The Fresno State Bulldogs and the Northern Illinois Huskies are set to conclude their seasons with an exciting matchup in the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday afternoon. The Bulldogs, who hold a record of 6-6, enter the game after losing three of their last four contests, including a narrow defeat against UCLA. This game will be significant for Fresno State as it marks the final appearance for interim coach Tim Skipper before Matt Entz, currently the associate head coach at USC, takes over the program.
On the other hand, the Northern Illinois Huskies, boasting a 7-5 record, have shown resilience as they bounced back to earn bowl eligibility after a rocky start. They won three of their last four games, demonstrating a strong finish to the regular season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET at Albertsons Stadium, with Northern Illinois favored by 2.5 points. The total points over/under has been set at 41.
Notably, Fresno State will be missing starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who led the Mountain West in passing yards, as he is among the 14 players who have entered the transfer portal. This situation opens an opportunity for co-starters Joshua Wood and Jayden Mandal to step into the spotlight.
On the other side, Northern Illinois has a unique story with 30 seniors playing in their final game, including a memorable upset victory earlier this season against Notre Dame. Quarterback Ethan Hampton has also entered the transfer portal, leading to redshirt freshman Josh Holst stepping in as the starting quarterback.
Both teams have their fair share of challenges, but the game promises an exciting conclusion to their respective seasons. Fans can anticipate a competitive atmosphere as each team seeks victory and looks to build momentum for the future.
In summary, this matchup not only serves as an ending but also as a new beginning for both programs, highlighting the resilience of college football teams facing transitions. With a mix of youthful potential and veteran experience, viewers can look forward to a thrilling contest.