The Fresno State Bulldogs, with a record of 6-6, are set to face off against the Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) in the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl, scheduled for Monday afternoon. This matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to conclude their seasons on a positive note. Fresno State comes into this game after a challenging stretch, having lost three of their last four contests, including a close 20-13 defeat against UCLA in their final game. This bowl game will also be the last under interim coach Tim Skipper, as the Bulldogs prepare for a new chapter with incoming head coach Matt Entz from USC.
Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. ET, taking place at Albertsons Stadium, where Northern Illinois is favored by 2.5 points, according to the latest betting odds. The over/under for the game has been set at 41 points, up from its opening line.
Fresno State started the season strong, winning three of their first four games, but struggled in the Mountain West, ultimately leading to their challenging end. The team has now seen 14 players enter the transfer portal, including standout quarterback Mikey Keene, who led the Mountain West with 2,892 passing yards. In his absence, co-starters Joshua Wood and freshman Jayden Mandal are expected to lead the offense.
On the other hand, Northern Illinois has been on a positive trajectory, winning three of their last four games after a rocky start to the season. The Huskies have a noteworthy 30 seniors participating in this game, many of whom contributed to a significant upset against Notre Dame earlier in the season. With quarterback Ethan Hampton also entering the transfer portal, redshirt freshman Josh Holst is set to take the helm, showcasing dual-threat capabilities in his previous performance.
As both teams gear up for the showdown, analysts and models alike are predicting an engaging game, with projections suggesting a total point count exceeding the established over/under.
In summary, the match will not only mark the conclusion of the season for both the Bulldogs and the Huskies but also serve as a pivotal moment for the teams as they usher in new coaching changes and navigate the impact of transferring players. This bowl game clearly illustrates how college football can be a launching pad for players’ careers and offers fans an exciting finish to the season.
Regardless of the outcome, both teams can take pride in their progression and focus on the promising future ahead, making this bowl game a fitting end to the year.