Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Preview: Toledo vs. Utah State

Toledo vs. Utah State: Preview and Result

If it weren’t for a couple of missed field goals, the Utah State Aggies may have finished the regular season unbeaten. Thanks in part to two kicks, they finished 10-2 and will play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl for the second straight season. This time around, they’re hoping for a better result. Last year Utah State led by as many as 13 points before collapsing in a 24-23 loss on a touchdown with just 13 seconds remaining in regulation. Toledo ranked 44th in passing and 37th in rushing this season while averaging almost 33 points per game.

Keeton Ready for the Spotlight

In last year’s bowl game, Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton finished with just one rush for 10 yards and had no passing attempts. The Aggies went with Adam Kennedy for the majority of those snaps, but it will be Keeton’s turn Saturday. Keeton completed better than 67 percent of his passes this year for more than 3000 yards with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 539 rushing yards and seven more majors, helping Utah State average 34.4 points per game. “It all starts really with the quarterback, and if you have a quarterback like Chuckie — he’ll beat you with his arm, he’ll beat you with his mind, he’ll beat you with his legs — you’re always going to have a chance,” Utah State coach Gary Andersen told reporters. “He’s extremely intelligent, he’s growing up every game.”

Toledo’s Injury Concerns

The good news for Toledo supporters is that both running back David Fluellen (ankle) and quarterback Terrance Owens (foot) practiced this week after the two juniors missed the team’s final regular season game. “It was good to have them both out,” coach Matt Campbell told reporters Tuesday. “Both of those guys did a great job today, so it looks like they’ll be able to go. We’ll continue to monitor them throughout the week and see where they are stamina-wise.” Owens passed for 14 touchdowns with eight interceptions and also ran for five more scores. He’s expected to take most of the snaps with Austin Dantin likely getting in the game for at least a few plays. Fluellen averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored 13 rushing touchdowns, but will have his work cut out for him. Utah State allows just 111.4 yards per game on the ground, good for 13th in the country.

Prediction

Utah State will atone for last year’s loss on Saturday. The Aggies’ defence should be able to contain Toledo while Keeton moves the chains. The Rockets may keep it close until halftime, but it will be a different story after that. Final score prediction: Utah State 33, Toledo 21.