Kent State, Wyoming Accept Invitations to Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
December 5, 2021
For Immediate Release
Kent State, Wyoming Accept Invitations to Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Kickoff set for Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 1:30 p.m. MT
BOISE, Idaho – The 25th Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will feature Kent State from the Mid-American Conference and Wyoming of the Mountain West Conference. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will be played Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Albertsons Stadium on the campus of Boise State University. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. MT, on ESPN.
Kent State and Wyoming have never met on the gridiron. Kent State is making its Famous Idaho Potato Bowl debut, while Wyoming has played in the game once before. The Cowboys won the 2017 edition, 37-14, against Central Michigan.
“We are very excited for another outstanding matchup at this year’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and we are thrilled to put on a great event in front of fans once again,” said Kevin McDonald, executive director of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. “We really enjoyed hosting coach Bohl and Wyoming in 2017 and can’t wait to have the Cowboys and their fans back this year. Welcoming a team for the first time is always a unique experience and we look forward to showing Kent State and their supporters the very best of Boise.”
Kent State (7-6) is fresh off an appearance in the MAC Championship Game thanks to a 6-2 record in league play. A dramatic overtime victory against Miami in the regular-season finale clinched a berth in the title game and the 12th seven-win season in school history, including the second in the last three years under fourth-year head coach Sean Lewis.
The Golden Flashes are led by quarterback Dustin Crum, who became just the second player in program history to earn MAC Player of the Year honors. Crum has thrown for 2,922 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for 633 yards and 11 more scores. Kent State also features the top rushing attack in the MAC and ranks fourth nationally with 243.2 yards per game on the ground.
Kent State is making its fifth all-time bowl appearance. The Golden Flashes earned the first bowl win in program history at the 2019 Tropical Smoothing Cafe Frisco Bowl, beating Utah State 51-41.
Wyoming opened the 2021 campaign 4-0 before winning two of its final four games to finish 6-6 and gain bowl eligibility. The Cowboys made their mark all year with passing defense and rushing offense. The defense, led by first-team All-Mountain West linebacker Chad Muma, ranks first in the league and seventh nationally, allowing 177.5 passing yards per game. The Cowboys average 195.1 rushing yards per game, led by three-time All-MW running back Xazavian Valladay.
Wyoming is playing in a bowl game for the fourth time in the last six years. The Cowboys have won their last two trips to a bowl game. Wyoming owns an 8-8 all-time bowl record, making four of the 16 appearances in head coach Criag Bohl’s eight seasons at the helm.
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is one of 17 college football bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events. Tickets are on sale now through famousidahopotatobowl.com or the Boise State Athletics Ticket Office. Reservations for premium ticket packages are currently available, which include prime ticket locations, hospitality benefits in tent village and corporate exposure. For more package information contact the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl office at (208) 424-1011.
Per Boise State University policy, facial coverings must be worn in crowded outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. This includes in the line to enter the stadium, the stadium concourse and in the stands. Facial coverings must cover your nose and mouth.
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl proceeds provide tickets and/or contributions to Idaho Charities that include the United Way, Optimist Youth Football, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boise School District, Treasure Valley YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Girls Scouts and Armed Forces personnel.
ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 35 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes five early-season college football games, 17 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.