The Washington State Cougars (6-6) and Utah State Aggies (6-6) square off in the 2025 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, a matchup of two programs looking to end middling seasons on a high note and secure a winning record. This marks the first bowl meeting between the teams, who will become conference mates in the rebuilt Pac-12 starting in 2026. Washington State, under interim coach Jesse Bobbit following Jimmy Rogers’ departure to Iowa State, seeks its first bowl win since 2019. Utah State, led by first-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall, aims for its first bowl victory since 2021 amid a defensive turnaround. Expect a gritty, low-scoring affair on the blue turf, with both offenses missing key playmakers and defenses poised to dominate.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Home to the Boise State Broncos, this outdoor venue seats approximately 36,387 and is famous for its distinctive blue artificial turf, known as the “Smurf Turf.” Opened in 1970 and renovated multiple times, it features modern amenities like LED video boards and is situated on the Boise State University campus, offering a unique high-altitude (2,697 feet) environment that can affect play.
Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. ET (Noon MT). The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage includes the Washington State Sports Network and Utah State Aggie Sports Network.
Weather Forecast
Boise’s December weather is typically cold and variable. For December 22, 2025, expect a high of around 48°F and a low of 32°F, with partly cloudy skies and a 40-50% chance of precipitation, potentially including light rain or snow showers. Winds will be light at 5-10 mph from the northwest, with humidity around 80%. The outdoor setting and possible slick conditions could favor a run-heavy game plan and impact passing accuracy.
Injury Report
Both teams enter relatively healthy but with notable absences that could shift strategies.
Washington State Cougars Injuries:
- Keith Brown (LB): Out for the season with an undisclosed injury; a medical redshirt is expected, impacting linebacker depth and run defense. No other major injuries reported, though depth players may be monitored for the long layoff.
Utah State Aggies Injuries:
- Jalen Hadfield (CB): Out for the remainder of the 2025 season with an undisclosed injury; weakens the secondary against Washington State’s passing game.
- Caleb Ebunoha (S): Questionable with an undisclosed injury; status to be determined closer to kickoff. No additional significant injuries listed, but the team has dealt with depth issues throughout the year.
Key Player Matchups
This bowl features battles between mobile quarterbacks and opportunistic defenses, with the trenches likely deciding the outcome.
- Bryson Barnes (USU QB) vs. Washington State Defense: Barnes, an All-Mountain West second-teamer, is a dual-threat with over 2,600 passing yards, 18 TDs, and 700+ rushing yards with 9 scores. He’ll test WSU’s front seven, led by DE Isaac Terrell (7 sacks), especially without top receiver Braden Pegan.
- Zevi Eckhaus (WSU QB) vs. Utah State LB John Miller: Eckhaus brings mobility with 8 rushing TDs but modest passing efficiency (6.7 yards/attempt). Miller, with 109 tackles, anchors USU’s improved defense under Mendenhall and could disrupt WSU’s ground game.
- Utah State RB Miles Davis and WR Brady Boyd vs. Washington State Secondary: Davis provides balance in the run game, while Boyd (7 TDs) is a red-zone threat. They’ll face WSU CB Noah Avinger (3 INTs), who could force turnovers.
- Washington State WRs Joshua Meredith and Tony Freeman vs. Utah State Pass Rush: Meredith and Freeman lead WSU in receptions/yards; they’ll exploit USU’s right tackle vacancy (Trey Andersen inactive), potentially creating big plays if the Aggies’ pressure falters.
Team Records
- Washington State Cougars: 6-6 overall (Independent/Pac-12 affiliate), ranked 71st nationally.
- Utah State Aggies: 6-6 overall (4-4 Mountain West), ranked 72nd nationally.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams limped to bowl eligibility but showed flashes late.
Washington State Cougars (Last 5 Games): Went 3-2, averaging 25.4 points scored and 15.6 allowed. Form: W-L-W-L-W. Highlight: A 32-8 rout of Oregon State on November 29 to clinch eligibility.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Nov 29 | vs. Oregon State | W 32-8 |
| Nov 22 | @ Opponent | L |
| Nov 15 | vs. Opponent | W |
| Nov 8 | @ Opponent | L |
| Nov 1 | vs. Opponent | W |
Utah State Aggies (Last 5 Games): Went 2-3, averaging 29.8 points scored and 29.2 allowed. Form: L-W-L-W-L. Highlight: A 28-17 win over Fresno State to become bowl-eligible.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Nov 29 | @ Boise State | L 24-25 |
| Nov 22 | vs. Fresno State | W 28-17 |
| Nov 15 | @ UNLV | L |
| Nov 8 | vs. Nevada | W 51-14 |
| Nov 1 | @ New Mexico | L 33-14 |
Conference vs Conference
This pits an Independent/Pac-12 affiliate (Washington State) against the Mountain West Conference (Utah State). Historically, Pac-12 teams hold a 15-10 edge over MWC in bowl games since 2010, but MWC squads are 4-2 in the last six such matchups. With both teams transitioning to the Pac-12 in 2026, this serves as a preview of future rivalry dynamics.
Series History
Washington State leads the all-time series 3-2 since 1949, with a +10 goal differential overall. The Cougars have won three of the last four, including a 49-28 victory in 2024. Utah State’s largest win was 34-14 in 1961. At neutral sites like Boise, the series is even at 1-1. Recent games average 52.5 combined points, trending over.
Betting Trends
- Washington State is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games but 5-7 ATS overall this season.
- Utah State is 4-2 ATS as favorites and 3-2 ATS at neutral sites.
- The over has hit in 4 of Washington State’s last 6 games and 19 of Utah State’s 37 contests this year.
- Teams are 5-8 ATS in the Potato Bowl historically when favored by less than 3 points.
Historical Betting Results
In the last five Potato Bowls, favorites are 3-2 SU and ATS, with overs hitting in three. Washington State is 2-3 ATS in bowls since 2015, while Utah State is 1-4 SU/ATS in its last five bowls. Series games have gone over in three of five, averaging 52 points.
Game Odds
Washington State Cougars 49.5
Utah State Aggies – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
