thought watching llamas show was one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This experience was unlike any other 4-H Conference I have ever attended, and I’ve attended several in my 4-H lifetime. There is seriously something for everyone. Although this experience is tailored to 4-H and FFA youth, the Collegiates also learned quite a bit facilitating, and helping out with the contests, in areas that we definitely weren’t experts at. We were able to interact with youth from all over the United States, dance our hearts out with the delegates, make personal connections with the speakers, as well as professional connections with the staff and directors of the conference, that will help us in our futures as we venture out into the real world. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This experience was the perfect way to start my 2017. I couldn’t be happier for the opportunity I was blessed with to attend Western National Roundup. I can now see why it’s worth it to venture out of the areas that are known, and to embrace the unknown and unfamiliar. You never know what will come out of the experience. The 12+ car ride, the unexpected storm warnings, the food that almost made us sick, the fancy glass elevator at our hotel, the laughs, the long nights, and everything in between. More than just parli pro was learned, at least in my case this past weekend. I also discovered that it isn’t the events that carry us forward. It’s the memories, and the people you are able to make those memories with that matters. And for that I will always be grateful. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">— kortni.marie.wells@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@kortniwells</span></em></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/column-small-town-girl-takes-on-big-city/">Column: Small town girl takes on big city</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Aggies to play in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/aggies-to-play-in-famous-idaho-potato-bowl/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kalen Taylor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2015 02:39:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Football]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aggies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Akron]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Boise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bowl Game]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Famous Idaho Potato Bowl]]></category> <category><![CDATA[football]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Idaho]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Logan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mountain West Conference]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Utah State]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zips]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://usustatesman.com/?p=22004361</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>For the first time in Utah State University history, the football team will go to its fifth-straight bowl game. The…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/aggies-to-play-in-famous-idaho-potato-bowl/">Aggies to play in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For the first time in Utah State University history, the football team will go to its fifth-straight bowl game.</p> <p>The Aggies will travel to Boise, Idaho to take on Akron in the 19th annual Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday, Dec. 22</span></span> at <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">1:30 p.m.</span></span> at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise, Idaho.</p> <p>For USU, it’s the fourth overall appearance in the Potato Bowl and the third time in just five years. </p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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. </p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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. </p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p><i>— kalen.s.taylor@gmail.com<br /></i><i>Twitter: @kalen_taylor</i></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/aggies-to-play-in-famous-idaho-potato-bowl/">Aggies to play in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>