Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Wyoming vs. Kent State Preview, How To Watch, Odds
Cowboys looking to end the season on a high note
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Who is getting the fry bath?
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Kent State Golden Flashes(7-6) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (6-6)
WHEN: Tuesday, December 21, 2021, 1:30 PM MST
WHERE: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
TV: ESPN
STREAM: FuboTV — Get a seven-day free trial
RADIO: The Wyoming broadcast can be found throughout the state on the affiliates of the Cowboy Sports Network, including flagship 1240 AM (KFBC) in Cheyenne.
SERIES RECORD: This is the first all time meeting between Kent State and Wyoming.
LAST WEEK: The Cowboys lost to Air Force on the road. The Bulldogs are coming off their Bye week.
WEBSITES: GoBulldogs.com, the official Fresno State athletics website | GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website
Odds: Wyoming (-3)
O/U: 59.5
FEI Projection: Wyoming by 8.4
Bowl Season is upon us and for the second time under Craig Bohl the Wyoming Cowboys are headed to Boise to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Cowboy’s previous appearance in the Potato Bowl came in 2017, when the Cowboys were led by Josh Allen. Wyoming won that game by a score of 37-14 over Central Michigan.
This year the Cowboys face off against the Golden Flashes of Kent State. The Golden Flashes finished in first place in the MAC East Division, and lost the MAC Championship Game to Northern Illinois. The Golden Flashes are led on offense by quarterback Dustin Crum, running back Marquez Cooper, and wide receiver Dante Cephas in a very balanced offense. The Golden Flashes present a very interesting matchup for the Cowboys, and this should prove to be an exciting Bowl game.
Keys to a Wyoming Victory
Win the Battle in the Trenches
A very good indicator of who will win this game will come down one thing: who will win the battle in the trenches and control the line of scrimmage. If Wyoming can establish the run early with Valladay and Titus Swen the Cowboys will be in control of the game in a hurry. Kent State gives up an average of 194 yards per game on the ground, and an average of 4.8 yards per carry. This should play right into the Cowboys’ strengths. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys need to contain a rushing attack that averages 223 yards per game. I would keep a good eye on the Wyoming front seven and see if they are forcing the Golden Flashes to throw the ball.
Chad Muma Dominating his Last Ride
The Potato Bowl is going to be the last time we see Chad Muma don the Brown and Gold, with Steamboat on his helmet. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be playing on Sundays next year. Chad Muma has said he never for a second thought about sitting out this bowl game like many NFL Prospects would. Chad Muma needs to have a huge game in his last game for the Cowboys. I will be paying close attention to the matchup between Muma and Marquez Cooper. If Chad Muma can make life a pain for Cooper, it will go a long way to slowing down the Golden Flashes offensive Scheme.
Limit the Head Scratching Mistakes
The final key to this game for the Cowboys is to simply play a clean game. Limit turnovers and penalties. Kent State has done especially well this year in creating turnovers. Wyoming has been fairly prone to turning the ball over on offense. Levi Williams should have plenty of time to throw when he does throw, but Levi need’s to make sure to keep the ball out of harm’s way when he can help it.
Final thoughts:
This game pits strengths against strengths, and weaknesses against weaknesses. I can see this game either being a low-scoring defensive slugfest, or a high-scoring shoot-out.
Prediction:
Wyoming 37, Kent State 21
