The Fresno State Bulldogs (6-6) will face off against the Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) in the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday afternoon, both teams looking to wrap up their seasons on a positive note. The Bulldogs enter the game after suffering three losses in their last four matches, including a narrow defeat at UCLA. This game marks the final one for Fresno under interim coach Tim Skipper, as the program transitions to Matt Entz, associate head coach at USC, who will take over next season.
In contrast, Northern Illinois finished strong, securing victory in three of their last four outings and achieving bowl eligibility after a shaky start with a 4-4 record.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET at Albertsons Stadium, where Northern Illinois is favored by 2.5 points, with an over/under total of 41 points. With this being the postseason, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how each team will respond.
Fresno State started the season well, but their performance waned during conference play. The Bulldogs are set to enter a new phase, joining the Pac-12 next year, which brings excitement and fresh challenges. Starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who led the Mountain West in passing yards this season, will not be playing due to transferring, leaving co-starters Joshua Wood and Jayden Mandal to share the responsibilities.
Northern Illinois is riding high with a historic roster of 30 seniors competing in this game, many of whom contributed to a notable upset over Notre Dame earlier in the season. Their quarterback, Ethan Hampton, has entered the transfer portal, leading to redshirt freshman Josh Holst taking the helm. He has shown potential as a dual-threat quarterback, making him a player to watch.
As the game approaches, predictions from various models suggest a competitive matchup with some expecting a total of 51 points, indicating an exciting contest ahead.
In summary, both teams are preparing for a significant game that not only concludes their seasons but also sets the stage for changes and opportunities in the upcoming year. While the outcome is uncertain, fans can look forward to an intense battle on the field as these teams strive for victory in the Idaho Potato Bowl.