Utah State accepts bid to play in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

LOGAN — It is official, Utah State will be going bowling.

The Aggies have accepted an invitation to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl which will be played at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, Dec. 17.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our program," USU head coach Gary Anderesen said in accepting the school's first bowl-game invitation in 14 years. "It is a fantastic reward for all of the hard work and dedication that these kids have put in, from all the offseason workouts, to watching film to the practice field. I am so happy for them.

"Building a football program is a community event and this is a great day for Aggies young and old," Andersen said. "We are excited to represent Utah State University, Logan, Utah and Cache Valley at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. I'm sure we will have a great crowd travel to Boise and Bronco Stadium will be decked with Aggie blue."

The Aggies' opponent will be a team from the Mid-American Conference and will likely not be decided until after Friday's MAC Championship game.

Likely choices include Northern Illinois, Ohio or Toledo.

"It is a great day to be an Aggie," USU Athletic Director Scott Barnes said. "Coach Andersen, his staff and student-athletes have continued to believe and I'm delighted that they have been rewarded for their efforts.

"Gary has built a strong foundation for our program that will only continue to improve. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is a great next step in the process."

The Boise game will be the second game of the bowl calendar, kicking off at 3:30 MST, and will be the only game in its time slot. For fans not in attendance, the game will be televised nationally on ESPN and will also be broadcast on ESPN Radio.

Utah State's last bowl appearance was also in Boise in the 1997 Humanitarian Bowl against Cincinnati. The Aggies are 1-5 all-time in bowls, with their sole victory coming in a 42-33 triumph in the 1993 Las Vegas Bowl over Ball State.

"Utah State is an ideal team for us to host at the Bowl," said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. "The school is in close proximity to Idaho's potato region; their fans and students are passionate and willing to travel, and the team is well-coached and plays with intensity — qualities that local fans are accustomed to."

Utah State will conclude its regular season, looking for their its straight victory, on Saturday at New Mexico State. The Aggies have not won five straight games or had a seven-win season since winning the Las Vegas Bowl in 1993. Utah State has not had a seven-win regular season since going 7-3-1 in 1979.

Aggie fans can contact the USU Ticket Office at 1-888-USTATE-1 for more information.

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL

Utah State vs. Mid-American Conference No. 3 (TBD)

3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17

Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho

TV: ESPN Radio: ESPN Radio

NOTE: Utah State is 6-5 overall, 4-2 in WAC entering Saturday's regular-season finale at New Mexico State