Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Spooky Express Bowling for Dollars

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FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL

 

WESTERN MICHIGAN vs AIR FORCE

Saturday, Dec. 20, 5:45 p.m. ET

ESPN

 

Some great bowl games are filling up the opening day of bowl action, and this is just one of the many. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl features two intriguing teams in the Western Michigan Broncos, against the Air Force Falcons. This will be an early-evening kickoff, as it's set for Saturday, December 20th at 5:45pm EST, and will be aired on ESPN. Interestingly, both the Broncos and the Falcons had similar runs to finish out the year, and that'll likely be the talking point heading into this game. Let's take a look at the breakdown of these two teams and give a prediction and pick.

 

Western Michigan Led By Freshman Franklin

 

Western Michigan finished the year up with an 8-4 record, while going 6-2 in the MAC. They had an up and down start to the year, going 2-3 over their first five, but finished the year up on a hot note, winning six in a row at one point, and six of their final seven. Their lone loss came against a Northern Illinois team who finished 11-2 in the final game of the year, 31-21. What many are saying about this Broncos team is obvious, as they made an amazing turnaround from last year, when they were 1-11. The key to the turnaround? Well, many things factored in, but freshman running back Jarvion Franklin has to be considered as a large reason for it. He was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, rushing fomr 1,525 yards, and scoring 24 touchdowns.

 

Air Force Attacks on the Ground

 

Now for that talented Air Force team. They had a hot finish to their year as well, winning four in a row and five of their last six games. Not only that, but this team defeated both Nevada and Colorado State down the home stretch, making their finish even more impressive. The Broncos weren't the only team to turn things around from a tough 2013, as the Falcons finished 2-10 last year, making a complete 180 themselves. Air Force has gotten it done in many ways offensively, but running back Jacobi Owens has rushed for 1,054 yards, and quarterback Kale Pearson has also tacked on 646 yards on the ground as well. Pearson has passed for 14 touchdowns as well, showing that he's a truly talented dual-threat option.

 

The Broncos are getting some love in this game, and it's for good reason. Both teams have strong running games and have done well on the defensive side of the ball. I think the difference comes down to Western Michigan's ability to air it out consistently, as quarterback Zach Terrell has thrown for 3,146 yards and 23 touchdowns on the year. Western Michigan gets it done and wins this game by more than a touchdown!

 

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS

 

Check back closer to game day for any changes to the spread and/or prediction here and at the Spooky Express