The Fresno State Bulldogs, with a season record of 6-6, will face the Northern Illinois Huskies, who hold a 7-5 record, in the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday afternoon. Both teams are looking to conclude their seasons positively. Fresno State enters the matchup having lost three out of their last four games, including a close 20-13 defeat against UCLA. This bowl game marks the last outing for interim head coach Tim Skipper, as the program prepares for new leadership under Matt Entz, currently the associate head coach at USC.
Northern Illinois finished strong, winning three of their last four games and qualifying for the bowl after a shaky 4-4 start. Kickoff for this exciting clash is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET at Albertsons Stadium. According to the latest odds, Northern Illinois is favored by 2.5 points, with an over/under set at 41 points, slightly adjusted from its initial figure.
Fresno State, despite a promising start to the season, struggled in Mountain West play. They have already made plans to transition into the Pac-12, stepping into a new chapter for the program. Starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who led the conference with nearly 2,900 passing yards, will not participate, as he is among 14 players who have opted to transfer. The team will rely on co-starters Joshua Wood and Jayden Mandal to lead the offense.
On the flip side, Northern Illinois features a robust senior class, with a record 30 players participating in their final game. This group previously secured an impressive victory over Notre Dame this season. Their quarterback situation has faced challenges as Ethan Hampton has entered the transfer portal, paving the way for redshirt freshman Josh Holst to take charge after a respectable performance in a recent narrow defeat to Toledo.
As the matchup approaches, betting predictions highlight the statistical strength of Northern Illinois and the unpredictability of Fresno State’s recent performance. The model that simulates game outcomes offers insights indicating an over on total points scored and a favorable spread prediction that could help bettors.
This bowl game not only provides a platform for both teams to showcase their talent but also represents a significant moment of transition. With fresh starts on the horizon for both programs, fans can look forward to seeing how these teams build and improve in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, the Idaho Potato Bowl promises a competitive showdown that embodies the spirit of college football, with stories of resilience and new beginnings as both teams aim for victory to finish the season strong.