Idaho Potato Bowl Predictions: Utah State vs. Ohio Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Friday, 16 December 2011 17:13

It’s time to preview the 2011 Idaho Potato Bowl between Ohio and Utah State with a look at the odds.

The Utah State Aggies (7-5) and the Ohio Bobcats (9-4) will square off in the 2011 Idaho Potato Bowl, and our preview and predictions will try to figure this game out.  The last time these teams met up was in 1994 when Utah State won 5-0 on the road as 2-point betting favorites, and the rematch looks to be just as competitive.  The total of 59.5 at Legends Sportsbook makes it safe to say that the Idaho Potato Bowl will be a bit higher scoring than the last matchup, and the Aggies are currently favored by 1 on the point spread.

Utah State lost 4 of 5 earlier in the season after almost pulling a huge upset against Auburn, but since then they have reeled off 5 straight wins in a row heading into this December 17th game.  Ohio was a loser in 3 of 4 earlier in the year as well before hitting their stride and winning 5 straight before coming up on the losing end of a 20-23 final score against Northern Illinois last time out.  Start time of the Idaho Potato Bowl is set for 5:30 PM ET and this will be the 2nd of 3 games played that day on the ESPN channel.

Utah State’s Offense vs. Ohio’s Defense:

The Aggies average 34.5 points per game while averaging 279.8 rushing and 179.1 passing yards each time out.  Their spread option offense has really taken off lately and they are nearly impossible to stop.  The key to stopping Utah State from scoring a million points is to slow down their rushing attack, and Ohio might be capable of doing just that.  The Bobcats only allow 126.4 rushing yards a game and have shown well against some excellent running squads this season.  I don’t expect Ohio to completely shut down Utah State, but they have the defense to at least make it tough on their opponent.

Ohio’s Offense vs. Utah State’s Defense:

The Bobcats have some of the best offensive balance in college football, and they score 31.0 points per game which passing for 249.2 yards and adding in another 205.4 in the rushing department.  Quarterback Tyler Tettleton (3060 yards, 63.4%, 26 TD, 10 INT) is one of the most underrated guys in college football as far as I’m concerned, but he’s only at his best when the running game is contributing.  Utah State’s defense is another good one and is only allowing 129.8 yards on the ground per game this year, so Tettleton needs to find a way to make things happen with his arm.  The Aggies do have problems with consistency, however, and it’s tough to know what to expect.

Utah State vs. Ohio Predictions in the Idaho Potato Bowl:

Predictions in the Idaho Potato Bowl call for Ohio’s multi-faceted offense to be able to get the upper hand on Utah State.  The Aggies have been held in check by the better defenses they’ve gone up against, and it is because they lack the passing game to keep things flowing when the opposition finds out a way to give their rushing attack problems.  Ohio is capable of beating teams with both offensive facets, and that will be the key to their victory.  They might be listed as underdogs here, but I think they’ll be able to pull off the upset.

Bet on the Utah State vs. Ohio Idaho Potato Bowl at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus on top of your first deposit for using the link we provided to get signed up!

Utah State 24

Ohio 30