The Northern Illinois University Huskies are headed to Boise, Idaho. Specifically, to play on the blue turf of Boise State’s Albertson Stadium. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will have NIU take on Fresno State of the Mountain West Conference on Monday, December 23, 2024. NIU closed out the College Football Betting regular season 7-5 overall. Now they make its 13th bowl appearance in the last 17 seasons, its 16th as a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team, and play in a bowl for the 21st time in school history. Overall, Fresno State finished 6-6.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
| Date and Time: | Monday, December 23, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Illinois | -3 -115 | 40½ -105 | -150 |  |
| Fresno State | +3 -105 | 40½ -115 | +129 | |
| ||||
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Overview
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was established in 1997 and has always been played at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Darren Grainger threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns and ran for two more. At the same time, Freddie Brock rushed for a school-record 276 yards and a score. Hence, Georgia State rolled past Utah State 45-22 in the 2023 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Previously, Georgia State had lost five of six entering the game. Yet it scored 31 straight points to break it open. The Panthers were missing six starters, and coach Shawn Elliott wasn’t sure what to expect. By contrast, Utah State fell apart after rolling up 161 yards of offense in the first quarter. The Aggies tallied just 186 yards in the final three periods.
Grainger, a senior who transferred from Furman in 2021, was 19-of-22 passing and rushed for 111 yards. Also, he accounted for 368 yards of total offense to earn MVP honors.
Meanwhile, Brock assumed the starting role at running back after leading rusher Marcus Carroll transferred to Missouri. He ripped off runs of 31, 43, 58, and 60 yards. He broke the previous school record of 242 yards set by Trae Barnett against Troy on Oct. 26, 2019. Namely, Cadarrius Thompson hauled in five passes for 117 yards and two TDs for Georgia State.
Northern Illinois Huskies Team Overview
Last game, the Northern Illinois Huskies won 24-16 against the Central Michigan Chippewas as 13.5-point home favorites. The game went under the online betting total of 40.5. NIU has a record of 7-5 straight up, 5-6-1 against the spread, and 5-6-1 over/under the total. NIU ranks 69th for total offense, 118th for passing, 16th for rushing, and 96th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 5th overall, 7th against the pass, 20th against the rush, and 15th for points allowed. Also, Northern Illinois ranks 61st for fewest turnovers lost and 101st for takeaways.
Fresno State Bulldogs Team Overview
Last game, the Fresno State Bulldogs lost 20-13 against the UCLA Bruins as 7.5-point road dogs. The game went under the College Football Betting total of 46.5. Fresno State has a record of 6-6 straight up, 6-5-1 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under the total. Fresno State ranks 105th for total offense, 46th for passing, 123rd for rushing, and 78th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 54th overall, 64th against the pass, 50th against the rush, and 67th for points allowed. Also, Fresno State ranks 60th for fewest turnovers lost and 23rd for takeaways.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Fresno State has the better roster and body of work.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl SBG Best Bet: Fresno State Bulldogs.