As the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl approaches, both the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Fresno State Bulldogs find themselves in a challenging phase, marked by several starters entering the transfer portal. This situation raises the stakes for both teams as they prepare to face off on the blue turf.
The matchup has garnered attention, particularly due to the fluctuating betting lines which have seen Fresno State open as slight favorites at -1.5, while Northern Illinois initially held a -2.5 position. This volatility reflects the uncertainty surrounding the teams, especially with both starting quarterbacks unlikely to participate in the game. Without them, analysts predict a low-scoring contest, with the over/under set at 41 points.
Fresno State, under new head coach Matt Entz—who will not coach in this game—holds a slight edge in winning probability at 52.8%. They are coming off a rough ending to the regular season, having lost three out of their last four games. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois carries a 47.2% chance of winning, marking them as the underdog.
The critical factor in this game will be the quarterback situation for both teams. Fresno State’s Mikey Keene is sitting out, leaving a gap in their offensive strategy. Northern Illinois will turn to freshman Josh Holst, although his experience is limited and hasn’t shown impressive stats so far. However, he does offer a mobile option that could be valuable in a run-heavy scheme, especially against Fresno’s struggling ground game.
Expect an emphasis on the ground game by Fresno State, which may utilize Joshua Wood at quarterback to exploit Northern Illinois’ defensive strength against passing. Although Fresno has lost key defensive players, their depth may hold up better over the course of the game.
While the matchup appears to lean toward Fresno State, the game might not be aesthetically pleasing, reflecting a struggle for both teams. However, this contest represents an opportunity for the teams to build resilience and adapt under pressure, a crucial skill moving forward in their seasons.
As for a prediction, it’s expected to be a tightly contested bout with Fresno State edging out Northern Illinois by a score of 21-13. This game will serve as a testing ground for both squads amidst their transitional periods, and it is indeed a chance for players to showcase their capabilities despite the uncertainties.
In conclusion, regardless of the outcome, this bowl game stands as a pivotal moment for many athletes to shine and for the program’s future direction, adding an intriguing layer of motivation to this upcoming clash on the blue turf.