The college football bowl season resumes after the weekend with this Monday matinee on the blue turf. The game will serve as a preview of the new-look Pac-12 set to debut next season.
Utah State and Washington State will become regular opponents in the future, but as for the present, both teams come in with 6-6 marks and hope to finish with a winning record. The Cougars find themselves amid a coaching transition once again with Jimmy Rogers bound for Iowa State, while veteran mentor Bronco Mendenhall wraps up his first season at with the Aggies.
Here’s a look at the matchup in the northwest.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State vs. Washington State
Time/TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN in Boise, Idaho.
Why watch: These soon-to-be league foes have a brief history. The Cougars took three of their five prior encounters, most recently a 49-28 decision in 2024. Washington State will be coached here by defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit serving as interim coach, with Missouri offensive coordinator Kirby Moore slated to take over next season. Utah State is led by QB Bryson Barnes, whose primary targets are WRs Braden Pegan and Brady Boyd. His primary pursuer will be Cougars DE Isaac Terrell. Wazzu QB Zevi Eckhaus also has plenty of experience and isn’t afraid to take off, though his receiving corps isn’t as deep. Aggies LB John Miller and DB Brevin Hamblin usually end up at the point of attack.
Why it could disappoint: Close contests have been the exception rather than the norm so far this bowl season, but hopefully this afternoon tilt will provide entertainment.