The Fresno State Bulldogs (6-6) and Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) are set to face off in the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday afternoon, both teams eager to finish their seasons on a strong note. The Bulldogs will be seeking redemption after losing three of their final four games, the last being a narrow 20-13 defeat against UCLA. This matchup will also mark the conclusion of their season under interim coach Tim Skipper, as the team will transition to new leadership with USC associate head coach Matt Entz coming on board.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on Monday at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. As of now, Northern Illinois is favored by 2.5 points, while the over/under total stands at 41 points, reflecting a slight increase from earlier predictions.
Fresno State started the season strong, winning three of their first four games. However, their momentum faltered in the Mountain West Conference, leading to a series of losses. With starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who led the conference with 2,892 passing yards, among 14 players entering the transfer portal, the Bulldogs will see some changes at the quarterback position with Joshua Wood and Jayden Mandal sharing duties.
On the other hand, Northern Illinois has enjoyed a late-season surge, winning three of their last four games and demonstrating resilience worthy of their bowl eligibility. The Huskies also have a notable group of seniors closing out their collegiate careers, adding an emotional edge to their performance. Josh Holst, a redshirt freshman, will take over at quarterback after the previous starter, Ethan Hampton, entered the transfer portal. Holst, known for his dual-threat capability, provides an exciting dynamic for the Huskies’ offense.
As anticipation builds for the bowl game, both teams are motivated to perform well, making this matchup more than just a contest; it’s a chance for each program to set a positive tone for the upcoming seasons.
In summary, while Fresno State hopes to rectify its late-season struggles with a strong showing under interim leadership, Northern Illinois seeks to close out the season on a winning note backed by a deeply experienced senior class. This could prove to be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season for both teams, showcasing their efforts and resilience amidst transitions.