2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl & Hawai’i Bowl Game Keys

Northern Illinois – Fresno State

Monday, December 23
11:30 PT, ESPN

Liner: Northern Illinois -3
Total Over/Under Score: 40.5

IIn September, Northern Illinois looked like it might make the MAC playoff berth after shocking Notre Dame in South Bend.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, this performance was followed by consecutive losses and a 7-5 season. Now, NIU faces Fresno State of the Western Mountains, a member of their future conference.

However, the Bulldogs will not be conference opponents as they are headed to the Pac-12. Unfortunately, that’s the current college football landscape.

Fresno State is also coming off an up-and-down 6-6 season and ushering in the Matt Entz era. This game could be a good stepping stone for both of these programs.

If Northern Illinois wins:Telly Johnson may continue to rise. Johnson took over the starting RB role after Antario Brown was injured and Johnson averaged 94 yards per game in his four starts.

Johnson should perform well as the Huskies QB and WR1 in the portal.

If Fresno State wins…Joshua Wood can move offensively the same way Mikey Keene does. With Keene in the portal, Sophomore Wood and his five pass attempts this season take control of the Air Raid offense.

If Wood can step up, the Bulldogs will be in good shape. And they might have a good idea of ​​what’s in store for us in 2025.

My point of view: Both defenses need to limit explosive plays, and both offenses are without some key players. This continues to be underrated, and despite a very low overall score of 40.5, I like the bottom of this one.

—My picks—
Against spread: Fresno State
Total score: Under
Outright winner: Fresno State

South Florida vs San Jose State

Tuesday, December 24
5 p.m. PT, ESPN

Liner: San Jose State -4.5
Total Over/Under Score: 61.5

B.Other teams are coming into this one hot.

The Bulls fell behind 4-2 to earn the right to bowl. The Spartans are 13-6 in their last 19 games and have won seven in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 1982.

It’s the first time in the last six years that South Florida has bowled in consecutive seasons.

If South Florida wins…The Bulls can limit explosive plays. San Jose State ranks 15th nationally with 70 rushing plays of 20-plus yards. USF has allowed 66 such plays this season, 12th-most nationally. If they can avoid big plays, they might have a chance.

If San Jose State wins…They stay on the good side of the turnover battle. SJSU was +6 in seven wins this season and -6 in terms of turnover in its five losses.

My point of view: South Florida has a bad defense and San Jose State should be able to take advantage of the Bulls’ deficiencies on that side of the ball. I like the Spartans to win easily and get 4.5 points.

A total of 61.5 points is a tough number. That’s a big number as USF has struggled defensively, and the Spartans have hit the low-ball mark in five of their last seven games.

—My picks—
Against spread: San Jose State
Total score: Under
Outright winner: San Jose State