What Is 2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Overview

The 2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was the 18th edition of the college football bowl game held annually in Boise, Idaho. It featured the Bowling Green State University Falcons from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the University of Idaho Vandals from the Sun Belt Conference.

This matchup was notable for its offensive fireworks and dramatic momentum swings. The game served as the final contest of the 2014 college football season for both teams and highlighted the growing national profile of non-Power Five programs.

• Bowling Green: Entered the game with an 8–4 record and was led by head coach Dino Babers, who emphasized a fast-paced, high-octane offense.
• Idaho: Finished the regular season 8–4 and was in its final year as a Sun Belt member before returning to the FCS level in 2018.
• Location: The game was played at Albertsons Stadium, home of Boise State University, with a capacity of over 32,000 spectators.
• Attendance: A total of 23,513 fans attended the game, reflecting strong regional interest and promotional support from the Idaho Potato Commission.
• Television: Broadcast nationally on ESPN, reaching millions of viewers and contributing to the bowl’s growing visibility.

How It Works

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl operates as a postseason college football game sanctioned by the NCAA, featuring teams from various FBS conferences. Selections are based on conference tie-ins, win-loss records, and geographic appeal.

• Eligibility:Teams must have at least six wins to qualify for bowl consideration; both Bowling Green and Idaho met this threshold in 2014.
• Conference Tie-Ins:The MAC and Sun Belt held agreements to send representatives, ensuring consistent matchups between these mid-major conferences.
• Bowl Selection Process:The NCAA ranks eligible teams and assigns them to available bowls based on contracts and availability.
• Game Day Operations:Organized by the Idaho Potato Commission, the event includes fan festivals, potato-themed giveaways, and community outreach.
• Player Compensation:Each participant received a gift bag including Idaho-grown potatoes and branded merchandise, in lieu of monetary payment.
• Duration:The game lasted approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes, with four quarters of 15 minutes each and standard NCAA stoppages.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison between the two teams during the 2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:

The table illustrates Bowling Green’s dominance through the air, led by quarterback Matt Johnson, who completed 39 of 56 passes. Idaho relied more on balanced offense but struggled with consistency on third downs and committed two critical turnovers. Despite outperforming expectations, Idaho fell short due to defensive lapses in the fourth quarter.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl had lasting implications for both programs and the broader landscape of mid-major college football. It showcased the competitive parity between non-Power Five teams and highlighted the importance of bowl games in team development and recruiting.

• Program Exposure:Both schools gained national TV exposure, enhancing recruiting efforts and alumni engagement.
• Coaching Momentum:Dino Babers’ success in the game elevated his national profile, leading to future Power Five coaching opportunities.
• Player Development:Several players improved draft stock, including Bowling Green’s Matt Johnson and Idaho’s DeMaundray Woolridge.
• Bowl Game Economics:The event generated over $1 million in local economic impact for the Boise metropolitan area.
• Brand Identity:The Idaho Potato Commission reinforced its quirky, agricultural branding through creative in-game promotions.
• Historical Context:This was Idaho’s final FBS bowl appearance before dropping to the FCS level in 2018.

The game remains a memorable chapter in both programs’ histories and exemplifies how smaller-conference teams can compete on a national stage with energy, innovation, and regional pride.