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Potato Bowl, Idaho vs Colorado State: Preview and predictions

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 26, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado State Rams running back Marvin Kinsey Jr. (25) runs the ball against the San Diego State Aztecs during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado State Rams running back Marvin Kinsey Jr. (25) runs the ball against the San Diego State Aztecs during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 Potato Bowl matches up two relatively unknowns in Idaho and Colorado State, but who will come out on top?

It’s not the most glorious bowl game out there, but Thursday’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is going to be a much closer matchup than people realize. Sometimes it’s these lesser-known matchups that turn out to be the most exciting bowl games — tell that to Tulsa and Central Michigan, though.

Colorado State comes into this one with a 7-5 record out of the Mountain West and the Rams are no stranger to tough competition, playing teams like Colorado, Boise State and Minnesota this season. The Rams’ passing attack isn’t the best as it’s the run game that has carried them.

On the other side, Idaho is 8-4 this season and is basically playing a home game here at Albertsons Stadium in Boise. The Vandals, too, have played some fierce competition this season in both Washington and Washington State. They have a much more impressive aerial attack than ground game, though.

This matchup is pretty even as Idaho will look to win its third bowl game ever, remaining undefeated in postseason play since joining the FBS, and Colorado State its first since 2013 under Jim McElwain.

Here’s how you can watch Thursday’s Potato Bowl:

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Date: Thursday, Dec. 22
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Boise, ID
Venue: Albertsons Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For Colorado State, it will be important to put pressure on Matt Linehan. He has passed for nearly 3,000 yards on the season, but he has also thrown 10 interceptions. Forcing him to rush his throws will be imperative to winning the turnover battle.

Idaho needs to shut down Colorado State’s run game which averages 223 yards per game. Junior Dalyn Dawkins finished the regular season with three straight 100-yard performances and it will be important for the Vandals to hold him in check and plug running lanes.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Colorado State -14
Over/Under: 65

Prediction

Idaho will come out strong in this one, but it will ultimately be the Rams of Colorado State who get the last laugh. The Vandals will race out to a 7-0 lead in the first, but the Rams’ rushing attack will wear down Idaho’s defense by the end of the second quarter. Not being able to key on one single rusher will hurt.

Final Score: Idaho 17, Colorado State 31

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